Biden’s Actions Threaten Conservation Funding

Great Sand Dunes National Park

As Americans venture out this summer to enjoy national, state, and local parks, it’s a prime moment to spotlight the largest federal investments in public lands conservation in the past 50 years as well as emerging threats.
 
Now in its fourth year, the Great American Outdoors Act epitomizes the balance between preserving our nation’s cherished places and utilizing public lands that are working landscapes. The landmark law directs $2.8 billion annually from energy development on non-park, non-wilderness public lands and waters into national parks, wildlife refuges, and other public lands. In return, essential conservation projects and infrastructure repairs that have languished for years are now being funded. 

​​Public lands have seen a surge in visitors in recent years, driven by the need for outdoor recreation during the COVID pandemic, inspiring social media posts, and aggressive marketing by the outdoor industry. Unfortunately, the increased popularity exacerbates problems arising from chronic underfunding of maintenance and infrastructure.

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