Press Release: Public Lands Threatened by Proposed Sale in Senate Budget Bill
In a controversial move, over 250 million acres of public lands could be up for sale if the President’s budget reconciliation bill, dubbed the "big, beautiful bill," passes. Created by The Wilderness Society, an interactive map details significant locations, including Kiva Beach and Fallen Leaf Lake, that may be affected.
This proposal, scrutinized during a recent panel discussion featuring Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada, aims to address funding by selling public lands. While the House of Representatives removed public land sales from its version of the bill after public outcry, the Senate version reintroduces this contentious measure. Notably, 33.5 million acres in Nevada and 10.1 million in California fall within the scope of potential sales.
The bill mandates that .5 to .75 percent of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) lands across eleven western states, equating to around 3.3 million acres, could be sold rapidly— raising concerns over environmental impacts, including threats to endangered species and increased fire risk.
Congressman Kevin Kiley emphasizes the importance of local governance in public land management. He remarked, “Policies need to benefit the people we represent,” reinforcing the call for community involvement in decisions regarding land use.
Moreover, local businesses that thrive on public access could suffer, highlighting the economic stakes involved. Many of California’s jobs rely on recreational access to public lands.
As grassroots efforts intensify, residents are encouraged to voice their opposition to the bill, promoting the message that “public land is NOT for sale.” As this situation develops, the future of public lands hangs in the balance, underscoring the critical need for civic engagement.
For more details and resources, visit The Wilderness Society’s interactive map and learn how to get involved.
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Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
