House Republicans have approved an amendment allowing the sale of federal public land in Nevada and Utah, states where the federal government owns significant land. The amendment aims to address issues related to federal land control by facilitating land sales for affordable housing projects in areas like Las Vegas, Reno, and St. George. Representative Celeste Maloy highlighted the challenges posed by the high percentage of federal lands in her district, affecting local economic development and resource management. The amendment, which includes about 10,000 acres across sixty parcels in Utah, has raised concerns among Democrats and environmentalists who view it as part of a broader agenda to transfer federal lands to private entities.

Critics argue that the proposed land sales could lead to the privatization of public lands and favor wealthy interests over conservation. Tracy Stone-Manning, former BLM head under the Biden administration, warns against selling off public lands for tax cuts, emphasizing the need for balance in land management decisions. While environmentalists fear a wholesale transfer of federal lands, proponents like Casey Hammond, a former BLM official, defend the limited transfers as locally supported initiatives that ensure effective federal land management.

The amendment’s approval by the House Natural Resources committee sets the stage for a full House vote, indicating ongoing debates over the future of federal land management and potential implications for conservation, development, and public access. The amendment’s impact on federal land policy in Nevada and Utah remains a contentious issue, reflecting broader tensions between conservation efforts and economic development priorities.