Sen. Mike Lee’s proposal in the Budget Reconciliation Bill mandates the sale of 2.5 to 3 million acres of “underused” federal public land near cities in 11 western states for “affordable housing.” But this plan is deeply flawed.
First, these lands are not “underused.” Every day, people hike, fish, camp, paddle, bike, jeep and explore them. They are vital recreational spaces. Second, these parcels are among the most expensive real estate in the country. Selling them at market value — required under Lee’s proposal — makes them financially inaccessible for truly affordable housing projects. Only developers and wealthy buyers would benefit.
There is already a legal process for selling federal land under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 that allows for land disposal if it serves important public purposes like community expansion and economic development — criteria that prioritize public interest, not private profits.
Federal lands form the backbone of the West’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributes $1.2 trillion nationally, 2.5% of the U.S. GDP, supports 5.2 million jobs, and makes up 3.1% of employment.
Utah leads the nation in outdoor recreation growth, averaging 8.4% annually since 2012. In 2023 alone, Utah’s outdoor recreation economy contributed $9.5 billion in value-added output, supported nearly 72,000 jobs, and generated $4.3 billion in wages.
As Jason Curry, director of Utah’s Division of Outdoor Recreation, notes, “outdoor recreation is a key contributor to Utah’s economy.”
If you use public lands, run a small business that relies on them, or work in tourism, retail, or outdoor gear, contact Sens. Lee and Curtis. Tell them that public land sell-offs — no matter what they’re called — have no place in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Carey Dabney, Moab
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