Op-Eds

The word is out about Utah, and our communities are growing faster than ever as people from across the country come to visit our iconic landscapes and even settle down. Cities and towns across the state are feeling the strain of rapid growth, however, being surrounded by federal land, they have nowhere to go – leaving local leaders stuck without the space to build housing, infrastructure, or services their communities urgently need.

That’s why I introduced an amendment to the One Big, Beautiful Bill that would have allowed the strategic sale of targeted public land parcels to places like Beaver County for critical infrastructure needs. Unfortunately, this effort was met with a disinformation campaign. Special interest groups called it a scheme to sell off public lands while headlines labeled it a massive land grab.

It’s time to correct the record.

There is an extensive history of federal land conveyances to local governments for infrastructure. Conveying land for public purposes has been a standard practice since the country’s founding. It’s how the West was largely developed. Previous Congresses and Administrations, both Republican and Democrat, conveyed federal lands during their tenures.

Additionally, land conveyances are desperately needed by rural communities. Rural Utah especially is buckling under the weight of rapid population growth. As a result, we’re seeing housing shortages and a steep rise in the cost of living. Water systems are being stretched to the limit – a dangerous predicament in the West Desert.

To address this, my amendment created a process for public entities to purchase small, targeted parcels at fair market value specifically for infrastructure that serves the public good. My amendment would have sold less than 1% of federal land to Washington County, the City of St. George, the Washington County Water Conservancy District, and Beaver County. It’s important to note that it was crafted with input from local leaders who understand their communities' needs better than anyone. Local officials reached out to my office and identified specific parcels near existing infrastructure and development. The amendment didn’t propose a wholesale transfer of land.

In Beaver County, we’re talking about three parcels adjacent to the county fairgrounds. The county has been trying to acquire this land for a long time, but red tape prevented them from doing so. County officials have plans to use these parcels to improve access and parking for the fairgrounds – allowing more people to enjoy the famous Beaver County Fair – build picnic sites, and other public uses. One such parcel off the south interchange belongs to the BLM and is landlocked by private, industrial development. The land was originally leased for a horse racing track, but now the county would like to use it for safer access roads to the fairgrounds.

The amendment would not touch National Parks, Monuments, Recreation Areas, or other important conservation areas and historic sites. However, it would permit the counties to improve access to those places and accommodate millions of visitors each year.

The transfer of a limited number of acres allows Utahns to preserve the vast majority of our public lands for hunting, fishing, camping, and other multiple uses while allowing locals to expand existing water systems, connect trails, and more. We can balance both conservation and access. 

Imagine what our rural communities could become if they had the freedom to build. Strategic infrastructure development could unlock new job opportunities, lower the cost of living, and revitalize local economies that have long been held back by federal bureaucracy. 

I believe in preserving our public lands for future generations. But I also believe our communities deserve the infrastructure they need to thrive. These goals aren't mutually exclusive—they can and should work together. The choice isn't between development and conservation—it's between smart, targeted solutions and endless bureaucratic gridlock.

While my amendment was ultimately removed from the One Big, Beautiful Bill, I’m hopeful that we can find a path forward that offers Utah’s growing communities economic opportunity and environmental protection. Our state’s success depends on it.