Idaho senators push back on federal land sale

Idaho Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo have publicly opposed a provision in the "Big Beautiful Bill" that would mandate selling up to 3 million acres of federal land. This is significant as it is the first time the two Republican senators have commented on the issue, which was proposed by Senator Mike Lee from Utah. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy also voiced their opposition to the large-scale liquidation of federal land, further complicating the proposal's chances in the Senate. Michael Carroll of the Wilderness Society pointed out that if these senators remain opposed, it will be difficult to keep the land sale provision in the final bill. A coalition of various stakeholders, from conservation groups to hunting organizations, is mobilizing against the provision, highlighting its broad opposition.

Aaron Lieberman, representing the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, indicated that local sentiment strongly favors retaining public access to federal lands. The Wilderness Society has mapped over 250 million acres of land across the West that could be affected by this proposal. The ongoing discussion reflects significant public concern about the potential impacts on recreation and local economies tied to public lands.