Utah Valley Times

U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) has joined a group of colleagues, led by Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), in filing an amicus brief in the Supreme Court of the United States. The brief opposes what they describe as an extreme judicial expansion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and supports the construction of the Uinta Basin Railway, an 88-mile rail line proposed to connect eastern Utah's oil-rich Uinta Basin region to the national rail network.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, a case reviewing a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that blocked the Uinta Basin Rail Project. The senators' amicus brief argues that NEPA reviews should be limited to effects within the approving agency’s jurisdiction, rather than requiring a broad analysis of all potential environmental impacts.

Cosigners of the amicus brief include Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). Senators Cruz and Capito are ranking members of committees with jurisdiction over this project.

“The Uinta Basin Railway is key to Utah’s continued economic growth by providing a reliable transportation route for goods, creating jobs, and attracting new businesses,” said Senator Romney. “It’s critical that the Uinta Basin Railway Project moves forward and I remain committed to supporting the investment of innovative infrastructure projects in our state.”

Governor Cox also emphasized the project's importance: “The Uinta Basin Railway remains a critical project for the economy of eastern Utah, and our rural counties and federal agencies have repeatedly shown that the project is environmentally responsible... We’re grateful for the support of Congressional leaders and others who recognize both the importance of this project and why we desperately need to reform NEPA.”

Keith Heaton, Executive Director of the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition, stated: “The Seven County Infrastructure Coalition is pleased to have the Supreme Court consider the merits of our petition... The Uinta Basin Railway Project is critical to the economic vitality of eastern Utah... We appreciate the interest and support of congressional leaders in this matter.”

The Uinta Basin Railway Project aims to address freight transportation challenges in eastern Utah by connecting it to national railway networks. This public-private partnership involves seven counties in Utah—Carbon, Daggett, Duchesne, Emery, San Juan, Sevier, and Uintah—and Drexel Hamilton Infrastructure Partners.

In 2021, following support from Senator Romney, Governor Herbert, and other Utah Congressional delegates, construction was approved by the Surface Transportation Board. However, several environmental groups are currently challenging this approval in court.