Supreme Court rejects Utah's bid to control federal lands

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a bid from the state of Utah to seize control of federally-owned lands.

The court denied the state’s petition, writing in a brief statement: “The motion for leave to file a bill of complaint is denied.” It did not elaborate on its decision-making.

In August, Utah sued to try to gain control of 18.5 million acres — about a third of the state’s total area — that is held by the federal government.

“Utah deserves priority when it comes to managing its land,” Gov.