In an ironic reversal, Wyoming Senators Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso have once again thrown their support behind a bill that would sell off public lands while simultaneously voting against a separate measure aimed at expanding affordable housing options.

The proposed land sale, which is part of the broader Public Lands Sale and Disposal Act of 2023, would allow the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to sell off up to 10 million acres of public land in Wyoming. Supporters of the bill argue that it would generate much-needed revenue for the state and spur economic development. However, critics contend that the sale would irreparably damage the state’s natural heritage and harm local communities that rely on public lands for recreation, grazing, and other purposes.

The proposed land sale is particularly controversial in light of the state’s growing affordable housing crisis. Wyoming has one of the worst affordable housing shortages in the nation, with a rental vacancy rate of just 0.5%. This has led to a situation where many Wyomingites are forced to spend a significant portion of their income on housing, leaving them with little money for other necessities.

A number of organizations have called on Lummis and Barrasso to oppose the land sale and instead focus on policies that would address the state’s affordable housing crisis. These organizations argue that selling off public lands would only exacerbate the problem by making it more difficult for low-income residents to access affordable housing.

Despite these concerns, Lummis and Barrasso have remained steadfast in their support for the land sale. In a recent statement, Lummis said that the bill would “help to create jobs, grow our economy, and provide much-needed revenue for our state.” Barrasso echoed this sentiment, arguing that the bill would “unlock the potential of our public lands and create opportunities for all Wyomingites.”

However, critics of the bill point out that the revenue generated from the land sale would be a one-time windfall that would quickly disappear. They argue that a more sustainable approach to addressing the state’s affordable housing crisis would be to invest in programs that help to build and preserve affordable housing units.

The Lummis-Barrasso bill is currently pending in the Senate. It is unclear whether the bill will pass, but it has already generated significant controversy and is likely to face strong opposition from a number of groups.

In the meantime, the affordable housing crisis in Wyoming continues to worsen. With Lummis and Barrasso focused on selling off public lands rather than addressing the root causes of the crisis, it is unlikely that Wyomingites will see any relief from the state’s affordable housing shortage anytime soon.

©️ Rocky Mountain Dispatch 2023