Arizona’s Public Lands at the Center of Political Debate
In a recent podcast interview, Republican Representative David Schweikert expressed his intention to sell off Arizona’s public lands if he is elected governor. This proposal aligns with a long-standing interest from some of his financial supporters. The discussion around these lands, which encompass approximately 30 million acres or half of the state, has reignited debates over economic opportunity versus environmental conservation.
These lands primarily serve as conservation areas, doubling as parks and protected forests. Corporations have shown an interest in acquiring these lands for various purposes, such as oil and gas development and luxury real estate projects. Schweikert remarked, “The state just has to sort of set a rational, fair way to get these [lands] in private hands so we actually have economic opportunity.”
However, this perspective faces opposition from the Arizona Wildlife Federation. The nonprofit organization emphasizes the potential negative impacts on wildlife and the state’s tourism economy. According to their website, “Pressures to maximize revenues or monetize these lands result in fragmented habitats that no longer provide the necessary connections and corridors, or sufficient food, water, and shelter for wildlife. Once developed, there’s no turning back.”
Among the proponents of Schweikert’s plan are Koch Industries and the National Association of Realtors. These entities have been significant contributors to Schweikert’s political campaigns, dating back to his initial run for the Arizona House of Representatives in 1994. Over the years, the National Association of Realtors has donated $65,000, while Koch Industries has contributed more than $42,000 to his campaigns.
Schweikert’s legislative record shows a consistent pattern of opposing measures aimed at protecting public lands. He has opposed the Protect America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act three times. This bill, which passed the House in 2021, sought to safeguard federal lands in several states, including Arizona. It faced a blockade in the Senate.
In addition, Schweikert has voted against measures to prohibit mining on public lands, as evidenced by his votes in 2019 against prohibiting mining and the protection of areas like the Grand Canyon and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. In 2017, he opposed a bipartisan amendment that aimed to prevent public lands from being sold or leased to private interests.
As Schweikert campaigns against incumbent Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, he faces competition within his party from fellow Republican Rep. Andy Biggs, who also supports selling public lands. Hobbs, on the other hand, has prioritized land conservation during her governorship, opposing provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) that aimed to sell off major portions of public lands in western states.
Expressing her stance on social media, Hobbs stated, “Arizona is not for sale. The plan to sell public lands threatens over 14 million acres in Arizona, including treasured places like Mount Lemmon, Sabino Canyon, the sacred San Francisco Peaks, Horton Creek along the Mogollon Rim, Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Saguaro Lake, and Madera Canyon is reckless, shortsighted, and deeply out of step with Arizonans’ values.”
Despite this, Schweikert remains a supporter of OBBB. Public sentiment, as captured in a poll by Colorado College, indicates that nearly three-in-five Arizona voters oppose the rollback of land protections, demonstrating the contentious nature of this issue.
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