SALT LAKE CITY — A judge has thrown out a lawsuit filed by a pair of environmental groups against the Utah Inland Port Authority.

Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment and the Center for Biological Diversity primarily challenged the Utah Inland Port Authority's management, arguing that the legislature exercises too much control over the board in violation of the separation of powers clause of the Utah Constitution.

In her ruling, 3rd District Court Judge Heather Brereton disagreed.

"The UIPA Board engages in fact-finding and making determinations about project areas and approvals. The UIPA Board carries out administrative duties in coordinating with municipal and county governmental entities and in implementing plans and projects. The UIPA does not exercise core or essential powers

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