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yesterday

Senate Debates Sale of 3.3 Million Acres of Western Public Land

Critics warn the plan threatens wildlife habitat and public access under the current Senate discussion.

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Image
Landscape view of a mountain with trees in foreground. Mixed clouds partially obscure the mountain.
Map key showing public lands eligible for sale under the Senate reconciliation bill: BLM lands in yellow and USFS lands in green.

Overview

  • The provision would compel the Interior and Agriculture departments to sell or transfer between 0.5% and 0.75% of Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service holdings over five years.
  • Opposition has grown across party lines, with conservation groups and senators like Ryan Zinke opposing the measure over environmental and recreational concerns.
  • A recent Co/efficient poll found that 75% of Americans oppose the permanent sale of public lands for development, including majorities of both Republicans and Democrats.
  • Senator Mike Lee has defended the proposal as a way to expand housing and boost local economies by opening underused federal land.
  • While national parks and designated wilderness areas are protected, popular trails, ski areas, wildlife corridors and grazing lands could be put up for auction.