Sen. Cantwell press release on proposed sale of public lands

Senate Republicans are set to push a bill that could enable the sale of up to 250 million acres of public land across 11 western states, with an initial requirement to sell 2-3 million acres to fund tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. Senator Maria Cantwell expressed strong opposition, stating that 5. 35 million acres in Washington state would be eligible for sale, including millions of acres managed by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. She warned that such sales could severely harm the state's $22 billion outdoor recreation economy and threaten over 200,000 jobs. Cantwell described the proposal as a move to benefit wealthy individuals at the expense of average Americans, potentially restricting access to cherished public lands.

The legislation could put "No Trespassing" signs at popular outdoor spots, impacting the $1. 2 trillion recreation economy nationwide. She called for voices from both parties to defend public lands for future generations. A snapshot report detailing the proposal's potential impacts on Washington's outdoor areas is available for more information. The stakes involve not only economic implications but also the preservation of natural heritage.