No Net Gain in Federal Lands Act of 2025

# No Net Gain in Federal Lands Act of 2025 (HR 775) – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require the federal government to maintain a stable total amount of land under federal ownership. If federal agencies acquire or receive new land, they would need to sell or transfer an equal amount of federal land elsewhere. Essentially, it creates a "no net gain" requirement—the total acreage of federally-owned land cannot increase over time. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects federal land management agencies (like the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service), conservation efforts, and local governments near federal lands. It would limit the government's ability to expand public land holdings through purchases or donations without offsetting those gains by selling land.

This could impact land conservation projects, environmental protection efforts, and property acquisitions the government might otherwise pursue. **Current Status** As of now, HR 775 is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and reflects debates about the appropriate size and scope of federal land ownership—a longstanding issue in western states where the federal government controls large portions of land.