07/15/2026
Today, surrounded by Utah's Congressional Delegation, Governor Spencer Cox, and Utah House Speaker Mike Shultz, the Trump administration announced an executive order that will effectively give away vast swathes of Utah's public lands. This is a direct assault on our state's natural heritage, threatening the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. These protected areas are not just pieces of property to be auctioned off. They are sacred tribal lands, critical ecosystems, and the lifeblood of our outdoor recreation economy, which supports countless jobs and communities across Utah.
This decision is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of what these lands represent. They are not merely reservoirs of untapped resources to be exploited for short term gain. They are places of immense cultural, spiritual, and scientific value that deserve lasting protection. We have seen time and again that when we prioritize the voices of Indigenous communities and honor the collaborative work of conservation, we create a stronger and more resilient future for everyone.
For years, I have worked alongside conservation groups, tribal nations, and concerned citizens to protect these landscapes. This latest move relies on false claims about public access and ignores the deep, historic significance of these lands to the sovereign nations who have stewarded them since time immemorial. This is a fight for our shared identity and our shared future. We must continue to stand up against the privatization of our common ground and ensure that our public lands remain protected for all of us, not just for the interests of special industries.
