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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
federal lands; supporting disposal
Purpose
Expresses the Legislature's support for the disposal of federally held unappropriated lands by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and opposition of the federal 30x30 Initiative.
Background
Established in 1946, the BLM manages 245 million acres of public lands in the United States. The U.S. Congress declares that public lands are to be retained in federal ownership, unless the land use planning procedure determines that disposal of a particular parcel will serve national interest. The U.S. Congress may exercise its constitutional authority to withdraw or otherwise designate or dedicate federal lands for specified purposes (43 U.S.C. ยงยง 2 and 1701).
In 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 14008 which established the National Climate Task Force (Task Force) to facilitate the organization and deployment of a government-wide approach to combat the climate crisis. The Task Force must identify strategies that will achieve the goal of conserving at least 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030, otherwise known as the 30x30 initiative. On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14148 which revoked 68 executive orders, including Executive Order 14008.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Expresses that members of the Legislature support the disposal of federally held unappropriated lands by the BLM as it was originally instructed to do.
2. Expresses that members of the Legislature oppose the federal 30x30 Initiative, which seeks to remove more land from the state and private ownership.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 13, 2025
AN/DL/slp