Withdraw the Border Lands Conservation Act to Protect Federal Lands

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Border Lands Conservation Act and to urge you to withdraw this harmful legislation immediately. This bill, which you have introduced, poses a severe threat to millions of acres of federal lands along both U.S. borders under the pretext of enhancing border security. The proposed legislation would open up vast swaths of protected areas, including national parks and wilderness areas, to destructive development within 100 miles of both the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders. This includes allowing road construction, timber harvesting, and the installation of surveillance systems and other "tactical infrastructure" in some of our nation's most pristine and ecologically sensitive areas. Of particular concern is the bill's attempt to amend the 1964 Wilderness Act, a cornerstone of American conservation efforts. This amendment would permit the Department of Homeland Security to conduct motorized patrols and deploy various types of infrastructure in wilderness areas, fundamentally altering the character and purpose of these protected lands. Environmental groups and former National Park Service officials have rightly criticized this legislation, warning of the potential for unnecessary and irreversible damage to wilderness areas. These experts understand the delicate balance of these ecosystems and the importance of maintaining their integrity. I am also aware of your separate legislation aimed at increasing off-road vehicle access in national parks, ostensibly to improve accessibility for Americans with disabilities. However, this move has been criticized by disability advocates themselves, suggesting that it does not truly serve the needs of the community it claims to benefit. The Border Lands Conservation Act represents a dangerous overreach that prioritizes unnecessary development over the preservation of our natural heritage. I strongly urge you to withdraw this bill and instead focus on border security measures that do not compromise the integrity of our protected federal lands. Our national parks and wilderness areas are irreplaceable treasures that deserve our utmost protection, not exploitation under the guise of security.