Press Release: Local Leaders Rally Against Land Sale Proposal
Reno, NV – In a press conference held Thursday, over a dozen elected officials, tribal leaders, and activists united to denounce U.S. Representatives Mark Amodei (NV) and Celeste Maloy (UT) over a controversial amendment aimed at selling nearly 450,000 acres of public land in Nevada and 10,000 acres near St. George, Utah. The amendment, included in an energy-related budget bill by the Natural Resources Committee, is touted by Republicans as a means to generate $18 billion in revenue.
Russell Kuhlman, executive director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation, emphasized the need for public consultation on land sales, expressing deep concern for safeguarding public lands. Native American leaders echoed these sentiments, raising issues regarding Indigenous sovereignty. Additionally, critics pointed out that the proposal fails to address ongoing infrastructure and water shortages in a drought-stricken region.
Kyle Roerink, head of the Great Basin Water Network, highlighted the implications of further consuming Nevada’s scarce water resources. In contrast, Amodei described the project as a "first step" towards responsible development.
The amendment awaits a full House vote, igniting ongoing discussions regarding the future of public land management in the region.
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