A provision in the Congressional Republicans budget bill, better known as the "one big, beautiful bill" could force the federal government to sell over three million acres of public lands across western states.
Utah Senator Mike Lee, who made the land sale proposal, says these public lands are underused and that selling them would lead to their better management and more housing opportunities. Colorado Democrats in Washington disagree. Jason Crow of Colorado's 6th Congressional District says that the sale of these lands would mainly benefit wealthy corporations.
JC: You know, Coloradans know, and westerners know, that one of our greatest legacies and one of our greatest resources are public lands. And it doesn't matter what political affiliation you are, it doesn't matter your background, your race, your creed. You know, we all enjoy these lands, and they’re our lands. And the idea that we're going to sell those off, that the Trump administration is going to sell these lands off, to help pay for tax breaks to billionaires and corporations- a one time, one time tax break, is just beyond the pale.
Representative Neguse and Senator Bennet echoed this sentiment in joint statement saying, in part, "the prioritization of tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations is an affront to our core values."
Representative Brittany Pettersen of Colorado's 2nd District voiced her worries that the bill could do sweeping damage to rural area’s economies.
BP [fade in]: understand what is happening, what the, what stakes we have in this fight, and, what they're attempting to do in the Senate. That would really be devastating to Coloradans and our economy. When I think about the rural parts of my district and how much of their economy relies on tourism, this would absolutely devastate these local communities if they're forced to sell off, which is exactly what this, this proposal, what is being discussed would do.
Sarah Shrader, a business owner in Grand Junction, remembers a time when extractive industries were the driving force behind Colorado's economy.
SS: Many of you know that our nation's rural areas have had a legacy of struggle. Rural economies often depend on one industry, and if that industry suffers economically, the entire community is left without a backup plan. Until recently, extraction has been the primary economic driver in the Grand Valley. And like so many, so many other rural communities, we suffered a long and unsteady economic history following the booms and busts of this industry that were beyond our control.
Mesa County is 74% public lands. Schrader went on to say that in the decade since Mesa County shifted towards outdoor recreation, their community has grown and attracted new businesses and families.
The outdoor industry contributes over $300 million to their local economy and provides 11% of local jobs.
Front Range Representative Joe Neguse noted that Senator Lee has support from other Republican lawmakers, particularly in Montana, and that Coloradans should make themselves heard if they oppose the sale of public lands.
This is an ongoing story that KDNK will continue to cover.
