‘Denver Post,’ ‘Salt Lake Tribune’ Ads Slam Senate’s Public Lands Sell-Off Attempts – Center for Biological Diversity

Report on Public Lands Sell-Off and Its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Center for Biological Diversity has launched full-page advertisements in the Denver Post and Salt Lake Tribune to oppose Senate Republican initiatives aimed at liquidating millions of acres of public lands across the Western United States. This report highlights the implications of these efforts with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Overview of the Proposed Public Lands Sell-Off

1. Senate Republican Proposal:
   • Led by Utah Senator Mike Lee, the proposal seeks to sell public lands spanning over 250 million acres across 11 Western states, excluding Montana.
   • At risk lands include popular recreational areas, hunting and fishing sites, culturally sensitive regions, wildlife and endangered species habitats, public water sources, and nearly 100,000 miles of trails.
   • The plan mandates immediate nomination of lands for auction without environmental review, Tribal consultation, or public input.
   • No provisions ensure that proceeds from land sales will support affordable housing.
   • The Interior and Agriculture secretaries would gain unprecedented authority to determine which lands to privatize, including potential sales within national monuments.
2. Legislative Status:
   • The original sell-off language was removed from the reconciliation package due to violation of the Byrd Rule.
   • Senator Lee has pledged to reintroduce a revised version of the proposal.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The proposed sell-off of public lands poses significant challenges to multiple SDGs, including:

• SDG 13: Climate Action – Privatization and potential development threaten ecosystems that regulate climate and carbon sequestration.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The loss of wildlife habitats and endangered species areas undermines biodiversity conservation efforts.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The absence of requirements for affordable housing development from land sales may exacerbate housing inequities.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Public water sources at risk could affect water quality and availability.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Lack of Tribal consultation and public input compromises inclusive decision-making and governance.

Public and Organizational Response

• Public Opinion:
  • A 2025 survey revealed that 82% of Western voters oppose selling public lands to address housing challenges.
  • 83% of voters consider the loss of natural areas a serious problem.
• Advocacy Actions:
  • More than 100 nonprofit organizations have sent a letter urging Western governors to oppose the sell-off plan.
  • Thousands of individuals rallied in support of public lands outside the annual Western Governors Association meeting.

Conclusion

The proposed liquidation of public lands by Senate Republicans threatens to undermine critical Sustainable Development Goals by jeopardizing environmental conservation, community well-being, and inclusive governance. Continued advocacy and public engagement are essential to protect these lands for current and future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article discusses the threat to public lands, wildlife habitats, endangered species, and natural areas, which directly relates to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article mentions concerns about land privatization affecting public access to recreational areas and trails, impacting community well-being and sustainable urban and rural development.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article highlights issues around governance, public participation, and decision-making processes related to land sales without environmental review or public input.
4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article references public water sources at risk due to land privatization, linking to the sustainable management of water resources.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect endangered species.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making.
4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area (implied through concern over land sales and habitat loss).
   • Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index to monitor extinction risk of species (implied by mention of endangered species habitats).
2. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use (implied by concerns about loss of public access to trails and recreation areas).
3. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services (implied by lack of public input and consultation).
   • Indicator 16.7.2: Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive (implied by absence of public and tribal consultation).
4. SDG 6 Indicators
   • Indicator 6.6.1: Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time (implied by risk to public water sources).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: biologicaldiversity.org