The Trump administration’s budget bill has sparked concern over the potential sale of millions of acres of public lands, including 5 million acres in Washington State. The proposal aims to offset tax cuts and has drawn criticism from various quarters.
“Once these public lands are sold they’re gone forever and that’s something most Americans should care about,” Tristan Henry from the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership stated.
The bill, if passed, would allow states and tribes the first opportunity to purchase these lands.
“Why in the world would we allow the federal government to maintain control of state lands within our state, when we would have the opportunity to have that control locally?” Phil Fortunato of Washington’s 31st Legislative District, said.
Opponents of the bill are worried about potential commercial development and resource extraction on lands previously under protection. Rachel Martin, a Forest Service cabin owner, expressed her concerns.
“Think that public lands are set aside to be our national treasures, and I don’t think that that should be in a budget bill,” Martin said.
The bill has already passed the Senate and is currently moving through Congress. If approved, it will proceed to the president’s desk for a signature.
“The president is very proud of the big beautiful bill — heads to his desk as quickly as possible,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated.
