Ian Brickey, (202) 675-6270 or ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Department of the Interior announced it would increase funding to the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program as part of the Biden administration’s America the Beautiful plan to protect 30% of the country’s lands and waters by 2030 (30x30). The $150 million total investment in local parks and communities is a significant expansion for the program, which uses funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support equity-driven parks and greenspace projects in cities, urban areas, and historically underserved communities, directing resources where they are most needed. Communities will now be eligible to receive up to $5 million in grants to support projects to develop new or improve existing parks. The move is a major turnaround for the ORLP program, which was nearly eliminated by the Trump administration in its final hours in office.
In response, Sierra Club Outdoors for All campaign director Jackie Ostfeld released the following statement:
“This is an unprecedented investment to promote equitable access to the outdoors - a critical step in our fight to create a liveable planet for all.
“The additional parks and greenspace projects supported by this funding are not only essential for bringing the benefits of nature to our most underserved neighbors and friends, especially Black and brown communities, but also for achieving the 30x30 land and water conservation goal necessary to stave off the worst effects of the climate crisis.
“By reinstating the ORLP program and now greatly expanding its scope, President Biden has made it clear that his administration is serious about closing the nature gap and bringing the outdoors within reach for all.”
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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.