Natasha Blakely, natasha.blakely@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Sens. Angus King and Steve Daines introduced the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act, which would reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) and increase its funding. The LRF, first authorized in the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act, needs renewal to continue its work addressing the public lands maintenance backlog.
In response, Jackie Ostfeld, Sierra Club Outdoors for All campaign director, said:
"Our parks, forests and public lands are national treasures that need our urgent attention. Recent staffing cuts across our land agencies threaten our parks and the visitor experience. When passed, the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act will support a range of much needed projects in all 50 states, from restoring campgrounds and trails to roads and historic structures. Dedicated funding and adequate staffing are essential to address critical needs on our public lands and the local communities that depend on them. It is encouraging to see leaders from both sides of the aisle come together to safeguard our parks to ensure we can continue to explore and enjoy public lands.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of 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.