Monday, February 17, 2025
spot_imgspot_img

Top 5 This Week

spot_imgspot_img

Related Posts

The cost of Utah’s public lands lawsuit and PR campaign: What taxpayers need to know


Utah has filed a lawsuit petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to transfer 18.5 million acres of federally-controlled land to state control. The state has spent over $1 million on a public relations campaign, including $475,000 on a law firm charging high hourly rates. The case questions whether the Bureau of Land Management can hold land without designation, a claim the Department of Justice called “without merit.”

The state is utilizing original jurisdiction to petition directly to the Supreme Court. Funding for the lawsuit comes from $3 million allocated by lawmakers, with a total of $20 million set aside. The state has spent significant amounts on advertising, with a contract with Penna Powers for a long-term campaign. However, critics, including the Center for Western Priorities, have called the campaign disingenuous and a propaganda effort.

The Supreme Court will decide in January whether to hear the case, with oral arguments expected in the spring if accepted. If denied, Utah may file a complaint in a federal district court.

Source
Photo credit utahnewsdispatch.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Popular Articles