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RESOLUTION 8 OF 2015
Joint Resolution Opposing Transfer of Public Lands to the State of Utah
Whereas, federal natural public lands are treasured open spaces individuals and families value as vital habitat for wildlife, and for generations have been used for personal enjoyment to camp, hike, hunt, fish, and rejuvenate; and
Whereas, residents of Salt Lake City escape from their daily routines by visiting our public lands to spend quality time with families and friends and enjoy activities and natural lands not available in urban areas; and
Whereas, the State of Utah is spending millions of taxpayer dollars in an effort to transfer ownership from the federal government to the State of Utah; and
WHEREAS, newly introduced State legislation strongly foreshadows the State’s intent to privatize our public lands upon gaining ownership; and
Whereas, local newspapers, including the Ogden Standard Examiner and Deseret News have editorialized that such a public land transfer is, “in some regards, a roll of the dice” and a “symbolic gesture with significant risk to Utah taxpayers;” and
WHEREAS, several Utah economists determined, in a citizen-funded economic analysis, that the Transfer of Public Lands Act ties our future to the historically volatile price of oil. In order for the economic numbers to add up in Utah’s favor, the United States must voluntarily give up its 50 percent share of royalties from oil and gas revenues generated by public lands; and
Whereas, the Utah State Constitution (Article 3, Section 1, Second Clause) says “The people inhabiting this State do affirm and declare that they forever disclaim all right and title to the unappropriated public lands lying within the boundaries hereof;” and
Whereas, University of Utah legal scholars and the State Legislature’s own legal counsel have determined that the Transfer of Public Lands Act has “a high probability of being declared unconstitutional.”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
that the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City stand in opposition, as the Capital City of Utah, to the transfer of our shared public open lands that belong to all Americans. We urge the Utah State Legislature and Governor Herbert to stop spending taxpayer funds on further actions related to a transfer of public lands to the State.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this 24th day of March, 2015.