A prominent conservative environmental advocate has sparked a heated debate by labeling a Republican senator a "liar" over a contentious proposal concerning the sale of America's public lands.
Benji Backer, the founder of Nature Is Nonpartisan, has publicly criticized Senator Mike Lee of Utah for attempting to reintroduce a proposal into the Senate reconciliation bill that would permit the sale of public lands for development. Backer accused Lee of orchestrating a "secret mass sell-off" of some of the nation's most sensitive areas.
According to Yahoo News, Senator Lee countered Backer's claims, asserting that the environmentalist was mistaken about the lands eligible for development. However, Backer doubled down, calling Lee a "liar" and urging fellow Republicans to prevent Lee from undermining the party's conservation legacy.
X's Community Notes moderation tool also flagged Lee's response as "incorrect," supporting Backer's allegations about the proposal's implications for America's cherished landscapes.
In an interview with The Cool Down, Backer expressed his determination to stand firm, stating, "I'm representing the vast majority of conservatives, and I'm willing to go to the mat on this I stand by what I said." He emphasized the importance of preserving public lands, declaring, "The American people do not support the mass sell off of public land. It's critical for the future of America that we stop this."
The proposal, initially introduced by Utah Representative Celeste Maloy, faced significant opposition and was removed from the House bill. However, Senator Lee reintroduced it in the Senate, expanding the potential sale to up to 3 million acres across 11 states.
Lee argues that the plan would generate revenue and grant states more control over their lands, stating, "We're opening underused federal land to expand housing, support local development and get Washington, D.C., out of the way of communities that are just trying to grow."
Critics, including Backer, argue that the proposal lacks transparency and could allow foreign entities to purchase American lands. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on rural economies and cultural heritage, with the outdoor recreation industry contributing significantly to the national economy.
Backer insists that any land sales should be guided by local input and focus on non-ecologically sensitive areas, warning that the proposal sets a "very slippery slope" for future conservation efforts.
Backer, whose organization collaborates with national leaders to promote nonpartisan environmental policies, urges citizens to contact their senators and demand stronger protections for public lands. He asserts, "There is nothing 'conservative' or 'American' about selling a massive chunk of our nation's most beautiful landscape to developers."
Backer remains open to discussions with lawmakers but is resolute in his opposition until alternative solutions are considered. "Americans don't want their public lands to be developed for economic gain," he said, invoking the conservation legacies of past presidents, including President Trump. "Public lands have always been for the public's benefit. They are one of our best ideas."
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