Chaffetz bill would restore local control to state trust lands located inside federal conservation areas

Bipartisan legislation recently sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) would enable state land exchange requests for parcels located within designated federal conservation areas.

The Advancing Conservation and Education (ACE) Act would enable states to apply to the secretary of the interior for the release of state trust lands located within federal conservation areas in exchange for public lands of equal value located elsewhere in the state.

“Western states are at a considerable disadvantage in funding public education,” Chaffetz said. “State trust lands were intended to help equalize the imbalance between public land states and non-public land states, but too many parcels can no longer be used for their intended purpose. Creating a mechanism to enable land exchanges is an important step toward giving children in western states the same resources available to kids who live east of the Mississippi.”

All states except the original 13 colonies were granted land trusts to generate revenue for public education. Today, approximately 447 million acres managed by states generate more than $3.8 billion annually for education.

Many acres of state trust lands, however, have been enveloped by federal conservation designations that can prevent development or public access.

“Our beautiful public lands are the splendor of Colorado and the West,” U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), who introduced the bill with Chaffetz, said. “We need to make sure that states can use public land trusts as efficiently as possible to reap the maximum benefits for school children while protecting the beautiful landscapes of the West. This bill is a win-win. It supports our schools and maintains land conservation efforts.”