Sen. Mike Lee wants the sell-off back in the “Big Beautiful Bill” — here’s how to stop it
Yesterday, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) told E&E News he will introduce an amendment to revive the provision that would order the Bureau of Land Management to auction off more than 460,000 acres in Utah and Nevada — language stripped out of the House version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” just two weeks ago.
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What happened in the House?
A bipartisan coalition narrowly succeeded in removing the land-sale section before the bill squeaked through the House 215-214. Former Interior Secretary Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) led that fight, warning that “once public land is gone, it’s gone forever.”
Why the Senate fight matters
Because the bill is advancing under budget-reconciliation rules, the Senate needs only 50 votes. If Lee’s amendment is adopted, the House will have to vote on the sell-off all over again. That makes the Senate the critical firewall.
Supporters vs. Opponents
| In favor of reinstating sales | Publicly opposed to sales |
|---|---|
| Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) | Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) & Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) |
| Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT), Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) |
Outdoor advocates flipped the House once; we can do it again — but only if Senators hear from us now.
What’s at risk?
Here’s why we need to stop this public land steal:
- Recreation access: The targeted tracts include prime hunting corridors, climbing crags, and backcountry trailheads near Zion and Grand Staircase. Once privatized, gates and “No Trespassing” signs follow.
Wildlife habitat: Selling isolated BLM parcels fragments mule-deer, pronghorn, and sage-grouse habitat already stressed by drought and development.
Dangerous precedent: Using land sales to “pay for” permanent tax cuts normalizes disposal as a budget gimmick. Future congresses could turn to your local trail network next.
Public lands belong to all Americans. They anchor rural economies, safeguard clean water, and offer the very experiences that inspire our community — from Colorado 14ers to Utah’s red-rock canyons. Liquidating them for short-term revenue betrays that legacy and undermines long-held bipartisan norms. It’s fiscally shortsighted and environmentally irreversible.
How you can help — today
First, call your two U.S. Senators (Look them up here)
Sample script:
“My name is ___, I’m a constituent and an avid public-lands user. Please oppose any amendment that revives public-land sales in the budget reconciliation bill. Once these places are sold, they’re lost forever.”
Second, send email and snail-mail follow-up: Offices track constituent contacts by volume and by medium. A stamped letter still carries weight. Including personal stories makes it even more powerful.
Third, spread the word: Share this article, post on social, and tag #KeepItPublic.
Fourth, stay engaged: Sign up for The Next Summit alerts; we’ll issue updates as the bill moves.
Now is the time to stop the sale of 500,000 acres of public lands
Public lands are our shared heritage. Let’s make sure the Senate, House, and White House hear — loud and clear — that America’s great outdoors is not for sale.
