Oppose H.B. 546 - Oppose H.B. 546 - Keep Federal Public Lands in Public Hands

H.B. 546 asserts that Utah retains legislative jurisdiction over federally managed public lands and claims expanded state authority over those lands' natural resources, zoning, planning, and enforcement. In effect, the bill attempts to redefine the balance of authority between the federal government and the state by declaring state control over lands that have long been managed under federal law for the benefit of all Americans.

Utah was never granted legislative jurisdiction over federal public lands. Federal lands in Utah are governed by the U.S. Constitution's Property Clause and managed under federal statutes that require multiple-use management, public involvement, and safeguards for access, habitat, and recreation. H.B. 546 challenges that framework and represents another step toward transferring authority from federal agencies to the state.

For hunters and anglers, this matters. Federal public lands provide some of Utah's best access for hunting, fishing, and backcountry recreation. Shifting management authority away from the federal system risks weakening public participation requirements, reducing habitat protections, and opening the door to land disposal or privatization pressures. It could also create inconsistent rules and enforcement that complicate public access and undermine longstanding conservation systems funded and supported by sportsmen and women.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers strongly opposes efforts to transfer federal public lands to states or to reduce public access to shared resources. H.B. 546 moves Utah in that direction and should be rejected.