Petition Against the "Stand For Our Land" Initiative: Protect Utah’s Public Lands and Our Future

To: The Utah State Legislature, Governor Spencer Cox, and the U.S. Congress

We, the undersigned, urge you to reject the "Stand For Our Land" initiative, which seeks to transfer the management and control of our public lands from the federal government to the state of Utah. The proposed land transfer threatens the environmental, economic, and social well-being of Utah's residents and the American people. We stand in opposition to this initiative for the following reasons:

Public Lands Should Remain in Public Hands to Protect Them

Our federal lands belong to all Americans, and they are best protected under federal stewardship. The U.S. government has a proven track record of safeguarding these lands through long-standing laws and regulations that prioritize conservation, wildlife protection, and responsible public access. Under state control, there is a real risk that these lands would be opened to reckless exploitation for profit, with corporate interests driving decisions that undermine environmental protections. Federal control ensures that these lands are preserved not just for Utahns, but for all Americans and for future generations.

Federal Oversight is Critical for Environmental Protection

Utah’s public lands are home to fragile ecosystems, endangered species, and some of the most pristine natural areas in the United States. Keeping these lands under federal management ensures that decisions are guided by long-term environmental stewardship rather than short-term economic gain. Corporate interests like fracking for oil and lithium mining would be less regulated under state control, leading to increased pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Federal protections, such as the Wilderness Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, provide much-needed safeguards to preserve these lands and resources for the benefit of all, rather than allowing their destruction for corporate profits.

State Control Could Lead to Irreversible Damage

Under federal control, there are national and international protections in place that prioritize sustainable use and conservation. If these lands were transferred to the state, the risk of irreversible damage would be far greater. The state’s desire to open these lands to industries like fracking and mining would likely prioritize profits over the ecological and cultural value of these areas. Once damaged, the lands can never be fully restored—depriving future generations of the same natural treasures that we enjoy today.

Unaccountable Decision-Making and Lack of Oversight

Transferring lands to state control would erode transparency and accountability, especially as corporate influence could overpower public interest. Governor Cox and his allies in the oil and mining industries should not be allowed to dictate how our public lands are used without broad public input. Federal oversight ensures that decisions about land use are made with public involvement, scientific input, and consideration of long-term consequences. These lands belong to everyone—not just to the powerful few.

Threat to Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

Utah is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the world, including Zion National Park, Arches National Park, and the Great Salt Lake. Outdoor recreation is a major economic driver for the state, attracting millions of tourists every year. Federal protections keep these areas accessible and safe from overdevelopment and harmful extraction industries, ensuring that they remain a source of enjoyment for visitors and a vital part of Utah’s economy. If these lands are transferred to the state, we risk losing the very qualities that make them valuable for tourism, recreation, and the millions who rely on them for their livelihoods.

Endangered Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Many of Utah’s public lands hold deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance for Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Ute, Goshute, and Paiute peoples. The transfer of these lands without meaningful consultation or respect for indigenous rights undermines tribal sovereignty and the rights of Native communities. The federal government, while imperfect, has been more consistent in consulting tribes and respecting their interests in managing lands. Shifting control to the state risks sidelining Native voices and their relationship with these sacred lands.
We demand that the Utah State Legislature and Governor Spencer Cox halt any efforts to transfer federal lands to the state, and instead focus on protecting these public lands for future generations.

We call on all Utah residents, concerned citizens, environmental organizations, and tribal leaders to join us in safeguarding Utah’s public lands against reckless corporate exploitation. We stand for the preservation of these natural treasures and oppose the “Stand For Our Land” initiative.