Gov. Elect Barlow Calls Trump Land Sale Plan Unwanted for Wyoming

Gov.-elect Eric Barlow stated that the federal government’s new plan to sell public lands is not what Wyoming wants. He issued a statement on Friday after the Department of the Interior unveiled its 2026 to 2030 land-management strategy. The plan outlines an intent to reduce the federal estate by transferring land to state, local, and tribal governments.

Barlow said any changes to federal land status in Wyoming require direct coordination with the state first. He noted that voters told him repeatedly during his campaign how vital public lands are. Hunters, anglers, and families discussed preserving outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations, he said.

The federal government holds about half of Wyoming’s surface estate. The Department of the Interior manages more than 500 million acres of land, 700 million acres of subsurface resources, and over three billion acres of offshore resources. The plan states that sales will allow the agency to focus resources on primary federal responsibilities and nationally significant lands. Part of the sale price will return to the selling entities for conservation in their own jurisdictions.

The department’s goal is to improve recreation access for citizens while decreasing the federal taxpayer’s financial responsibility for managing lands. The U.S. Forest Service, which falls under the Department of Agriculture, manages its lands separately from the Interior Department’s holdings.

Wyoming’s congressional delegation has also weighed in. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, who is retiring, said she welcomes the department’s interest in using authorities under existing laws. She cited the Federal Land Policy Management Act and the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, which allow sales for public purposes. She expects to work with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to ensure local governments can access needed lands within Wyoming’s boundaries.

Rep. Harriet Hageman called local input critical to land management decisions. She advocated for a multiple use and sustained yield approach that prioritizes access, responsible development, and effective conservation. Sen. John Barrasso’s spokeswoman, Laura Mengelkamp, said he supports transfers that benefit states and communities. Rep.-elect Chuck Gray stated he remains focused on keeping public lands in public hands.

Rob Wallace, a former Assistant Interior Secretary, told Cowboy State Daily that the plan is unlikely to gain traction as a widespread policy. He said such a measure would likely require congressional authorization, which is not expected during the lame-duck session. The Republican Congress will only be in control until Jan. 3, before Democrats take over both chambers. Wallace noted that a similar proposal by Sen. Mike Lee in 2025 drew swift opposition across party lines in Wyoming.

The current plan differs from the 2022 strategy under former Secretary Deb Haaland, which focused on wind farms and renewable energy. Haaland’s plan mentioned wind ten times and climate change 33 times. Secretary Burgum’s plan mentions neither, instead favoring traditional energy sectors such as coal, oil, gas, hydroelectric, geothermal, and advanced nuclear technologies.