Context:

Senate Republicans are proposing a plan to sell 2.2 to 3.3 million acres of federal land across 11 Western states to build housing, as part of President Trump's tax and spending bill. This proposal, which aims to raise up to $10 billion, has sparked controversy within the party and opposition from conservationists and some Republicans like Ryan Zinke. The draft legislation prioritizes selling land near population centers but exempts national parks and protected areas, intending to increase housing supply and reduce costs. Environmental groups criticize the plan for potentially harming public lands used for recreation and lacking affordability requirements. The legislation also includes provisions to increase timber harvesting and expand energy leasing, while reallocating climate and energy funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to support nuclear power projects.

Dive Deeper:

• The proposal by Senate Republicans aims to sell between 2.2 and 3.3 million acres of public lands in 11 Western states, including Alaska, Arizona, and California, to build housing and potentially raise $10 billion over five years. This plan has ignited internal party conflicts and opposition from conservationists who fear irreversible loss of public lands.

• Past efforts to sell federal land have faced resistance, notably from Representative Ryan Zinke, who opposes the widespread sale or transfer of public lands. His strong stance led to the removal of a smaller land sale proposal from a recent tax bill, and he continues to oppose the current large-scale proposal.

• The draft legislation targets land sales for housing development, prioritizing areas within five miles of existing population centers while exempting national parks and wilderness areas. Proponents argue it will increase housing supply and affordability, but critics, including environmental groups, warn of threats to lands used for outdoor recreation.

• The proposal also encompasses increased timber harvesting and expanded energy leasing on federal lands to generate additional revenue. These measures include oil, gas, coal, and geothermal leasing in Alaska and other areas, with many provisions already approved by the House.

• In response to concerns about climate and energy funding, the Senate bill seeks to reallocate over $6 billion from unspent funds in the Inflation Reduction Act. This includes redirecting funds to support nuclear power projects, with $660.5 million in new loan authorities for 'energy dominance financing', aiming to enhance and repurpose existing energy projects.