House Republicans approved a provision Wednesday that would permit the sale of federal land in Nevada and Utah, advancing it through a House Natural Resources Committee markup. The measure, part of a broader GOP budget reconciliation package, is aimed at boosting fossil fuel production and development on public lands. The vote passed 26–17, with one Democrat joining Republicans.
Newsweek reached out to the House Committee on Natural Resources for comment.
Why It Matters
The move could reshape how public land is managed in two Western states where population growth and housing demand have clashed with federal land ownership. Republican lawmakers say the measure allows for greater local control and development opportunities. However, Democrats warn the plan bypasses local voices and could set a precedent for removing land protections without consensus.
What to Know
Representatives Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) and Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) introduced the provision as part of the committee’s markup. They argued that large swaths of federally owned land have limited housing and infrastructure expansion in both states. Amodei noted that Nevada cities are surrounded by public lands that must be released by Congress before they can be developed.
Maloy said the federal government’s control over land in Utah has made it harder for local governments to meet housing demand. She said that selling land to local authorities would promote development and natural resource access, while also generating federal revenue through leases and fees.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the provision as a “last-minute” amendment with limited transparency. Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) accused Amodei of bypassing his fellow Nevada lawmakers, noting that Representatives Steven Horsford, Susie Lee, and Dina Titus were informed only via text. Neguse said the inclusion of Clark County, which Amodei doesn’t represent, was a “slippery slope.”
In March, HUD Secretary Scott Turner and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said their agencies were working together to find developable land independent of the GOP-led proposal.
The committee approved the amendment by a 26–17 vote. Representative Adam Gray (D-Calif.) broke ranks with his party and voted with Republicans. The measure now moves forward as part of the larger budget package.
What People Are Saying
Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) House Natural Resources Committee markup:
“Nevada population centers are all encumbered by federal land that can’t meet their housing and development needs without disposal of federal lands.”
Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) at the House Natural Resources Committee markup: “The underlying bill…generates revenue from numerous federal assets…all of which will bring revenue to the Treasury for debt and deficit reduction.”
Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) at the House Natural Resources Committee: “I would think at a minimum, Mr. Amodei, that you would do your colleagues in Nevada the courtesy of at least striking that language regarding Clark County, engage with your three other colleagues before this gets to the floor, and then have a conversation with them, but to basically say to them that they have no say as to what happens with respect to land conveyances in their congressional districts, I think the slippery slope.”
What Happens Next
The measure will be folded into the full reconciliation package for a floor vote. Democrats are expected to continue challenging the provision, especially over concerns about process and local representation.
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