House Republicans Approve Sale of Public Lands in Utah, Nevada

House Republicans have approved a budget amendment authorizing the sale of thousands of acres of federal public land in Nevada and Utah for housing development and increased fossil fuel production, arguing that the high percentage of federal land in these states impedes local growth and economic opportunities. The measure, introduced as a last-minute amendment by Reps. Mark Amodei and Celeste Maloy, targets over 10,000 acres in Utah and nearly 450,000 acres in Nevada, including parcels outside Las Vegas, Reno, and St. George. While Republican supporters claim the sales are community-driven and would generate significant federal revenue, Democrats and conservation groups strongly opposed the move, criticizing the lack of local consultation and warning that it represents a broader push to transfer public lands for private interests. Environmentalists argue the amendment is part of an extreme, anti-environment agenda and raises concerns about impacts on natural resources and community access. The provision, included in a larger GOP budget package focused on expanding domestic energy production, faces further hurdles as some Republicans and local officials also express reservations about selling public lands. The controversy highlights deep divisions over federal land management and the balance between development, conservation, and local governance.