Protecting America’s Public Lands and Waters from Drilling

Billboards: Veterans Call for Public Lands Defense

SALT LAKE CITY --  Vet Voice Foundation and Sierra Club Military Outdoors launched a billboard campaign in Utah today calling for the defense of public lands. The billboards go up the same day as President Trump is visiting the state. Trump is widely expected to announce sweeping reductions to Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. The billboards are placed along I-80 and near Hill Air Force Base. Photos for the billboards were provided by Jeff Clay | Clayhaus Photography.      

Thousands Gather against Trump’s Monumental Mistake

The rally brought together Native American tribes, state representatives, youth leaders, business owners, and performers in a display of devotion for the public lands with cultural, ecological, recreational, spiritual, and historical values.

***Media Advisory*** Rally Against Trump’s Monumental Mistake

Rally against Trump's announcement of reductions to Bears Ears, Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monuments.

Bears Ears National Monument Expansion Act is Ray of Hope

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rep. Gallego today introduced legislation to preserve the Bears Ears National Monument and to expand safeguards for areas important to Tribal Nations that were left out of the original designation. The legislation comes as leaked documents show the Trump administration is planning massive reductions to Bears Ears National Monument, cutting the monument by 85%. Also on the chopping block is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which could be cut by half.

Tax Bill: Veterans Groups Launch Ads Targeting House Republicans

Vet Voice Foundation and Sierra Club Military Outdoors today launched ads in the districts of Representatives Mast and Zeldin, urging them to oppose the current tax scheme being considered by Congress. The tax plan aims to offset tax cuts for corporate polluters by raising revenue through allowing oil companies to conduct dangerous drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The ads make clear that the tax bill’s steps to open the door to drilling the Arctic Refuge and a vote for the passage of the bill itself are unacceptable.

Senate Committee Sells Out Arctic Refuge, Wild Places

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed a bill essentially removing the sensitive coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from the refuge system, opening the entire 1.5 million acres to drilling. The bill ignores the importance of the area to the Gwich’in Nation, as well as a host of environmental safeguards, and cost realities that make raising the estimated revenue from drilling in the Arctic Refuge nearly impossible.

Sierra Club Announces New Campaigns to Protect, Connect Nature Nearby

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the conservation of and access to public lands comes under threat nationally, the Sierra Club announced today it will be expanding its work locally to connect people with nature through a number of local projects. The projects span the country and focus on breaking down barriers that prevent people from experiencing the outdoors.

ICYMI: Trump administration takes next step in park takeover

In the latest move to keep the public out of public lands, E&E News is reporting that the Trump administration is planning to permanently end recreational use on the National Mall. The proposal looks at closing 28 athletic fields on the National Mall and at Rock Creek Park.

Murkowski Bill Would Gut the Arctic Refuge

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski last night introduced a bill that would effectively remove the sensitive coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from the refuge system, opening the entire 1.5 million acres to drilling. The bill ignores the importance of the area to the Gwich’in Nation, as well as a host of environmental safeguards, and cost realities that make raising the estimated revenue from drilling in the Arctic Refuge nearly impossible.

SECURE Act is a Reckless Giveaway to Oil and Gas Companies

This afternoon, the House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on the “SECURE American Energy Act.” The bill aims to expand oil and gas drilling by rolling back federal regulations and removing protections for America’s public lands and waters.