Republican state and federal leaders, as well as some tribal leaders in Utah, issued statements opposing the Biden administration’s 60-day leasing and permitting ban on oil and gas drilling on federal lands.
Luke Duncan, Chairman of the Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee, sent a letter to the administration which stated that “the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation respectfully requests” that the order be amended immediately to allow for “energy permits and approvals on Indian lands.”
The letter said that the Ute tribe and other energy producing tribes rely on energy development to fund their governments and provide services to members. Duncan wrote that the order violates the United States treaty and trust responsibilities to the Ute Indian Tribe.
A joint statement from Utah’s congressional members and various state leaders asked for the action to be reconsidered, expressing concern for the economic impact the 60-day pause would have on not only tribal communities, but also the state’s rural communities and small businesses.