Republicans to Pay for Trump Tax Cuts with Sales of Public Land/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ House Republicans added a provision to their tax bill that would authorize the sale of thousands of acres of public land in Nevada and Utah. Environmental groups and Democrats condemned the move, warning it opens the door to increased drilling, mining, and logging. The proposal is part of a broader legislative package driven by House GOP leadership.
Public Lands Proposal Quick Looks
- Land Sales Added: GOP provision would authorize sale of public lands in Nevada and Utah.
- Bill Sponsors: Reps. Mark Amodei (NV) and Celeste Maloy (UT).
- Opposition: Democrats and environmental groups call it reckless and dangerous.
- Resources Committee Vote: Passed 26–17 along party lines.
- Royalty Cuts: Fossil fuel royalty rates slashed; coal royalties drop from 12.5% to 7%.
- Broader Package: Land provision is part of Trump-backed tax, spending, and immigration bill.
- Affordable Housing Element: Some land could be used for housing, but details remain vague.
- Industry Mandates: Requires oil, gas, and coal leasing on public lands, including Arctic refuge.
- Zinke’s Opposition: Rep. Ryan Zinke vows continued rejection of public land sell-offs.
- Conservationists Alarmed: Groups say the move sacrifices public land for corporate interests.
Deep Look: House GOP Advances Plan to Sell Public Lands in West as Part of Sweeping Tax Bill
House Republicans have inserted a controversial new provision into their tax reform package that would authorize the sale of thousands of acres of federal public land in Nevada and Utah, intensifying concerns among Democrats and environmental groups about the future of the American West’s public spaces.
The measure, championed by Reps. Mark Amodei (R-NV) and Celeste Maloy (R-UT), was approved early Wednesday by the House Natural Resources Committee as part of a larger GOP-led legislative effort to cut taxes, expand fossil fuel development, and limit immigration. The package is being crafted under the guidance of House Speaker Mike Johnson, with an aim to pass the bill by Memorial Day.
Outcry from Environmental Advocates and Democrats
Opponents warn that the land sale provision would facilitate increased drilling, mining, and logging on federally protected lands, and represent a rollback of environmental protections in favor of corporate interests.
“Public lands shouldn’t have a price tag,” said Athan Manuel, director of the Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program. “This is nothing more than a handout to corporate polluters at the expense of future generations.”
Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) called the proposal “deeply irresponsible,” adding that it threatens the public’s access to treasured landscapes and undermines decades of conservation progress.
The measure allows for some of the land to be evaluated for affordable housing projects, but critics argue this component is being used to greenwash a larger deregulatory agenda. Federal housing and interior officials have not yet released further details on how land would be selected or managed.
Drilling, Mining, and Leasing Accelerated
The broader bill includes language to speed up government approvals for energy projects on public lands and lower royalty rates paid by oil, gas, and coal companies. Royalty rates on public land oil and gas leases would fall from 16.7% to 12.5%, while coal royalties would drop from 12.5% to just 7%.
The legislation also mandates:
- Four oil and gas lease sales in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge over the next decade.
- Availability of 6,250 square miles of public lands for coal leasing—an area larger than the state of Connecticut.
Supporters argue that lower royalty rates and increased lease availability will spur economic development and offset lost revenue through increased energy production. But energy market analysts remain skeptical, citing the declining demand for coal and rising dominance of renewable energy.
Zinke, Vasquez Launch Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus
Even some Republicans balked at the land sales. Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), a former Interior Secretary under President Trump, sharply opposed the plan.
“It’s a no now. It will be a no later. It will be a no forever,” Zinke said.
Zinke, along with Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), is launching a new bipartisan Public Lands Caucus aimed at protecting access to federal lands and resisting broad privatization efforts. The caucus formally launches just hours after the Natural Resources Committee’s vote.
Political and Environmental Ramifications
The land sale and fossil fuel expansion proposal is being tied to a broader tax-and-spending package supported by President Donald Trump and Republican leadership. Democrats say it risks irreversible environmental damage and violates the principle that public lands belong to all Americans.
Drew McConville, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, called the measure “a historic sellout of U.S. lands and waters.” He warned it could have generational consequences if passed.
“This dark-of-night maneuver shows how shamelessly focused congressional Republicans are on sacrificing public benefits to pay for Trump’s reckless tax cuts,” McConville said.
Affordable Housing Angle Remains Unclear
In March, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and HUD Secretary Scott Turner suggested using “underutilized” federal lands for housing development. With a projected shortage of 7 million homes, the proposal could help ease the crisis—but as yet, no formal implementation plans have been shared.
While the concept aligns with past efforts under the Biden administration to use public lands for affordable housing, the scale and intent under the GOP proposal appear far broader—and more controversial.
As the legislation advances to the House floor and eventually the Senate, the future of the West’s public lands—and the legacy of American conservation—hangs in the balance.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.