UPDATE: Public Lands Sell-off Language Removed (for now)
- Josefina Barrantes
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 25
On Monday, the Senate Parliamentarian ruled that the public land sell-off plan inserted by Utah Senator Lee into the budget reconciliation bill does not meet the criteria necessary for inclusion in the bill. That means the bill will require 60 Senators’ votes instead of a simple majority.
This is a major step forward in our fight to protect public lands, but make no mistake – the threat is far from over. Proponents of land selloff (such as Senator Lee) have promised to rework their plan and bring it back. It has been reported that he will present a new proposal to the parliamentarians this week.
Senator Lee has ominously said, “We are just getting started.” Lee’s updated language would potentially: “only” sell off BLM lands, within 5 miles of population centers; and create “Freedom Zones”. This just means it’s even more likely that people’s favorite hiking trails or fishing spots close to town are going to get sold to luxury developers.
Americans have made it overwhelmingly clear that they do not want to see the places they love sold off to the highest bidder – and our voices are making a difference! We cannot let up the pressure to defend public lands and ensure they remain thriving.
Senator Lee and his allies are going to keep trying to insert the selloff in other venues (such as the appropriations committee). In addition to this, the Trump administration is pursuing options to make extraction easier on our public lands, such as revoking the Roadless Rule.
The Senate leadership is continuing to push for a floor vote this weekend, to allow time for the bill to go back to the House and pass before July 4th. We could see votes on amendments, including ones to protect public lands, as soon as Thursday.
Call to Action: Make sure your Representatives know we're not out of the woods. Urge them to reject any follow-up language to sell off public lands.
You can call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to reach the offices of the U.S. Senators and Representatives.
Find who your Representatives and Senators are HERE.
If you use social media, please consider commenting on the pages of your Representatives and Senators, and tell them to protect our public lands!
Thank you for your continued advocacy and pressure! It’s working!
Read our past posts about this issue below:
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