Background
Selling off public lands is a non-starter for Wyomingites—and all Americans—that rises above political differences. Red or blue, we are proud of our state’s open and free access to public lands and natural resources.
But Wyoming’s outdoor heritage is under threat by an ill-conceived movement to transfer and sell off our national public lands.
While the Keep It Public, Wyoming coalition has already helped defeat damaging land transfer proposals at the state and federal levels — our work defending America’s public lands is far from over.
At the Federal Level
In 2025, bipartisan opposition forced House sponsors to kill a provision that attempted to sell over 500,000 acres of public land without public input. But the fight continued when Sen. Mike Lee revived the proposal, seeking to sell 2 to 3 million acres. A massive public backlash, particularly from Westerners, forced him to drop the plan.
Despite this victory, the coalition remains concerned by the ongoing willingness of some politicians, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Bureau of Land Management Director Steve Pearce, to consider selling public lands to address the national debt and for housing development.
At the State Level
In 2026, the Wyoming Legislature passed a resolution (SJ009) supporting Wyoming’s freedom of access to public lands and opposing any broad sell-off or transfer efforts. During the legislative process, hunters, 4H kids, teachers, business leaders, county officials, and outfitters spoke up to share how important public lands are to them personally, and to their businesses and communities.
This win came one year after lawmakers defeated by a single vote a resolution (SJ002) calling for the transfer of all federal public land in Wyoming (except Yellowstone National Park) to the state. It’s a remarkable shift — and a testament to the fact that when Wyomingites stand up for public lands, our leaders take notice.
Our coalition will continue to track and fight threats and celebrate champions of public land ownership during future legislative sessions.
In the Courts
The Supreme Court recently rejected a lawsuit filed by the State of Utah seeking to force the U.S. to dispose of more than 18 million acres of national public lands, undermining over 150 years of established law and running against the grain of public opinion in the West. Congresswoman Harriett Hageman and the Wyoming Freedom Caucus filed amicus briefs in support of the case.
While the Supreme Court’s rejection of the case was a significant victory, we expect out-of-touch politicians to continue pushing public lands sell-off, wasting taxpayer dollars and diverting time away from the legislative priorities that matter to Wyomingites.
Business or organization looking to join?
Are you the owner of a Wyoming-based business or nonprofit organization? Please consider showing your support for our state’s public lands by joining the Keep it Public, Wyoming coalition. Inquire below.