Udall, Heinrich Urge Secretary Zinke to Keep Public Lands in Public Hands

Udall, Heinrich Urge Secretary Zinke to Keep Public Lands in Public Hands Ask Interior Department to codify prohibition of selling or transferring federal public lands WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tom Udall led a letter, also signed by Senator Martin Heinrich, urging Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to keep public lands public by prohibiting widespread sale and transfer of public lands. The senators asked Zinke to uphold the Department of the Interior's responsibility to retain America's public lands so every American can continue to access public lands. In response to a growing movement by some states to sell or transfer federal lands to states or give states management authority, a coalition of sportsmen, hunters, anglers, hikers, bikers, paddlers, wildlife watchers, and outdoor businesses submitted a petition requiring the Interior Department to issue clear regulations and guidance that would prohibit the sale or transfer of public lands without congressional authorization. The senators are urging Zinke to honor the rulemaking procedures initiated by the petition and codify the Interior Department's stance on retaining public lands. "We appreciate your stated opposition to the sale or transfer of federal lands out of federal ownership and we urge you to follow through on your commitment to retain America’s public lands. As Montana’s at-large member in the U.S. House of Representatives and during your nomination hearing you vowed to support public lands and protect every Americans’ right to access those lands. We absolutely agree with you that public lands should remain in public hands," the lawmakers wrote. The senators said the attempted land transfers "run afoul of the Constitution and Congress’ plenary authority to regulate and manage federal lands under the Supremacy Clause…. So there is no ambiguity about your position or the limited power the Department of the Interior retains regarding land transfers, we urge you to respond to this petition and draft the proper regulations clarifying DOI’s authorities and process to sell or transfer public lands. We, like you, are committed to retaining ownership of federal lands for the use and enjoyment of all Americans, which will grow our economy and build resilient communities and landscapes into future generations." The letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.). A summary of the petition can be found here.