The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a Public Lands Roundtable on June 26, 2025, focusing on the protection of public lands and the implications of proposed land sales. The meeting featured discussions from various stakeholders, including conservation advocates and lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public access to these lands.

Jocelyn Torres, Chief Conservation Officer at the Conservation Lands Foundation, highlighted the significance of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which oversees 255 million acres. She expressed concern over proposals that could lead to the sale of these lands, particularly referencing a proposal by Senator Mike Lee. Torres shared her personal connection to the issue, recounting her childhood experiences in Nevada's outdoor spaces that are now threatened by potential sales. She described the emotional impact of losing access to cherished locations, illustrating how such losses extend beyond land to affect family memories and community heritage.

The roundtable also featured remarks from Senators Martin Heinrich and Catherine Cortez Masto, who underscored the need for thoughtful decision-making regarding public lands. They reiterated the importance of keeping these lands in public hands to preserve them for future generations.

The discussions at the roundtable reflect a growing concern among advocates and lawmakers about the future of public lands in the face of proposed sales. The meeting concluded with a call to action for continued advocacy and protection of these vital spaces, ensuring they remain accessible for all.