As an outdoor enthusiast and constituent, I am greatly concerned about the Department of the Interior’s plans to fast-track drilling, mining and other energy development projects across our public lands under the guise of an “energy emergency.” I urge you to exercise increased oversight over the Department as it seeks to sidestep public input processes and to support the Public Lands in Public Hands Act (H.R. 718).
Our public lands belong to the American people. From hiking, camping, paddling, fishing, hunting and more, outdoor recreation opportunities and the beauty of our natural landscapes help power the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy. When managed for recreation, these landscapes provide enduring economic engines for rural communities and Tribal Nations, all while ensuring clean air and water, ecosystem integrity and more.
It is no wonder why the U.S. public land system is the envy of nations around the world.
Time and again, the American people express overwhelming support for ensuring that our public lands are conserved and enjoyed, for generations to come. There is no need for their voices to be silenced by an emergency declaration when the U.S. already produces more energy than it consumes.
In addition to increased oversight, I strongly urge you to cosponsor and support the bipartisan Public Lands in Public Hands Act (H.R. 718), which bans the sale or transfer of public lands without Congressional approval. By requiring congressional approval of their transfer, this law creates a built-in safeguard to ensure everyone, by way of their elected representatives, gets a say in how our public lands are used—even if the executive branch rescinds the protections they rightfully deserve.
Thank you for your time.
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