Utah Lawmakers Move to Block Natural Asset Conservation Companies
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Utah Republicans introduced legislation blocking "natural asset companies" that aim to value and invest in land conservation rather than extraction. These companies were recently proposed by the New York Stock Exchange.
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Rep. John Curtis sponsored a bill prohibiting natural asset companies in Utah, despite previously supporting free market climate solutions. Other Utah lawmakers also criticized the companies.
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Natural asset companies would improve land they control through conservation and restoration. Investors would profit as the land increases in value. Supporters see it as valuing nature itself.
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Opponents like Utah Treasurer Marlo Oakes say the companies could restrict public access and economic activities like grazing and drilling on places like national parks.
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Utah lawmakers passed bills in 2024 banning natural asset companies from buying public lands in the state and prohibiting land ownership by certain foreign governments, over fears of restricting public land use.