Comment by wavefunction

Presumably they're referring to lands held in public trust, like National and State Parks, National Forests, BLM land, and National Monuments.

I question the sense in developing large stretches of arid wastelands (among other biomes) that feature beautiful, unique and delicate ecologies.

No, it makes far more sense to appropriate all existing developed land and rebuild as extreme density. The original owners can inhabit the top floor of each new building.

We could even graduate the heights of each new building according to existing property values, ensuring the continuity of our arbitrary class system. The taller the building you inhabit and the further up it, the more remarkable you must obviously be as a person.

My modest proposal maintains these unique landscapes held in public trust for future generations while ensuring that the wealthy can continue to look down on the rest of us.

Win-win!