Senator Mike Lee’s attempt to sell off millions of acres of public lands just hit a major roadblock.
The Senate Parliamentarian (or “referee” of the budget bill process) ruled that his selloff schemes don’t belong in the budget bill. But opposition was already overwhelming with thousands of CalWild supporters and activists across the country demanding that Congress reject this reckless plan. Their voices made a difference: even some Republican senators and Republican members of the House including Rep. Kiley of California distanced themselves from the proposal before it was blocked.
But Sen. Lee says he’s “just getting started” and will pursue his selloff schemes through other bills. With so many threats to our environment included in the budget measure, future bills in Congress, and from Pres. Trump through administrative actions, places loved by millions across California are not safe yet.
“CalWild supporters—and most Californians—know what Mike Lee doesn’t: public lands are our greatest equalizer and one of our deepest loves,” said Mark Green of CalWild. “These lands unite people across income, race, and background. Selling them off would destroy a way of life. We’re proud that public outcry helped stop this attack—and we’re just getting started too.”
Almost half of California is federal public land. These forests, deserts, and rangelands provide clean water, protect wildlife, power local economies, and give everyone a place to explore and belong. But the threat isn’t over.
National public lands are still at risk, and the same budget bill contains oil and gas leasing mandates that endanger our climate and landscapes.
Our public lands aren’t for sale. CalWild will keep fighting to ensure it stays that way.
