Nevada Land Sale Bill Passes Amid Outcry from Democrats and Environmentalists
In a controversial move, House Republicans, led by Rep. Mark Amodei, approved a reconciliation bill Monday featuring an amendment to sell over 93,000 acres of public land in Nevada. The amendment, introduced by Amodei and fellow Rep. Celeste Maloy, permits the sale of vast tracts in Clark, Washoe, and Lyon counties, asserting these lands will be used for affordable housing and industrial development.
Specifically, the amendment allows for the sale of 65,129 acres in Clark County—roughly 71% of Las Vegas—along with additional acreage across the state. It also enables an exchange of about 356,100 acres previously tagged for disposal by the Bureau of Land Management. The measure aims to generate over $18.5 billion, according to Rep. Bruce Westerman, chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism. Nevada’s Democrats are outraged that sale proceeds will go to the federal government rather than the state, contrasting with traditional practices established under the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act. Rep. Dina Titus called it a “slap in the face to Nevadans,” while Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto labeled the proposal “insane.”
Environmentalists and Native advocates also express concern, arguing the proposal bypasses customary procedures, undermining public input. Activists assert that the lands targeted include significant tribal territories, highlighting that these are not “excess acres” but key ancestral lands.
Amodei defended the late-night passage, stressing it as a necessary step in addressing Nevada’s housing crisis. As the debate continues, both supporters and opponents remain locked in an escalating clash over Nevada’s public lands and future development priorities.
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