Utah Sen. Mike Lee Seeks Sale of Over 2 Million Acres Federal Lands Across Western States

Utah Senator Mike Lee has introduced a proposal mandating the sale or transfer of between 2.2 and 3.3 million acres of federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management across 11 Western states, excluding Montana. The plan aims to open underused federal lands for housing and local development, with state and local governments given priority to purchase parcels near high-growth areas, while excluding national parks and lands with existing mining or grazing rights. The proposal is part of a broader GOP tax cut package and is intended to reduce federal control and stimulate economic growth, but it has sparked significant opposition from Democrats, environmental groups, and some Republicans such as Montana's Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke, who argue that it jeopardizes public land access and primarily funds tax cuts for the wealthy. The initiative revives a previous failed effort in the House to sell public lands and highlights a deep division among Republicans regarding federal land management. Critics warn the measure could lead to unchecked development in sensitive areas, risking environmental and recreational resources cherished by many Americans. The proposal is under consideration for inclusion in President Donald Trump's broader reconciliation bill, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."