GOP Plan to Sell Federal Lands Violates Senate Rules
The Senate parliamentarian has blocked a Republican plan to sell over 3,200 square miles of federal land, a proposal by Senator Mike Lee intended to generate revenue and spur development by transferring public lands to states or other entities. This plan faced opposition from within the Republican party, as well as Democrats and environmental groups, who argue it would harm clean water, wildlife, and public recreation. Senator Lee plans to revise the proposal, potentially limiting sales to land near population centers. The proposal and its opposition highlight a continued debate over the control and use of public lands in the West.
John Q. Hosedrinker