Energy, Environment and Federal Lands

Utah’s energy and environmental future is perpetually connected to federal land management agencies and their policies.  The federal government owns 69% of the land within the state of Utah.  These 37 million acres are primarily managed by three federal agencies – the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and the National Park Service.  The lands managed by these agencies have the potential to generate economic activity in the form of energy and mineral development, agricultural use, recreation, and tourism.

Federal decisions must be guided by logic and commonsense.  Federal policies that restrict access, limit uses, or delay progress harm local economic activity, job creation, and public education.  Misguided decisions are generally made because Washington DC bureaucrats often wield more power than those on the ground.  Local and state leaders should not be trumped by out-of-state officials. 

Federal decisions guided by logic and local support can positively impact public lands states.  In FY2010, BLM lands contributed $112 billion in economic activity to the national economy.  The multiple-use nature of BLM lands is largely responsible for this contribution.  BLM lands provided $814 million worth of timber-related economic activity in 2010; $540 million in grazing-related benefits; recreational visits generated $7.4 billion in economic activity; and amazingly, BLM lands generated $40 billion worth of energy and mineral activity.

Federal policies should be enacted that allow for the continued development of energy resources while also preserving lands worthy of protection.  Achieving these two goals is not mutually exclusive.  Through collaboration and open communication, public lands in Utah can be accessed and enjoyed by all.