Comment Deadline Approaching: Speak Up for the San Rafael Swell by July 22nd!
The deadline for submitting comments on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) draft travel plan for the San Rafael Swell is fast approaching on Monday, July 22nd.
The Swell’s soaring redrock cliffs, sinuous canyons, and prominent buttes provide endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and relaxing with family and friends. But the BLM is under extraordinary pressure to expand damaging off-road vehicle (ORV) routes across the Swell. Some proposals under consideration would significantly expand the number and mileage of ORV routes in the area, making it nearly impossible to escape the sight and sound of vehicles.
If you haven’t already done so, please click here to Speak up for the Swell today!
Interested in learning more about the Swell? Review our online story map. We also encourage you to read our recent Salt Lake Tribune opinion piece, We all love Utah’s public lands, but let’s be honest about motorized use:
“Here’s what we have in common with Governor Cox, Director Johnson and frankly most Utahns: We all feel fortunate to call this place home. In particular, Utah’s red rock wilderness is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and it’s no surprise people want to visit and experience it. With a little foresight and planning, the BLM’s new travel plans are going to ensure that there is room for people to do so now and for years to come.”
—SUWA Legal Director Steve Bloch and Staff Attorney Laura Peterson
Take Action: Defend Utah’s Public Lands from Senator Lee’s Attacks!
For decades, Utah politicians have been out of touch with everyday Utahns when it comes to protecting the redrock wilderness—and current Senator Mike Lee is no exception. He’s unleashed a new series of bills attacking the redrock and other protected public lands, and we need to push back.
Senator Lee’s legislative assault includes amending the Wilderness Act in ways that would allow local officials to set certain rules instead of the Bureau of Land Management, permiting noisy and destructive off-road vehicles (ORVs) in certain areas of Capitol Reef National Park, and allowing state (not federal) law to control how and where ORVs can use roads in National Park Service units. Learn more about these terrible bills here.
Please Act now to show Senator Lee that his bills have no chance of becoming law, and that our redrock champions from across the country remain resolute.
>> If you live in Utah, click here to contact Senator Lee and let him know you oppose his anti-public-lands bills
>> If you live outside of Utah, reach out to your elected officials and ask them to cosponsor America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act today!
Photo © Ray Bloxham/SUWA
Public Lands Rule Litigation Begins
In mid-June, the states of Utah and Wyoming announced they had filed litigation in federal district court in Utah over the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recently finalized Public Lands Rule. Among other things, the Rule reiterates that conservation is part of the BLM’s multiple-use mission and ensures that the agency will manage for this use on a day-in and day-out basis.
Federal lawsuits have also been filed by the states of North Dakota, Idaho, and Montana in North Dakota, and industry groups have filed a third action in Wyoming. Each of these lawsuits are in their very early stages; SUWA and other partners will be keeping a close eye on how they develop.
“This disappointing, but predictable reaction from the State of Utah only highlights how unserious its elected leaders are about addressing the challenges facing public lands in Utah. This lawsuit is out of touch with the majority of Utahns who support conservation and know climate change is a serious problem. SUWA appreciates the Biden administration’s commitment to conservation and looks forward to seeing the Rule’s positive impact on Utah’s redrock country. The Rule will keep conservation top of mind as BLM goes about its daily work to manage some of the most intact and ecologically significant public lands in the country.”
—SUWA Legal Director Steve Bloch
>> Read our full statement and additional information about the Public Lands Rule
Photo © Ray Bloxham/SUWA
Implications of Recent Supreme Court Decisions
June is often when the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) releases some of its most high-profile decisions (having heard arguments, etc. in the months prior) and this June was no exception. In a 5-4 opinion the court halted implementation of the Good Neighbor Plan, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule under the federal Clean Air Act. If implemented, the Rule would have saved thousands of lives by requiring upwind states to limit pollution that travels across state lines, harming people and the environment downwind. SUWA—alongside fellow Utah nonprofit Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment—intervened to defend the Good Neighbor Plan (represented by Earthjustice).
“We’re disappointed that the U.S. Supreme Court took the extraordinary step to block the EPA’s Good Neighbor Plan from going into effect—which would have reduced smog and ozone pollution—before the lower court even had a chance to evaluate the strength of conservative states’ and industry groups’ arguments. The impacts of this preemptive decision will be felt in Utah and across the nation by increasing pollution, harming ecosystems, and threatening public health.”
—SUWA Staff Attorney Hanna Larsen
You may have also seen headlines regarding a Supreme Court decision on “Chevron deference” and wondered what it might mean for public lands. In a new blog post, SUWA Legal Director Steve Bloch walks us through how two SCOTUS cases with innocuous sounding names—Loper Bright and Corner Post—threaten to undo much of how the federal government works.
Be on the Lookout: Important Bears Ears Petition Coming Soon!
As we reported in a recent issue of our Redrock Wilderness newsletter (page 13), a Florida-based developer has proposed construction of a 480-foot communications tower on a state-owned parcel of land within Bears Ears National Monument. We’ll have an update on this issue and a petition coming out next week; please consider signing and sharing it with others who care about this remarkable landscape.
In the meantime (in case you missed it), check out this op-ed on the subject by SUWA Board Member Emeritus Mark Maryboy.
Photo © Stephen Trimble
SUWA Members: RSVP for Our 2024 Summer Shindig!
We took last year off to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, but one of our favorite member appreciation events is making its return: the annual Summer Shindig! Curious if your membership is current? Email Membership Coordinator Kelly Burnham at membership@suwa.org or give her a call at 801-428-3972. Not yet a member? Join today for just $35 and become part of the nationwide movement to Protect Wild Utah!
The Summer Shindig takes place on Wednesday, August 28th at Fisher Brewing (320 W 800 S, Salt Lake City) from 6-9pm. Join us for local beer, delicious Bella Pizza, special giveaways, and a silent auction featuring local artists and businesses. Executive Director Scott Groene will be there to provide an update on SUWA’s work. This is a 21+ event. Bring your ID and wear your SUWA swag!
>> Make sure you’re on the guest list by clicking here to submit your RSVP!
Photo © SUWA
