Press Release: Senators Push for Sale of Federal Lands, Sparking Controversy
BILLINGS, Mont. — A new budget proposal from Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee is reviving the debate over transferring federal lands to states or private entities. The plan seeks to sell or transfer over 2 million acres of public land, embodying a long-held desire among Western conservatives to shift land control away from the federal government. Lee’s proposal is part of a comprehensive tax cut package recently unveiled.
The proposal has met with sharp divide among Republicans. While some lawmakers advocate for land sales to accelerate development and generate revenue, others, including Montana Senator Steve Daines and former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, have voiced strong opposition. Zinke, who previously played a key role in removing land sales from legislative proposals, reaffirmed his firm stance against any large-scale sales.
Lee’s plan, which targets isolated parcels of land—excluding national parks and monuments—aims to sell between 2.2 million to 3.3 million acres of U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management holdings. He asserts that federal management has been ineffective, claiming, "Washington has proven time and again it can’t manage this land. This bill puts it in better hands."
The proposal has drawn heavy criticism from conservation advocates who warn it could facilitate the handover of cherished public lands to developers. Michael Carroll from The Wilderness Society called it a betrayal of future generations and both political parties.
Critics also note that not all federal lands are suitable for housing development, particularly in more remote areas, complicating the narrative that these sales could serve as a solution to affordable housing shortages. The ongoing political contention adds complexity to the future of public land management in the West, as past attempts, including a lawsuit by Utah officials to seize federal land, have faced significant legal challenges.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
