Congress could sell off 14 million acres of public land in Colorado

The Trump administration's budget proposal could lead to the sale of over 14 million acres of federal public land in Colorado. This plan threatens some of the state's most cherished outdoor spaces, including sections of national forests and key hiking trails. The U. S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management would sell up to 3.

3 million acres for housing development, focusing on lands near roads but outside protected areas. Colorado's Sen. John Hickenlooper criticized the lack of Democratic input on the committee managing this proposal. Revenue from these sales could reach $10 billion over the next decade, with minimal funds directed to local governments. A recent report suggests that less than 2% of public lands near housing-demand areas are suitable for development, complicating the project's feasibility.

After ten years, the restrictions on land use would be lifted, allowing for unrestricted development. The Senate has until July 4 to vote on the budget reconciliation bill that includes this contentious provision.