Sierra Club: Parks, CCC Funding Essential Parts of Reconciliation Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The federal reconciliation bill drafted by House Democrats is shaping up to be one of the largest investments in outdoor accessibility and equity in a generation. Under the guidance of Rep. Raul Grijalva and the House Natural Resources Committee, provisions in the bill would invest $100 million in the construction of urban parks across the country and an additional $100 million to expand free access to public lands for millions of people. It also includes $3 billion for the creation of a modern Civilian Climate Corps that would create jobs and make our communities more resilient to the devastating effects of the climate crisis. The Sierra Club strongly supports the inclusion of these provisions in the final reconciliation bill.

Jackie Ostfeld, director of Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign, released the following statement:

“From climate change to unemployment, we are facing unprecedented and intersecting crises that affect our economy, our ecosystems, and the health and safety of our communities. The investments proposed in the House reconciliation bill would be a game-changer for communities and families across the country.

“After years of disinvestment in communities and neglect of our public lands, this bill would help us build communities that can thrive and ensure that future generations are able to establish direct and powerful connections with nature. It is essential that these critical provisions remain in the final version of the bill.”