In this episode, I interview Josh Osher, Public Policy Director with Western Watersheds Project. Josh provides an in-depth look at the budget reconciliation process and its implications for public lands and federal spending. He explains the difference between annual and 10-year budgets, the appropriations process, and how budget reconciliation allows for changes to spending programs without the 60-vote threshold in the Senate. Key issues discussed include the potential public land sell-offs, weakening of environmental laws, the increased industrial development on public lands, and impacts to people from cuts to Medicare and food assistance. We discuss the political maneuvers by Senator Mike Lee and the role of the parliamentarian in the reconciliation process.

A Rapid Assessment of the Senate’s Proposal to Sell Off Public Lands: https://www.colorado.edu/center/gwc/media/649

www.westernwatersheds.org

02:59 Understanding the Budget Process

07:50 Public Land Selloffs and Political Maneuvers

12:04 Mike Lee's Proposals and Political Implications

20:58 Local Land Use and Zoning Issues

26:23 Concerns Over Industrial Development

27:06 Timber Harvest and Oil Leases on Public Lands

28:41 Impact on Public Health and Welfare

31:11 Legislative Process and Parliamentary Actions

34:39 Opposition and Advocacy for Public Lands

47:04 Western Watershed's Project and Public Lands

49:49 Conclusion

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