Just weeks after a wave of backlash prompted the House to remove a provision mandating the sale of public lands from its budget proposal, the U.S. Senate has revived the idea, this time with an even larger footprint.
The latest Senate budget reconciliation proposal includes a provision to sell off more than 2 million acres of federal public land. That’s considerably more than the House’s initial proposal. While no specific parcels have been identified, the intent is clear – and the threat is real. Our position remains the same as it was in our May 9 statement on the House proposal: Public lands are a public trust investment and budget reconciliation is not the place to consider their fate .
First, selling public lands through budget reconciliation bypasses key public engagement opportunities and could result in decisions that do not serve the public interest.
Second, land sales through reconciliation would likely direct sale dollars to the federal Treasury, rather than reinvesting in programs that sustain wildlife, habitats and recreational opportunities. Federal lands are a public trust investment, not a resource for general budgetary offsets.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, sales could include lands that are vital to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, particularly in rural areas. Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and public land pursuits are deeply ingrained in our cultural heritage and are a significant driver for rural economies.
In response, RGS & AWS joined 43 other hunting, fishing and conservation groups in sending a letter late last week to Senate leadership, urging them to remove this dangerous provision. Read the letter here.
Selling off our shared lands for short-term financial gain isn’t just bad policy, it’s a direct threat to public access and long-term conservation. Once these lands are gone, they’re gone for good.
We stand with our partners and every American who believes that our public lands should remain in public hands.
Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your delegates’ offices. Or email your senators or representatives right now.
