Today, Representative John Curtis (R-UT) issued a statement following the agreement between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) on the final completion of the Emery County Land Bill of 2018:

“The Emery County Land Bill represents the largest transfer of federal land back to the state in Utah’s history,” said Rep. Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation embodies the principle that local communities know best how to manage their own lands, and how good policy is delivered. This legislation demonstrates what happens when we reject the fake fights and false choices presented by the extremes. Working across the aisle and in concert with local leaders and federal agencies we can achieve results that solve real problems. and I’m pleased we’re a step closer to seeing this bipartisan legislation fully realized.”

In May 2018, Rep. Curtis introduced the Emery County Public Land Management Act alongside former Senator Orrin Hatch, designating roughly one million acres in Utah’s Emery County for diverse uses, including recreation, conservation, development, and grazing. Over two decades of community input and stakeholder collaboration shaped this public lands legislation, which aims to bring lasting solutions and certainty to federal land management in the region.

The bill supports a balanced approach to managing public lands by implementing a school land trust exchange, expanding Goblin Valley State Park, designating conservation areas, and creating the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area. It has garnered broad support from local leaders, state officials, environmental groups, and industry stakeholders, including all three Emery County Commissioners, Utah Governor Gary Herbert, Senator Mitt Romney, and several prominent conservation and outdoor industry groups.

Major Provisions:

• Establishes the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area to highlight and expand recreational activities in the area.
• Creates the Jurassic National Monument.
• Facilitates an exchange of nearly 100,000 acres of school trust land that will generate millions of dollars to support Utah's schools.
• Expands Goblin Valley State Park to enhance the visitor experience.
• Establishes targeted conservation designations for certain lands and waters throughout Emery County.

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