CA, US & World
Trump Budget Bill Could Sell Off Millions of Acres, Including Land in Coachella Valley
A controversial budget bill backed by President Trump could result in the sale of millions of acres of public land across 11 states, including portions of Riverside County. The legislation, known as the Senate Reconciliation Bill, includes language that would allow the federal government to sell off vast areas of land to offset tax cuts.
According to the Wilderness Society, land located in the Coachella Valley, Chuckwalla Valley, Salton Sea region, and 29 Palms could be affected. Maps show the land parcels marked in orange as being made eligible for sale.
In Washington state, where five million acres could potentially be sold, the proposal is also sparking major debate. The state’s commissioner of public lands called it “an ill-conceived proposal that threatens thousands of acres.” Critics argue the plan would open the door to commercial development and possible oil and gas drilling on land previously protected.
However, some lawmakers, like Washington State Republican Phil Fortunato, support the idea. He argues that transferring land from federal to state control would increase local revenue and give communities more say over how land is managed.
Supporters of the bill point to a provision allowing states and tribal governments the first opportunity to purchase the land, while opponents maintain that protected public lands should not be leveraged in a budget bill.
The bill has already passed the Senate and is now making its way through Congress. If approved, it would head to the president’s desk for final signature.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
June 24, 2025
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