Backdoor public land deal advances, putting Zion and Utah public lands at risk

Washington D.C.—In a split vote this week, the House Natural Resources Committee advanced a controversial amendment to the budget reconciliation bill that could force the disposal of thousands of acres of public land in Nevada and Utah, including those directly adjacent to Zion National Park. Rushed through without public or local community input or environmental review, this reckless proposal threatens to cut off access to public lands, remove critical protections for natural and cultural resources, and hand over public lands to state or private interests.

Americans across the political aisle oppose giving away public land to state and local governments or selling it off to private development interests. Land management agencies like the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service are trusted and equipped to protect our cherished places now and into the future.

Statement from Cory MacNulty, NPCA’s Southwest Regional Director

“This amendment is a blatant attempt to dispose of our nation’s public lands through a backdoor deal without any public input or accountability. One area on the chopping block is directly adjacent to Zion National Park and another lines the scenic byway visitors travel to enter the park.

“Let’s call this what it is: an attempt by some members of Congress to auction off America’s public lands. If approved, these lands would be handed over to local counties, where they could be appraised and sold off to the highest bidder without any public process, environmental review or community engagement. Once public land is transferred, it could be turned into luxury housing, hotels, data centers, or something else entirely.

“Visitors love Zion National Park for its breathtaking canyons, hanging gardens, and wildlife like bighorn sheep. But the land around Zion matters, too, and makes this entire landscape unique. Local communities have repeatedly raised concerns over development encroaching on the park, risking wildlife habitat and the visitor experience. The best way to protect Zion’s future is to ensure the public land around it remains in the hands of the public, not sold off piece by piece.

“If Congress allows this to happen near a crown jewel like Zion, they are putting all of America’s national parks at risk. While some committee members stood up for our public lands, the amendment still advanced. Now, we’re calling on Congress to pull this amendment and protect the lands that protect our parks.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.