Change of Venue Decision by D.C. CircuitJudge Puts Lands Dispute WithEnvironmentalists Squarely Within theState (Utah), and Out of the Hands ofEasterners

摘要

The Utah Attorney General's Office claims a “bigwin” for the state after getting a change of venuegranted for a lawsuit over the controversial issuanceof 77 oil and gas leases fought by the Southern UtahWilderness Alliance (SUWA), a coalition ofenvironmentalists. In a decision to move the lawsuitto Utah, D.C. District Judge Ricardo Urbina rejectedarguments by SUWA that the lands in question orthe legal issues raised constituted a matter of national importance that should be heard in D.C.courts. The decision last week sends the legalchallenges to Utah. "This ruling will set animportant legal precedent that cases involving Utahlands should not be heard in Washington, D.C.,"Chief Deputy Utah Attorney General John Swallowsaid.