Senator John Curtis and Senator Mike Lee introduced the ‘Natural Asset Company Prohibition Act’ this week which aims to protect Utah’s public lands from takeover by Wall Street activists and foreign investors. The bill would prohibit Natural Asset Companies and similar entities from entering into agreements that affect land, water, or natural resources within Utah’s borders. “Wall Street shouldn’t be allowed to dictate what happens on Utah lands just to satisfy ESG mandates,” said Senator Curtis. “Public lands are central to Utah’s way of life — supporting families, ranchers, recreation, energy production, and conservation. This bill ensures that investors from New York or foreign capitals don’t get to lock up Utah lands and cut off access to the people who depend on them.” Senator Lee stated that access to public lands is essential to supporting thriving energy, agriculture, and recreation industries. “Natural Asset Companies pose a direct threat to this access by enabling private and foreign investors to seize control of the very land that our communities depend on,” said Senator Lee. “This legislation is crucial to protect Utahns’ rights to their lands, ensuring that our local communities, not foreign interests, retain control and continue to thrive for generations to come.”
