Wyoming's economy is inextricably linked to the Federal Gov't and public lands, which comprise roughly 50% of the state. I can see where some western politicians are coming from in regards to wanting to ensure that private to public stands as it is, especially if you are in county gov't, and especially given how volatile PILT has been in the past and likely will be n the future.
The death of coal is causing huge problems for city, state and county gov'ts in WY as they look at ways to modernize their economic situation (after having ignored the problem for decades), then you add in the volatility of the oil & gas markets, boom & bust cycles and so many other issues relative to low wages in a tourism economy, etc and you can see why the push for no net gain looks attractive on it's face.
Wyoming is running a budget surplus right now, due to federal spending & the massive cash infusion from covid relief, the infrastructure bill, etc. The same politicians who are lambasting the federal gov't for everything else are showing up for photo ops at ground-breaking ceremonies, taking credit for rural broadband expansion, etc.
If Gordon was serious about this, then he could nominate parcels for disposal under FLPMA, if I remember that correctly. If he's just posturing then he issues a press release & does nothing but kvetch.
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