Feds Auction Nevada Desert to Polluter for Cleanup Bucks
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The government plans to sell over 2,000 acres of public land in Lyon County, Nevada, directly to Atlantic Richfield Company for at least $760,000. This land includes mineral rights and is near the Anaconda Copper Mine, where cleanup work is ongoing. People can send their thoughts about the sale until April 9, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Conveyance to facilitate CERCLA remediation
The BLM says conveying these lands to Atlantic Richfield Company would help ARC carry out cleanup of health and safety hazards at the Anaconda Copper Mine Site under CERCLA. ARC is identified as a potentially responsible party and is already under an obligation related to remediation.
Land use applications paused; 2-year segregation
Upon publication, the described parcels are segregated from appropriation under public land laws and the BLM will not accept new land use applications affecting the parcels until the sale is completed or segregation ends. The segregation period may not exceed 2 years unless extended by the Nevada BLM State Director.
BLM proposes selling 2,062.42 acres
The Bureau of Land Management proposes a direct sale of 2,062.42 acres in Lyon County, Nevada to Atlantic Richfield Company that includes the underlying mineral estate. An appraisal under USPAP values the parcels at $760,000, but the BLM — citing contamination and remediation costs — proposes to convey the parcels for $0.
Public comment window until April 9, 2026
The BLM will accept written public comments on the proposed direct sale until April 9, 2026. The Nevada State Director will review comments and may sustain, vacate, or modify the realty action in response.
Sale timing and buyer acceptance rules
The parcels will not be offered for sale to ARC prior to 60 days from the notice publication (February 23, 2026), and ARC will have 30 days from receiving a sale offer to accept it and submit a completed certificate of eligibility. Failure to meet sale conditions voids the sale and forfeits funds received.
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