But Don't Pop the Champagne Yet
Last night the Senate parliamentarian quietly scratched a clause that would have ordered the Forest Service and BLM to auction off up to 0.75% of their holdings—about 3.3 million acres—over the next few years.
The sell-off map released by Outdoor Alliance shows how sweeping that threat was, from Oregon's Deschutes to Colorado's high sage and Utah's redrock.
The same budget bill (H.R. 1) still contains mandatory leasing language that could fundamentally change how our public lands are managed:
What's Still in the Bill
| Section | What it does | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| §80101 | Quarterly on-shore auctions; ≥50% of nominated parcels must go up for bid | Handcuffs land managers, forcing them to lease before they finish wildlife or water studies |
| §80171 | 30 Gulf of Mexico lease sales running to 2040 | Locks the Gulf into 2020-level safeguards, ignoring newer science |
| §§80213-80215 | Shortens or waives NEPA public-comment periods | Communities lose their only formal chance to weigh in |
This bill guts public review and gifts leases to the lowest bidder.
— Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01)
What Was Removed—And Could Come Back
Lee Amendment: Forced land sales up to 3.3 million acres, exempted Montana after Sen. Steve Daines balked.
Status: Ruled non-germane under the Byrd Rule; Lee says he'll re-introduce it as standalone legislation.
The amendment would have required the federal government to sell public lands to offset other spending—treating America's natural heritage as a budget line item rather than a generational trust.
The Broader Context
This isn't just about one bill. It's part of a larger pattern where public lands become political footballs, tossed around to satisfy various constituencies without considering the long-term consequences for:
- Wildlife habitat preservation
- Water resource protection
- Recreational access for all Americans
- Climate resilience
- Indigenous sacred sites
The Stakes Are Real
Public lands represent more than just acreage—they're the foundation of a $887 billion outdoor recreation economy that supports 5.2 million American jobs. When we talk about "selling off" public lands, we're not just talking about dirt and trees; we're talking about the economic lifeblood of rural communities across the West.
What You Can Do
- Stay Informed: Follow organizations like Outdoor Alliance, The Wilderness Society, and your state's public lands coalition
- Contact Your Representatives: Let them know you oppose mandatory leasing and expedited permitting that cuts public input
- Support Local Conservation: Join advocacy efforts in your community to protect specific parcels under threat
- Vote: Public lands policy is on the ballot in every election—make it a priority
The fight for America's public lands is far from over. While the parliamentarian's ruling on the Lee Amendment is a win, the mandatory leasing provisions in H.R. 1 still pose a serious threat to how our public lands are managed for future generations.
The question isn't whether we'll use public lands for energy development—we will. The question is whether we'll do so thoughtfully, with adequate environmental review and public input, or rush headlong into decisions that can't be undone.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as the budget reconciliation process continues.