The state of Utah is planning to file a lawsuit to challenge President Joe Biden’s executive order to expand the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. On Thursday, the Attorney General’s office issued a public notification that they’re looking to hire outside lawyers to assist in the case.With the AG looking for outside counsel, the cost to taxpayers could easily exceed $10 million, according to several legal experts. Representative Phil Lyman (R-Blanding) says he thinks it’s “always a good use of taxpayer dollars to stand up for the rights of people in Utah.”
In the mid 1990s, Utah sued the Clinton Administration to challenge the designation of the staircase monument, but the state lost that case. However, Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts says the Antiquities Act needs clearer definition, which is where this case may be headed.
There is currently no timetable set for when the suit will be filed.
