House Republicans Approve Controversial Public Land Sales in Utah and Nevada
In a recent vote, the House Natural Resources Committee approved a contentious proposal aimed at selling thousands of acres of public land in Utah and Nevada. This decision, passed with a 26-17 vote largely along party lines, seeks to fund President Trump’s extensive tax plan. Specifically, the amendment targets around 11,000 acres in Utah’s Washington and Beaver counties, aiming to reduce federal land red tape that local officials argue hampers growth.
Introduced by Rep. Celeste Maloy of Utah, the amendment has drawn both support and significant criticism. Proponents, including Maloy, assert that selling this land could help local governments secure necessary infrastructure. "Washington County and Beaver County are landlocked and growing," Maloy asserted, emphasizing the local need for development.
Countering this, Democrats on the committee expressed alarm over the late-stage introduction of the amendment during a marathon hearing. Rep. Jared Huffman was particularly vocal, claiming it undermines the legislative process. Environmental groups have also condemned the move, alleging that it amounts to selling public lands for the benefit of wealthy individuals while bypassing community input.
Nevada’s Rep. Mark Amodei has joined Maloy, proposing to sell up to 200,000 acres of land in Nevada. Both proposals constitute a minute fraction of the federal lands in their respective states, yet they have sparked heated debates within the party and among environmental advocates.
As the reconciliation package progresses, it faces scrutiny from various factions, including Republicans who traditionally oppose land sales. With the timeline for finalizing the larger legislative package set for the end of the month, the fate of the public land sales amendment remains uncertain, as lawmakers navigate the complexities of balancing local demands with broader party goals.
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