As a member of the Wyoming Legislature, I have deep concerns about the proposal buried in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that would allow the federal government to sell off large swaths of our public lands — under the guise of solving housing shortages.
Let me be clear: the lands identified for sale on public maps make no practical or strategic sense. They are remote, rugged, and unsuitable for development.
These are not “extra” lands. They are actively used and deeply valued by Wyoming citizens.
Families camp on them. Sportsmen hunt and fish on them. Outdoor enthusiasts hike, bike, and explore them. Ranchers rely on them for grazing leases that sustain their operations and feed their livestock.
And most critically, these lands include vital wildlife habitat and migration corridors, particularly for our struggling mule deer populations.
Selling off these lands won’t solve housing shortages. It will only erode the very identity and economy of Wyoming. These landscapes are not disposable — they are part of our culture, our livelihood, and our future.
We must also ask: Who will end up with these lands? Will it be foreign entities? Bad actors not friendly to the United States? Billionaires looking to close off access and hoard these spaces for private use and personal gain?
The bill provides very little if any guardrails or transparency to prevent any of this. That should alarm every single American who values public access and national security.
That’s why I have reached out to our federal delegation urging them to oppose this dangerous provision. I sent formal letters to both Senator Barrasso and Senator Lummis, requesting a conversation and demanding action. To his credit, Senator Barrasso called me directly. From Senator Lummis? Crickets.
Wyoming doesn’t support this. And our federal delegation must remember whom they represent—us. Not Washington. Not lobbyists. Not special interests. The people of Wyoming.
I urge every Wyoming citizen that values our public lands to get involved. Let our federal delegation know how strongly you feel about this. Most likely you will receive a form letter/answer, do it anyway! We have power in numbers!
We don’t want empty gestures. We want action. Do your job and protect our public lands.
Mike Schmid
Rep. Schmid represents Wyoming House District 20 — Sublette/Lincoln Counties
