Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** Despite opposition, Lee remains determined to sell off public lands
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Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Utah Senator Mike Lee. Photo by Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons ([link removed])

Utah Senator Mike Lee is determined to get public land sales in the federal budget reconciliation bill despite widespread backlash from communities ([link removed]) , hunters ([link removed]) , ranchers ([link removed]) , and members ([link removed]) of his own party.

On Monday, the Senate Parliamentarian—a nonpartisan advisor who ensures parliamentary procedures and rules are being followed—ruled out Lee's original plan to sell off up to 3.2 million acres of U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land across the West.

Instead of accepting the ruling, Lee said ([link removed]) he is working on a revised plan. Though he has not officially released an updated proposal, Lee said ([link removed]) U.S. Forest Service land will no longer be included. BLM land within 5 miles of “population centers” will still be eligible, even though a majority of national public lands near communities are at greater risk ([link removed]) of wildfire.

“Western voters have made it clear time and again that they want to protect public lands and they do not support selling America’s public lands to private developers," said ([link removed]) Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala. “If Senator Lee or his anti-public lands allies try to bring it back in any form, they will discover the backlash is just as severe.”


** Quick hits
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Lee working on revisions to keep public land sales in budget mega-bill

Associated Press ([link removed]) | NPR ([link removed]) | PBS News ([link removed]) | Outdoor Life ([link removed]) | Inside Climate News ([link removed]) | Los Angeles Times ([link removed]) | KSL ([link removed]) | E&E News
([link removed]) | Source NM ([link removed]) | Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed]) | WyoFile ([link removed])

Column: Mike Lee flails as his public land sale triggers firestorm

Public Domain ([link removed])

Teton County wants same federal land sale exemption Montana got

Cowboy State Daily ([link removed])

Trump bid to repeal forest protections faces hurdles

E&E News ([link removed])

Opinion: Public land—land of the free—defines Wyoming

WyoFile ([link removed])

Daines and Sheehy 'aligned' in opposition to public lands sale in Senate budget bill

Flathead Beacon ([link removed])

Millions of acres of Colorado forest under threat after Trump reverses longstanding roadless rule

Colorado Sun ([link removed])

Rinella: Will Trump keep public lands in public hands?

The Free Press ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” I’m proud to say I’ve worn out two compasses, something that never could have happened behind the Midwest’s fences.”

—Chris Madson, wildlife biologist at The Wildlife Society and longtime Wyoming resident, WyoFile ([link removed])


** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
Me reaching for a glass of water on my nightstand at 2 AM.

So thirsty! When out and about on public lands this summer, stay hydrated and drink BEFORE you feel thirsty. Take breaks in the shade, drink electrolytes and make sure to carry enough water for the duration of your trip.

Photo by Lori Rothstein

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