WASHINGTON— After massive outrage, Sen. Mike Lee announced late today that he is pulling his provision for a huge sell-off of America's public lands from the Republican megabill.

“Good riddance to the biggest attack on public lands in history,” said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Selling off public lands remains overwhelmingly out of step with the values of nearly all Americans and it should never have even been considered. This is a huge victory for the many millions of people across this country who love our public lands and want vibrant wildlife populations and a healthy environment.”

The Center ran full-page ads in the Denver Post and Salt Lake Tribune blasting Lee’s measure, which initially aimed to sell off roughly 3 million acres of public lands in 11 Western states.

Lands at risk included popular recreation areas, hunting and fishing spots, culturally sensitive areas, wildlife and endangered species habitats, public water sources, and nearly 100,000 miles of trails. This map shows the millions of acres that were at risk.

Following a ruling from the Senate parliamentarian, the original sell-off language was stripped from the reconciliation package for violating the Byrd Rule but then reintroduced in a revised form.

More than 100 nonprofit organizations sent a letter to the Western Governors’ Association urging the 19 state leaders to oppose Lee’s proposal, and thousands of people rallied in support of public lands outside the association’s annual meeting in Santa Fe, N.M.

Selling public lands is very unpopular. A 2025 survey found that 82% of Western voters oppose selling public lands to address housing challenges in their state, while 83% of voters say the loss of natural areas is a serious problem.