Western residents furious after federal officials auction off 17,000 acres: 'Tip of the iceberg'

Western residents furious after federal officials auction off 17,000 acres: 'Tip of the iceberg'

Federal land managers last week leased over 17,000 acres of Utah public lands for oil and gas drilling, sparking outrage from local communities and recreation groups. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Bureau of Land Management was required to sell off industry‑nominated parcels, even those that communities had fought to protect.  On Sept. 24, the agency auctioned 15 parcels across Sanpete and Uinta counties, including two slots along the…