Press release Aug 27 2013
SALT LAKE CITY – Governor Gary R. Herbert issued the following statement regarding the State Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) decision to lease the Book Cliffs area for oil and gas development:
“SITLA’s decision to lease the entire Book Cliffs block could be at the expense of a more vital and potentially more valuable land management strategy. I expect SITLA to honor its fiduciary responsibility to Utah’s school children. However, I call on SITLA to live up to that obligation and find the best, long-term agreement that will return the greatest possible revenue to the school trust. I am confident a better process will result in a better outcome that serves all concerned. I urge SITLA to reconsider this critical decision and not execute a contract on these terms.”
The Governor will make a brief statement for the media at 3:30 PM Tuesday in his Formal Office. In addition, the Governor’s Energy Advisor, Cody Stewart, and Environmental Advisor, Alan Matheson, will be available for statements.