Call To Action: Urge Congress to Pass the Public Lands Integrity Act
Governments and members of society have an obligation to exercise responsible stewardship of the Earth, thereby protecting not only the well-being of their citizens, but also that of both future generations and other citizens of the planet.
What is the Public Lands Integrity Act?
- The Public Lands Integrity Act would amend the Congressional Budget Act to prevent the sale, disposal, or transfer of federal lands as part of the budget reconciliation process.
- Closing this loophole would help ensure that decisions about the future of federal public lands are debated through the regular legislative process.
Why is budget reconciliation a threat to public lands?
- Budget reconciliation enables Congress to pass legislation related to spending, revenue, or debt with a simple majority vote.
- Budget reconciliation, typically undertaken in April through June, is a fast-tracked process with 30- and 60-day mandates. This leaves little to no opportunity for environmental review, hearings, debate, or public input.
- Budget reconciliation bills are often massive and complex, making it arduous to fully grasp their contents and engage in informed debate on the numerous provisions they encompass.
- Congress strongly considered a provision to sell millions of acres of federal public lands to generate revenue by using budget reconciliation in 2025 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act).
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.
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.
Although the attempt to sell public lands in 2025 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.
How would the Public Lands Integrity Act help?
Passing this bill would help ensure that:
- Any public lands disposals would have to move through a rigorous process of debate.
- There is time for public participation and environmental review.
- A filibuster-proof majority in the Senate would have to agree to sell, transfer, or dispose of federal public lands.
- Necessary public land disposals continue under existing laws that ensure sales are in the public interest.
As a result, it is more likely that:
- Public lands will remain accessible.
- Revenue from local outdoor recreation and tourism on federal lands can continue.
- Natural habitats and biodiversity will be preserved.
- Potential emissions caused by land development and use are mitigated.
- Local communities, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders who neighbor public lands can work in partnership to steward the land.
- Wilderness areas will continue to exist and promote human health and well-being.
Contact your members of Congress and urge them to support the Public Lands Integrity Act.
When writing your letter, consider the following:
- Use a personal story of your experience with public lands.
- Relay your experiences regarding the proposed sale of public lands during the last budget reconciliation process.
- Be concise!