The state of Utah has taken a stand in a lawsuit filed by the Ute Tribe against the United States, Department of the Interior, and Secretary Ryan Zinke. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit in which the tribe is staking claim to approximately 2 million acres of land in Uintah County. In a press release issued on March 9th, 2018, the Ute Tribe cites the “1880 Act”, which prompted the Ute Tribe’s move from Colorado to northeastern Utah, claiming the United States hasn’t kept their end of the deal. As a result, the Tribe is demanding reparations amounting to a billion dollars. Depending on the outcome, the lawsuit could have a major effect on Uintah County as the land in question makes up the southern two-thirds of the county. Uintah County Deputy Attorney Jonathan Stearmer confirms that the county is following the lawsuit closely. “Uintah County is very concerned about the extreme breadth and scope of the lawsuit filed by the Ute Tribe and fully supports the state of Utah’s motion to intervene because of the potential negative impacts to Uintah County,” shares Stearmer. “Uintah County is looking at legal options to protect our economy and residents.”
