SUWA Sues Governor Cox Over Utah’s Unlawful Land Grab Litigation
In case you missed the news, last week SUWA filed a lawsuit against Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Attorney General Sean Reyes over the State of Utah’s unlawful land grab litigation brought before the United States Supreme Court.
Filed in Utah’s Third District Court (state court), SUWA v. Cox alleges that the governor and attorney general violated the Utah Constitution’s provision that the “people inhabiting this State do affirm and declare that they forever disclaim all right and title to the unappropriated public lands lying within [its] boundaries.” This language was a condition of statehood and is found in both Utah’s Constitution and the Utah Enabling Act, which led to Utah’s entry into the Union.
“SUWA’s lawsuit seeks to stop Gov. Cox and Attorney General Reyes from violating the State Constitution and dismantling a core part of Utah’s identity: public lands,” said SUWA Legal Director Steve Bloch. “Not only is Utah’s lawsuit illegal, it asks the US Supreme Court to order the United States to begin the sell-off or ‘disposal’ of millions of acres of public lands, including into private ownership. These are places Utahns and Americans hike, hunt, sightsee, and recreate. Utah’s lawsuit would take all of that away.”
>> Read our full press release and recent coverage by the Salt Lake Tribune
Photo © SUWA
Good News: Decades-Long Highway Fight Ends with Victory for Red Cliffs NCA!
Also last week, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signed a Record of Decision to deny a right-of-way for the four-lane Northern Corridor Highway through Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (NCA) near Zion National Park in southwestern Utah. This victory is the result of a decades-long fight led by local residents, conservation organizations, and outdoor recreationists to keep the highway out of the NCA.
The decision confirms the federal agencies’ rejection of the controversial project, which would have torn through critical habitat for the imperiled Mojave desert tortoise, violated five bedrock environmental laws, damaged iconic scenic vistas, disrupted treasured outdoor recreation opportunities, and set a dangerous precedent for developing federally protected conservation areas across the U.S.
While this is a significant win for public lands protection nationwide, it does not change the fact that world-class recreation and critical species habitat within the Greater Moe’s Valley Area—a treasured area south of the NCA—remains at risk of development. Roughly half of the lands within the Greater Moe’s Valley Area are managed by the Utah Trust Lands Administration and lack long-term conservation protections.
>> Read our full press release
Photo courtesy of Conserve Southwest Utah
Save the Date for a Public Lands Rally at the Utah Capitol on January 11!
It’s a scary time for public lands in Utah—they’re under attack from the Utah State Legislature and Governor Cox, as well as elected officials at the federal level. But SUWA has never backed down from a hard fight, and we’re not about to start now.
Please join us at this critical moment for a public lands rally at noon on January 11th, 2025 at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City. Your presence will help demonstrate unwavering local support for protected public lands and wild places across Utah, especially Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. Registration is not required, but if you plan to come, please RSVP here or on Facebook. We’ll share additional details in the coming weeks, including a list of speakers and what to expect day-of. Stay tuned!
If you live outside the area or can’t attend, you can watch the livestream or join our virtual art build on Wednesday, January 8th at 6 pm MST. Connect with fellow activists and show support for the rally by creating powerful signs advocating for public land protection. No art skills necessary! Just bring your passion, art supplies, and your favorite cozy drink for a night of community and creation. We’ll have some ideas for how to share your creations online and in your local community. Please RSVP here.
Last Call for Executive Director Applications (Due Jan. 8)
The application deadline for those interested in serving as SUWA’s next executive director is fast approaching on Wednesday, January 8th. This is a high-profile position, requiring a dynamic and persuasive individual who will motivate and mobilize both internal and external audiences to support SUWA’s work.
We’re looking for a candidate with progressive leadership and management experience (ideally gained while working at an environmental advocacy organization) and an unwavering passion for SUWA’s mission of protecting America’s redrock wilderness.
More details can be found on our website at suwa.org/careers. Please share with anyone you know who may be interested!
Winter Stew: Gathering to Celebrate a Decade of Hands-On Stewardship
For 10 years, SUWA’s Stewardship Program has transformed legal and policy victories into real, on-the-ground success stories, protecting Utah’s redrock wilderness in tangible and impactful ways. Now it’s time to celebrate this milestone with “Winter Stew”—a warming evening of camaraderie for those who’ve helped make it all possible and those ready to join the effort!
If you’re a SUWA member, please join us for this Winter Stew gathering on Thursday, January 30th at Publik Space in Salt Lake City as we kick off our 10th season of stewardship. If you’re not yet a member, you can join today and be part of this special evening and our ongoing work to Protect Wild Utah.
For those who don’t live locally or can’t attend, you can still help us celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary by joining a stewardship project in 2025. The project schedule goes live on February 1st!
>> Learn more about Winter Stew and RSVP
Don’t Forget: Merch Bundles Are Only Available in Our Online Store Through Dec. 31!
Celebrate your love for the redrock with something truly special. We’re offering two exclusive new merch bundles in our online store, available while supplies last (or until December 31st). Choose from our Mill Creek Bundle ($70) or Westwater Bundle ($100), each packed with handpicked items inspired by Utah’s redrock wilderness at a $41-$50 dollar savings.
While you’re at it, don’t miss our brand new logo hats available in lightweight nylon and durable canvas (also included in our bundles). At just $35 each, they’re a perfect wardrobe addition for anyone who wants to show their love for Utah wilderness. Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for a thoughtful gift, remember that these deals won’t last long. Please note: orders will not arrive in time for the holidays.
>> Click here to shop now
