📌 Breaking Federal Lands News
In a major update in federal lands news, House Republicans have approved an amendment that would allow the sale of federal public lands in Nevada and Utah. The amendment, passed late Tuesday by the House Natural Resources Committee, marks a significant shift in federal land policy.
These lands—mostly owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service—are now at the center of a heated political debate.
🏘️ Why Sell Federal Lands?
The amendment is designed to:
-
Support affordable housing in fast-growing cities like Las Vegas, Reno, and St. George
-
Ease land-use restrictions for economic growth
-
Open opportunities for infrastructure and transportation projects
🗣️ Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), who introduced the amendment, explained that about 10,000 acres in her district are included in the plan.
“Federal ownership limits our ability to grow and build,” Maloy stated.
She also mentioned that this land sale involves less than 0.3% of Utah’s federal land.
🌿 Environmentalists Sound the Alarm
Critics argue that this plan could set a dangerous precedent.
🗣️ Tracy Stone-Manning, former BLM director and head of the Wilderness Society, warned:
“Congress is considering selling off our public lands to fund tax breaks for the wealthy.”
Environmental groups fear the amendment could lead to more public land being transferred to private developers or energy companies, especially after a leaked Interior Department document suggested plans for broader land releases.
🏞️ GOP Defends Federal Land Transfers
Not all conservatives agree with wholesale land transfers.
🗣️ Casey Hammond, a former acting BLM director under Trump, said:
“These are limited, local efforts—not a federal land giveaway.”
He emphasized that the last Republican administration dropped the idea of full-scale land transfers because federal management was still effective.
🗳️ What's Next in the Federal Lands Sale Debate?
Although the amendment passed the committee stage, it still needs to clear a full House vote. With opposition from Democrats and environmentalists, the outcome remains uncertain.
This federal lands news update continues to evolve, and more developments are expected in the coming weeks.
