Washington, D.C.— Today, the US House of Representatives passed the Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act in a 227-200 vote— a package of conservation bills that will collectively protect 2.7 million acres of wild lands, waters, green space and recreation areas across the country. Read the bills included in the package and support from organizations here. The bill now heads to the Senate.
In response to the passage, Athan Manuel, Director of the Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program, released the following statement:
“The Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act boldly conserves millions of acres of land across the country to help us fight the climate crisis. This legislation represents years of local and Tribal coordination to protect beloved landscapes, waters and green spaces— showcasing the success and importance of community-driven conservation.
Its passage in the House moves us closer to protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030 to prevent the worst of the climate and extinction crises. We urge swift action by the Senate to pass these safeguards and provide immeasurable benefits to all communities, climate stability and promote equitable access to the outdoors and the benefits of nature for generations to come."
For comment from local voices who led efforts on these lands and waters protections, contact courtney.bourgoin@sierraclub.org.
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.