Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode, host Chris Clarke covers the urgent issue threatening millions of acres of public land in the United States. Buried in what Chris calls the “Bloated Billionaire Bailout,” a budget rider proposed by Senator Mike Lee targets up to 3 million acres of public lands for sale. These lands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, span 11 western states. Chris urges listeners to take action by calling their senators to stop this dangerous rider that undermines public access to these vital natural resources.

Throughout the episode, a comprehensive discussion highlights the broader impacts of this potential land sale. Chris articulates how the rider threatens essential services, cultural survival, and the ecological balance of these desert lands. The discussion touches on contrasting visions for the use of public lands, with Mike Lee’s push for privatization and development versus the preservation and conservation ethos championed by many environmentalists. Chris also outlines the economic dimensions of this conflict, emphasizing the potential loss of public use areas that provide significant recreational and environmental benefits to local communities.

Key Takeaways:

Legislative Threat:
A budget rider by Mike Lee threatens to privatize millions of acres of public lands in western US states, including critical desert ecosystems.

Conservation vs. Development:
The episode explores the tension between conserving public lands for ecological, cultural, and recreational purposes versus commercial development and privatization.

Call to Action: Chris Clarke urges listeners to contact their senators to oppose the rider and protect these invaluable public lands.

Impactful Example:
Tucson’s Sabino Canyon serves as a hypothetical example of the possible negative outcomes from land privatization, jeopardizing local public access.

Political Dynamics:
There is bipartisan opposition to the rider, with some Republican senators indicating they cannot support a bill that includes this provision. Public pressure has led to some revisions of the original rider, but significant threats remain.

Notable Quotes:

1. “We’re talking about a public lands fire sale, and commercial interests are first in line.”
2. “Mike Lee doesn’t consider non-consumptive use as a real use of public lands. If it doesn’t turn a profit, it doesn’t count in his worldview.”
3. “This would not be affordable housing… it’s far more likely that housing built in Sabino Canyon would be extremely expensive.”
4. “Our common heritage is threatened, and we’ve got to stop this rider from moving forward.”

Resources:
Senate Switchboard: 202-224-3121 
https://www.senate.gov

Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta information: https://chihuahuandesert.org/fiesta-information/

Map of eligible lands and data from the Wilderness Society: https://www.wilderness.org/articles/media-resources/250-million-acres-public-lands-eligible-sale-senr-bill

Fundraising link for El Paso trip: https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso

Jonathan Thompson’s Substack The Land Desk: https://www.landdesk.org/

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

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