Senate Budget Plan Seeks Sale of 3.25 Million Acres Public Lands in Western US

A proposed budget reconciliation bill in the Senate includes the potential sale of up to 3 million acres of public lands, sparking widespread opposition from environmental and conservation groups across multiple states, particularly in the West. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced a revised version of the proposal that limits land sales to Bureau of Land Management lands near population centers, but critics argue that earlier drafts were excessively broad and could lead to large-scale privatization and development of critical natural areas. California is notably at risk, with proposals to sell public lands equivalent to over four Yosemite Parks, threatening watersheds, native fish habitats, and recreational access. Utah Governor Spencer Cox supports the idea of selling some public lands to increase housing but expresses concern over the broad scope of previous proposals. Activists and organizations are mobilizing to oppose the bill, encouraging public engagement to protect public lands and their environmental and recreational values. This debate occurs amid other federal actions, including efforts to rescind protections on national forest lands, fueling further concern about the future stewardship of public lands.