1. United States
2. Idaho
3. Letter

The proposed amendment authorizing the sale of thousands of acres of federal public lands in Nevada and Utah raises serious concerns. Our public lands are a precious national resource that belong to all Americans, providing vital habitat for wildlife, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and preserving our natural heritage. Allowing states or private entities to purchase and potentially develop these lands for commercial interests like housing development risks permanent loss of these irreplaceable natural areas. While there are undoubtedly local pressures for development and economic growth, sacrificing public lands is a short-sighted solution that jeopardizes the long-term environmental and cultural values they provide. We must prioritize protecting and responsibly managing these lands for current and future generations over private commercial gain. I urge you to vote against this amendment and any legislation that would enable the sale or transfer of federal public lands. These natural spaces are a birthright that should be preserved in public ownership for the benefit of all Americans, not auctioned off to the highest bidder. Responsible stewardship, not privatization, is the answer to managing growth while safeguarding our national treasures.