The recent proposal by Senator Mike Lee to mandate the sale of over 3,125 square miles of federal public land has stirred varied responses from governors in the Western U.S. During a summit, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed concerns about the deep communal ties residents have with these lands, asserting selling them without proper consideration for local needs is troubling. The Interior Department's support for land utilization for economic growth is countered by protesters advocating to preserve public lands for future generations, illustrating the debate between development and conservation.
"I'm open to the idea, except here. Our public lands, we have a very strong relationship with the openness, and they belong to all of us."
"Selling that to the private sector without a process, without putting New Mexicans first, is, for at least for me as a governor, going to be problematic."
"This land belongs to you and me and keep our public land free for future generations."
"We can actually allow for development on a piece-by-piece basis where states have the opportunity to craft policies that make sense."
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