February 12, 2026

DENVER – Following the launch of a new public lands initiative by the Trump Administration’s Make America Beautiful Again (MABA) Commission, Western Energy Alliance today weighed in with support of proposals to advance energy development and conservation. The initiative, dubbed MABA 250, is a five-point plan to balance energy and economic development with conservation and increasing access to outdoor recreation.

“Our membership is at the confluence of President Trump’s dual agendas to unleash American energy and Make America Beautiful Again. They’re among the largest contributors to the largest federal conservation program under the Legacy Restoration Fund, which funds maintenance of national parks, wetlands, wildlife refuges, and other public lands at historic levels,” said Melissa Simpson, president of the Alliance. “Revenues from energy development on working landscapes are paying for maintenance and infrastructure improvements in national parks and other treasured public lands.”

Enacted into law in 2020 by President Trump, the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund directs up to $1.9 billion annually to the upkeep of public lands that have faced years of maintenance backlogs and damage from overcrowding. The Alliance estimates 95 percent of the revenues available for the fund come from oil and natural gas development.

To date, more than $8.2 billion has been directed toward more than 1,600 projects, including for visitor centers, historic sites, campgrounds, trails, water and electrical infrastructure, and more. Despite being a cornerstone of the MABA Commission, the fund expired last October at the end of fiscal year 2025.

“The Legacy Restoration Fund has been a historic achievement and a notable legacy from President Trump’s first term. For the past six years it’s enjoyed significant bipartisan support and been praised by outdoor and conservation groups across the board. Now through MABA 250, we’re pleased to see the leadership at the Department of the Interior and other leaders of the Commission tout the fund’s benefits. We’re urging Congress to reauthorize the program so that during our nation’s 250^th year we can continue caring for our public lands.”

Last September, the Alliance sent a letter to the leaders of the MABA Commission, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, supporting the commission and detailing how the revenues generated from energy production on public lands are helping support national parks and other areas.

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