Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has proposed a bill to sell up to 3 million acres of federal land for housing development in 11 Western states. The move, aimed at addressing housing shortages in areas like Southern Nevada, targets "underused" parcels near urban zones.
Lee argues that a small reduction in federal land — 67% of Utah is federally owned— could make homeownership more accessible for Americans.
“We have so much land.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) June 19, 2025
We want to put it to use.
We’re going to have land release, and on that land we’re going to build housing.” -@POTUS pic.twitter.com/DVzzxtn3Yi
Critics, including actors Sydney Sweeney and Justine Bateman, warn the bill threatens America’s natural heritage. Conservative commentator Matt Walsh also voiced opposition, suggesting immigration reform would free up housing without selling wilderness.
🧵 1. Yes, this is about unused federal land that is in residential areas or creates checkerboard patterns—not about the breathtaking landscapes that make America so beautiful https://t.co/QqD22hHW8K pic.twitter.com/fUrhGVP4Y8
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) June 20, 2025
Lee defended the bill on X, clarifying it excludes iconic landscapes and protects key natural areas. “This is about unused federal land,” he wrote.
President Donald Trump backed the initiative, saying, “We want to have land release... and build housing.” The bill has sparked a national debate over balancing affordability with conservation.
