Record of Decision marks final step in transferring nearly 100,000 acres of land to Utah to help generate millions of dollars for schools
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) today joined Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Acting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Jon Raby, and Utah Governor Spencer Cox for the signing of the Record of Decision (ROD) on the Emery County Public Land Management Act, finalizing the transfer of nearly 100,000 acres of federally managed land to the state of Utah. This transfer is expected to generate millions of dollars to support Utah’s schools. The signing marks the final step in implementing the actions laid out in the Emery County Land Bill of 2018, allowing the agreed-upon land exchanges between the BLM and the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) to proceed. The signing represents a major victory for local control, responsible land management, and Utah’s public education system.
“Today, we celebrate the largest transfer of federal land to state and local governments in Utah’s history,” said Senator Curtis. “For too long, decisions about our land have been dictated by Washington instead of the people who know it best. With this transfer, we are empowering local communities, ensuring responsible stewardship, and unlocking new economic opportunities that will strengthen our schools and directly benefit kids in Utah.”
“This mutually beneficial land exchange benefits Utah and the entire country by advancing American energy production, supporting local jobs and economies, and improving the recreation experience on Utah’s iconic landscapes,” said Acting BLM Director Jon Raby. “Not only will the BLM’s management of world class recreation opportunities be improved, but this action will help the State of Utah play a critical role in President Trump’s initiative to unleash American energy resources.”
Background:
Today’s signing is the culmination of years of negotiation, compromise, and leadership, starting when the Emery County Land Bill was introduced by then-Representative Curtis and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) in 2018. Many believed such a comprehensive agreement was impossible, as Utah’s public land debates had long been marked by deep divisions between conservationists, recreationists, local officials, and industry stakeholders.
Despite these challenges, local leaders, conservation groups, outdoor recreation advocates, ranchers, and energy developers worked together to create a balanced solution. The bill was ultimately signed into law in 2019 as part of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, a sweeping bipartisan lands package that secured broad support in Congress.
“People said this kind of compromise couldn’t be done—that Utah’s public lands debate was too divisive and that the stakeholders would never agree,” said Senator Curtis. “But we proved them wrong. Emery County showed that when local leaders, conservationists, industry, and recreationists come together, we can find common ground that benefits everyone. This bill should serve as a role model for solving Utah’s public lands challenges.
Today’s agreement:
- Establishes the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area to highlight and expand recreational activities in the area,
- Creates the Jurassic National Monument to protect and celebrate one of the world’s most significant dinosaur fossil sites,
- Facilitates the transfer and exchange of nearly 100,000 acres of federal and school trust land, expected to generate millions of dollars in support of Utah’s education system,
- Expands Goblin Valley State Park to enhance the visitor experience and improve park facilities, and
- Establishes targeted conservation designations for certain lands and waters throughout Emery County to ensure responsible stewardship and preservation.
The public and State lands are located across 18 counties in Utah: Beaver, Carbon, Emery, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Rich, San Juan, Sevier, Summit, Tooele, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch, Washington, and Wayne counties. The conveyed parcels are estimated to contain 32 million tons of recoverable coal, 2.5 million barrels of oil, and 25.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas. These parcels may also support housing development, outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, and the extraction of critical minerals.
A Model for Future Public Land Management in Utah
This agreement demonstrates that Utahns are best suited to manage Utah’s lands—not federal bureaucrats in Washington. By prioritizing local voices, balanced interests, and a commitment to working together, the Emery County Land Bill provides a roadmap for future public land agreements in the state.
A long-time advocate for returning federally managed land to local control, Senator Curtis played a pivotal role in collaborating with local leaders, stakeholders, and the Department of the Interior to finalize this historic transfer. He has pledged to continue working on common-sense land-use policies that respect local decision-making, protect Utah’s natural beauty, and provide lasting benefits for education and economic growth.
For a detailed map of the transfer, please click here, courtesy of the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, or find additional details provided by the Bureau of Land Management here.