Utah mayors challenge President Trump's decision to shrink Bears Ears

Several Utah mayors and council members submitted two amicus briefs with the U.S. District Court supporting the cases that challenge President Trump’s decision to shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments.

Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski, Boulder and 20 other mayors and council member from around the state signed the briefs on Monday.

“When the Trump Administration began its review of Bears Ears and Escalante, many of us knew it was only a matter of time before these Monuments were reduced and harm would come to our local economies,” said Biskupski. “In Salt Lake City’s case, this harm was almost immediate with the departure of Outdoor Retailer and the $45 million dollars in tourist spending that it brought. The truly devastating part of this decision, however, is to our gateway communities and the State’s entire reputation, which is why we are filing these briefs, to give everyone a voice in a decision which has consequences for every community.”

The briefs claim Trump Administration’s decision to shrink the monuments will harm local economies and damage the state’s reputation.

View Local Officials Bears Ears amicus brief here.

View Local Officials Grand Staircase-Escalante amicus brief here.

Signatories to Utah Local Leaders Amicus Briefs

Mayor Jackie Biskupski, Salt Lake City

Mayor Steve Cox, Boulder, UT*

Mayor Ann Leppanen, Bluff, UT**
Council Member Randy Aton, Sprindale, UT

Council Member Margaret Bourke, Town of Alta Council

Council Member Cliff Curry, Town of Alta Council

Council Member Rani Derasary, Moab City Council

Council Member Kalen Jones, Moab City Council

Council Chair Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake City Council