ACTION ALERT
Stop the Largest Loss of Public Lands in Modern History
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has inserted language into the Senate budget package that would trigger the largest loss of public land in modern history. The bill mandates the sale of 250+million acres of Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands across the West, with over 10 million acres now eligible for sale in California alone. This land will be sold, full stop - with no requirement for public input, environmental review, or tribal consultation.
The timeline is rushed - Republican leaders want to pass this through budget reconciliation within weeks with no hearings, debate, or public input. Add your name to the letter below and call your Senators and House Representatives by July 2nd. Each call and letter helps establish what we truly expect from our elected officials.
We fought these amendments in the house version and won, no let's do it again. Act now to keep public lands in public hands.
Text of letter:
I am writing to express my strong opposition to any proposal that would allow the sale of America's public lands to fund tax cuts or to reduce the deficit. As your constituent and someone who values access to our natural landscapes, wildlife, and clean water, I urge you to reject any such measures that may arise during the budget reconciliation process.
I understand the challenges of balancing the federal budget, but I believe strongly that sacrificing public lands is not an acceptable solution. Public lands are not disposable assets to be liquidated for short-term financial gain. They are long-term investments in our national well-being that pay dividends in multiple economic and social sectors. Outdoor recreation and tourism, public health, quality of life, and sustainable economic growth for local communities.
Not all states can afford the management of public lands,which creates an opening for private entities to purchase our public assets without proper management or protection requirements. Once privatized, the American people lose these benefits forever.
I am deeply concerned to learn that after public land sell-offs were removed from the House Reconciliation Bill, that Senators are suggesting to add similar amendments that require a minimum amount of public lands to be sold.
I expect our elected officials to listen to all constituents and act in the best interest of the collective. 85% of American voters want the federal government to strengthen the protection of our public landscapes, not dismantle them.
As your constituent, I ask you to oppose any attempts to sell public lands to pay for tax cuts, we did not stand for it in the House Reconciliation Bill and we will not stand for it in the Senate Reconciliation Bill.