The Senate is poised to vote on the controversial Big Beautiful bill by July 4, which would authorize the sale of up to three million acres of public land in 11 western states. The bill, introduced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), targets National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands while exempting national parks. Supporters argue it could support housing and generate revenue, while opponents warn it threatens access and environmental protections. Community groups and conservationists are particularly alarmed at the potential loss of public land and access for recreational use.
The bill allows any interested party to purchase land, which critics say opens the door to wealthy individuals and corporations at the expense of public access.
Conservationists and community groups see it as a major threat to public access, environmental protections, and wildfire management, fearing that once sold, the land will be lost forever.
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