Utah Congressman Withdraws Public Land Sale Proposal Amidst Hunter Outcry

February 2, 2017

An outcry from hunting and conservation groups has led Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz to withdraw a bill that would have authorized the federal government to sell off 3.3 million acres of public lands in ten Western states. Yesterday, Chaffetz tweeted that "groups I care about fear it sends the wrong message... I hear you and HR 621 'dies tomorrow.'"

Rep. Chaffetz's withdrawal of his bill in the face of overwhelming opposition is a significant moment in the ongoing debate over public land management. The move would have been disastrous for wild horses and burros in states like Utah and Wyoming, which lobby for mass roundups and removals of these animals from public lands.

Rep. Ryan Zinke, President Donald Trump's choice for Interior Secretary, clarified during his confirmation hearing that he is "absolutely against transfer or sale of public land."

However, public lands remain at risk due to a recent rules change passed by Congress. This change deems all public lands as having no value, paving the way for the government to "dispose" of federal lands through sale without a requirement to make a profit for American taxpayers.