Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** Nevadans distance themselves from Nevada rep's attempt to sell public lands
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Friday, May 9, 2025
Rep. Mark Amodei and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Wikimedia Commons ([link removed](54356798751).jpg)

In the two days since Rep. Mark Amodei of Nevada offered up a midnight amendment to sell off hundreds of thousands of acres of public land ([link removed]) in order to pay for President Trump's tax cuts, harsh pushback against Amodei's plan ([link removed]) has come in from across his own state, calling it irresponsible, flawed, and traitorous.

Although Amodei claimed his 11th-hour bill text was “ drafted and requested by Nevadans,” it came as a surprise to other members of Nevada's congressional delegation, including Sen. Jacky Rosen.

“I am outraged that Congressman Amodei sold out Nevadans in the dead of night by passing a flawed, hastily-drafted proposal,” Rosen said in a statement ([link removed]) .

Amodei said the Clark County Commission had urged him to offer the amendment “on their behalf as a member of the majority in the House” but the county disowned the proposal as well.

“We are concerned that this bill does not reflect the Board’s priorities to facilitate responsible future development, especially as it relates to environmental conservation, water and public infrastructure,” Jennifer Cooper, the county's chief communications and strategy officer, told the Las Vegas Sun ([link removed]) .

Rep. Susie Lee, whose district includes much of Clark County, noted that a federal law, the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act, already facilitates transfers of federal land around Las Vegas while also funding conservation projects.

“For decades, federal law has ensured that proceeds from land sales in southern Nevada stay in Nevada,” Rep. Lee said ([link removed]) . “Last night’s traitorous maneuver instead would send Nevada’s land proceeds to Washington to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.”

The land Amodei wants to sell includes land surrounding the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation in northern Nevada. Jonnette Paddy with the Native Voters Alliance of Nevada said the lack of Tribal consultation was a sign of Amodei's disrespect for Tribal nations.

“You don’t accidentally mark land for disposal right next to a sovereign nation,” Paddy told the Sun ([link removed]) . “You do that when they’re politically convenient to ignore.”


** Quick hits
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Former National Park Service directors warn Burgum to reverse course

National Parks Traveler ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])

Congress votes to reverse Biden-era off-roading rule in Glen Canyon

Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])

Analysis finds building homes on public lands won't solve housing crisis

Mountain West News Bureau ([link removed])

Nevada and Montana delegations, outdoor groups condemn Amodei attempt to sell off public land

Nevada Current ([link removed]) | Fox Reno ([link removed]) | Las Vegas Sun ([link removed]) | Bozeman Daily Chronicle ([link removed]) | Hatch ([link removed]) | GearJunkie ([link removed]) | Aspen Public Radio ([link removed]) | Sierra
([link removed])

Interior staff braces for impending layoffs

E&E News ([link removed])

Eviscerated by DOGE, public land agencies expect to lean on private partners

WyoFile ([link removed])

Opinion: There is no 'undo' button for extinct species

New York Times ([link removed])

How to visit crowded (and underfunded) national parks this summer

Outside ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” ...the National Park Service has been engaged in management efficiency for decades. Thousands of volunteers already support the work of the parks. Millions of dollars have been donated by park neighbors and organizations in support of the parks. Thousands of National Park Service positions have been eliminated as budgets have not kept pace with inflation. All of this occurred before 2025. National Park Service employees, who should be on hand to help serve and protect millions of visitors, are under attack.”

—Five former National Park Service directors in a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum ([link removed])


** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
Hang in there, it’s almost the weekend!

Spring in @yellowstonenps ([link removed]) means bear cubs are emerging from dens with their mothers, usually in April and May. Adorable? Absolutely. But always watch from at least 100 yards away and let your zoom lens do the close-ups.

Photo by Christy Alejandra

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