SALT LAKE CITY — Utah senators put the state on the path to a showdown with federal land agencies, as they approved legislation Tuesday that would use eminent domain to seize federal land.
Supporters claim the bills would allow the state to take advantage of more taxes from natural resources in Utah, while opponents call it a futile and expensive waste of time.
The Senate passed HB143, which outlines the plan to seize federal land to gain access to state trust lands, and HB324, which provides a plan for funding the expected legal battle.
St. George Republican Sen. Steve Urquhart argued that the large amount of federal land in Utah prevents the state from fully funding education.
"This is stealing from our schoolchildren," he said.
The legislation includes a note from nonpartisan legislative analysts who predict a constitutional confrontation with the federal government.
Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake, said the measure asks the attorney general to engage in a battle with an uncertain outcome.
Romero argued that other options should be considered, such as a lottery, and pointed out that Native Americans had lands taken from them.
"Maybe we should bring the tribes into the conversation," he said.
Romero said that rather than trying to pick a fight with federal officials, the state should try to build a relationship and ask the government for more money to offset the lost tax revenue.
Urquhart countered that far from losing money, the state will gain billions of dollars in the long run.
Calling it a "very proud moment," Urquhart said, "This isn't going to be revolution in the streets. This is the state asserting its sovereignty."
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