Bruce Babbitt Criticizes Utah's Federal Land Seizure Efforts

Former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt has voiced strong opposition to Utah's efforts to seize control of federal lands, describing it as a radical move that endangers the outdoor recreation industry. This industry, which significantly contributes to the state's economy, hosts a major gear show twice a year.

Babbitt made these remarks during a speech to outdoor recreation company representatives attending the biannual Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City. He emphasized the importance of preserving public lands, stating, "Our public land heritage really is under attack. We've really got a crowd of uninformed, misguided politicians who are attempting to dismantle or abolish public lands and the agencies that administer them."

His comments highlight growing tensions between Utah's political stance and the outdoor recreation industry. Babbitt urged businesses in the sector to leverage their influence—consumers spend an estimated $646 billion annually on outdoor activities—to protect public lands from being sold or developed.

Utah argues that local control would allow for better land management and economic benefits through taxes and development rights. State GOP leaders are preparing to challenge the issue in court, although the timing of a lawsuit remains uncertain.

Babbitt, who served as interior secretary under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001, criticized Utah's land transfer law as a means to exploit public lands for coal, oil, gas, and mineral industries.

Originally Posted By Denver Post