Utah stands out for its extreme stance against federal lands
Posted December 03, 2017 6:00 am
DENVER (AP) - Utah has long stood out for going far beyond other western states in trying to get back control of its federally protected lands.
Many states in the west occasionally chafe under the thumb of the federal government. But none has been as eager for Washington to reduce protected lands as Utah.
President Donald Trump is expected to shrink two national monuments in the state during a visit Monday.
That's the sort of move anathema to even other conservative western states. But the dynamic is different in Utah because of its geography and history.
It has the second-highest percent of federally owned land in the Lower 48. And it was settled by Mormons fleeing 19th century violence who thought they needed to control the land and its economy to protect themselves.
FILE - In this April, 26, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump hands a pen to Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah after signing an Antiquities Executive Order during a ceremony at the Interior Department in Washington. Utah has long stood out for going far beyond other Western states in trying to get back control of its federally protected lands. When President Donald Trump on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, announces he's going to shrink two national monuments in the state, his warm welcome will stand out in a region that is normally protective of its parks and monuments. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this May 9, 2017, file photo, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke rides a horse in the new Bears Ears National Monument near Blanding, Utah. Utah has long stood out for going far beyond other Western states in trying to get back control of its federally protected lands. When President Donald Trump on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, announces he's going to shrink two national monuments in the state, his warm welcome will stand out in a region that is normally protective of its parks and monuments. (Scott G Winterton/The Deseret News via AP, File)
The Associated Press
Supporters of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments hold signs during a rally Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in Salt Lake City. President Donald Trump is expected to announce plans to shrink the two sprawling national monuments in Utah that were created by past Democratic presidents. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
FILE - This June 22, 2016, file photo, shows the "House on Fire" ruins in Mule Canyon, which is part of Bears Ears National Monument, near Blanding, Utah. President Donald Trump is expected Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, to announce plans to shrink Bears Ears National Monument as well as Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah that were created by past Democratic presidents. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Sept. 18, 1996, file photo, Vice President Al Gore applauds after President Bill Clinton signs a bill designating about 1.7 million acres of land in southern Utah's red-rock cliff as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, at the Grand Canyon National Park, in Arizona. President Donald Trump is expected Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, to announce plans to shrink Bears Ears National Monument as well as Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah that were created by past Democratic presidents. (AP Photo/Doug Mills, File)
The Associated Press
A supporter of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments dances with a headdress during a rally Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in Salt Lake City. President Donald President Donald Trump is expected to announce plans to shrink the two sprawling national monuments in Utah that were created by past Democratic presidents. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
A supporter of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments wears a colorful headdress during a rally Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in Salt Lake City. President Donald Trump is expected to announce plans next week to shrink the two sprawling Utah national monuments by reversing actions taken by former President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.