One Big Beautiful Bill Advances Without Public Land Sale Provision

A proposal to sell up to 1.2 million acres of federal public land has been officially dropped from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), who led the effort, announced Saturday that the measure would be withdrawn. His original proposal to sell 3.3 million acres was scaled back after a Senate parliamentarian ruling. The final version called for selling 600,000 to 1.2 million acres, but concerns over a lack of safeguards against foreign buyers led to its removal.

What Was the Goal?

The provision aimed to boost local development and economic activity by selling underused federal land, primarily in the West, for agriculture, housing, or energy. Supporters saw it as a pro-growth move, while critics warned it could limit public access and invite foreign ownership of strategic lands.

WY It Matters

Wyoming contains more than 30 million acres of federally managed land—nearly half the state. Any changes to how this land is owned or managed could significantly affect the state’s economy, workforce, and communities.

Although the proposal to sell federal land was removed from the bill, it underscores the ongoing conversation about how best to balance conservation with economic development. In land-constrained areas like Jackson WY, access to nearby federal land can play a key role in addressing housing shortages and infrastructure needs. Even modest policy shifts could create new opportunities while supporting Wyoming’s long-standing commitment to responsible land stewardship.