Public Land Sale Included in GOP Tax Cut Plan | JQJO

House Republicans added a provision to their tax cut package authorizing the sale of thousands of acres of public land in Nevada and Utah. This sparked outrage from Democrats and environmental groups who fear increased drilling, mining, and logging. The proposal, championed by Reps. Amodei and Maloy, includes some land for affordable housing. The measure also reduces royalty rates for oil, gas, and coal extraction and mandates more leasing of public lands, including in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Critics like the Sierra Club and Center for American Progress condemn the plan as a corporate giveaway, while supporters say increased development will offset revenue losses. The bill, part of a larger tax break and spending cuts package, aims for passage by Memorial Day.