Kelly Statement on Republican Proposal to Force Sale of Public Lands in Arizona

Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly released the following statement in response to a proposal from Senate Republicans that would mandate the sale of U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands, including parcels in Arizona: 

“I oppose any effort to force the sale of Forest Service land in Arizona. These public lands are part of who we are as they support our economy, protect our environment, and offer Arizonans a place to hike, hunt, and explore. Selling them off to fund Trump’s tax giveaways to billionaires is reckless and wrong. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good—lost forever to public use and conservation.

“I’ll keep fighting to make sure Arizona’s forests stay public, protected, and open to all.” 

Background:  

Senator Kelly has consistently worked to protect Arizona’s public lands and forest resources and has been a leading voice in pushing back against this administration’s harmful proposals. During the last budget debate, he joined New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich in introducing an amendment to block the mandated sale of public lands, which was blocked by Republicans. This year, Kelly also introduced the Save Our Forests Act and the Protect Our Parks Act to restore staffing levels at the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service following proposed workforce reductions. He continues to champion investments in wildfire prevention, forest restoration, and recreational access across Arizona.