Call To Action: Urge Congress to Pass the Public Lands in Public Hands Act (HR 718)

 

What is the Public Lands in Public Hands Act?

• House Resolution 718, the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, is a bipartisan bill that would ban the sale or transfer of public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service, except under specific conditions and where required under previous laws. 
• The bill also requires congressional approval for disposals of publicly accessible federal land tracts over 300 acres or over five acres if accessible via a public waterway. 
• This legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives last year but has stalled -- even though threats to public lands are growing.

 

Why is this important?

America's 640 million acres of federal public lands are the pride of the nation. They inspire wonder and awe, ensure clean air and water, maintain ecosystems, provide natural resources for humans and homes for wildlife, and offer endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and enjoyment. 

 

Public lands are where Americans go to experience wide open spaces, solitude, and connection with nature and each other. Outdoor recreation on U.S. federal public lands and waters generates approximately $128 billion in annual economic activity. Federal public lands are supported by taxpayers and managed by federal agencies whose employees mostly live and work near the lands they serve. Public lands are a shared legacy for everyone. Once sold off, they are typically lost to the public indefinitely.

 

What threats are public lands facing?

In addition to climate change and the biodiversity crisis, recent attempts to sell and privatize public lands add to the ongoing threats our national parks, forests, conservation areas, wildlife refuges, monuments, and wilderness areas are already facing. Major policy attempts have included:

• Budget reconciliation: This fast-tracked process, typically undergone in April through June, enables Congress to pass legislation related to spending, revenue, or debt with a simple majority vote. During the 2025 budget reconciliation process (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), some senators attempted to include a provision that would have sold millions of acres of public land to reduce the federal debt. Although it was unsuccessful, advocates and analysts are concerned that some congressional lawmakers may attempt another public lands sell-off in the upcoming 2026 budget reconciliation process. 
• Legislative sell-offs: Various proposals have sought to sell millions of acres of public lands, especially in Nevada and Utah. For example, the HEARD Act, if passed, would have allowed the secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior to offer public lands for sale or exchange to local governments without congressional oversight. 
• Litigation: A dozen states joined Utah's lawsuit challenging the federal government's right to hold unappropriated lands. While the Supreme Court declined to hear the case in January 2025, Utah officials indicated they would continue pursuing increased local control. 
• Monument review: The current administration is conducting a review of national monuments to potentially reduce their size in order to expand energy development. 

How would the Public Lands in Public Hands Act help?

HR 718 would prevent many of the above attempts. By keeping public lands public, it:

• Ensures public lands will remain accessible
• Encourages the preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity
• Mitigates climate change by reducing emissions caused by development and use
• Promotes a strong recreational economy
• Fosters partnerships with local communities, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders who neighbor public lands
• Promotes the health and well-being of humans

 

Contact your members of Congress and urge them to support the Public Lands in Public Hands Act.

 

When writing your letter, consider the following:

 

• Ask your representative to contact the chairs and members of the Committee on Agriculture and the Forestry and Horticulture subcommittee to advocate for the legislation to advance to a committee hearing and vote.
• If you think your member of Congress would be receptive, ask them to cosponsor the legislation. You can find a list of current cosponsors here. 
• Use a personal story of your experience with public lands.
• Be concise!