Fact Check: The proposed sale of public lands would impact 11 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Fact Check: "The proposed sale of public lands would impact 11 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming."

What We Know

The claim that the proposed sale of public lands would impact 11 states is supported by multiple sources. According to a draft legislative text from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the proposal requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service to sell between 2.2 million and 3.3 million acres of public lands over the next five years. The states affected by this proposal are indeed Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming (New York Times, Washington Post, Outside Online).

The legislation aims to generate revenue for housing development and community needs, with estimates suggesting it could raise between $5 billion and $10 billion (Washington Post, The Hill). The draft specifically excludes national parks and other protected areas from being sold (New York Times).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple reputable news outlets confirming the details of the proposed legislation. The New York Times and Washington Post, both established and credible sources, report that the proposal includes specific provisions for land sales in the mentioned states (New York Times, Washington Post).

Critics of the proposal, including conservationists and some lawmakers, have expressed concerns that the sale could lead to a loss of public access to these lands and may not effectively address housing shortages as claimed (New York Times, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership). This criticism adds a layer of complexity to the discussion but does not negate the factual accuracy of the claim regarding the states affected.

The sources used in this analysis are credible and provide a balanced view of the situation. They include major news organizations and conservation groups, which are generally reliable in their reporting and advocacy.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the proposed sale of public lands would impact 11 states—Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming—is accurate based on the legislative proposals currently being discussed in the Senate. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms the details of the proposal, including the specific states involved.

Sources

1. A G.O.P. Plan to Sell Public Land Is Back. This ... - The New York Times
2. Senate GOP plan would sell millions of acres of Western public land - The Washington Post
3. There's a New Plan to Sell Off Public Lands. It Would Impact Millions ... - Outside Online
4. Millions of acres of public land in Colorado, other Western states ... - Colorado Public Radio
5. TRCP Opposes Mandatory Sale of Public Lands in Senate Budget ... - Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
6. Senate Republicans eye public land sales in 'big, beautiful bill' - The Hill
7. Proposed Sale of Public Lands Raises Alarm Among Hunters and Anglers - iSportsman USA
8. Here's The 120 Million Acres Of Public Land Republicans ... - Wessiler Substack