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


** Selling public land won’t solve the housing crisis. Here’s what would
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Wednesday, July 16, 2025
A Bureau of Land Management sign in Utah. Jeremy T. Dyer/BLM Utah ([link removed])

Senator Mike Lee has proposed selling public lands to create more affordable housing, but experts across the political spectrum say a lack of land is not the main barrier to new housing construction. Washington Post “Climate Coach” columnist Michael J. Coren discusses ([link removed]) how creative local-level solutions can more effectively address the affordable housing shortage.

Selling national public land won’t address the real drivers of the housing crisis, including restrictive zoning laws, high construction costs, permitting complexity, and inadequate financing for builders and buyers. A better approach is for local and state governments to implement policies like “by right” development, microunits, accelerated permitting, and reduced parking minimums, all of which have been shown to improve housing availability.

Housing experts are clear that public land sales are not the solution, particularly in the West, where most public lands are remote and unsuitable for development. Polling shows that Western voters agree ([link removed]) , as they overwhelmingly prefer housing solutions that add homes near where they live and work, not on public lands.

House releases Interior-EPA spending bill, targets Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

On Tuesday, House Appropriations subcommittees approved 2026 fiscal bills ([link removed]) with significant funding cuts to energy, environment, and climate programs. Language included in the fiscal 2026 funding legislation also targets Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument ([link removed]) by requiring the Bureau of Land Management to follow a 2020 land use plan that does not recognize the monument's existing boundaries.


** Quick hits
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Park Service defends its response to Dragon Bravo Fire in Arizona

12News ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed])

A history of the Grand Canyon Lodge

NPR ([link removed])

The West’s megadrought might not let up for decades

New York Times ([link removed])

New Mexico State Land Office sets new records with first oil and gas lease auction at 25% royalty rate

New Mexico Political Report ([link removed])

Inside the ‘revolutionary’ new Colorado River proposal

The Land Desk ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])

What can you expect when you go to the national parks?

Deseret News ([link removed])

What history shows us about Utah’s push to take control of federal lands

Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])

Native American teens kayak Klamath River to celebrate removal of dams and return of salmon

Associated Press ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” People need to be patient because I think the morale of the National Park Service has never been great, but now it is in the toilet. People just need to say thank you because right now they are not being thanked by the administration.”

—Sue Fritzke, former superintendent of Capitol Reef National Park, Deseret News ([link removed])


** Picture This
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[link removed]

@mypubliclands ([link removed])
Welcome to King Range National Conservation Area, where coastal mountains plunge dramatically into the Pacific and spring lupine blankets the remote ridgelines in vibrant color.

A vital part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands, King Range has long stood as a symbol of rugged beauty and the enduring legacy of public land stewardship.

As we celebrate 25 years of the National Landscape Conservation System, places like King Range remind us of the importance of protecting landscapes that inspire awe, test our limits, and stand the test of time.

📷 Mishka Hamor

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