Pew Applauds New Legislation to Invest in National Parks and Other Public Lands

WASHINGTON-The Pew Charitable Trusts applauds Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) for introducing the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act 250 to build on the success of the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, extending the Legacy Restoration Fund to continue addressing priority repairs, modernization, and access needs across the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Indian Education schools.

Marcia Argust, who leads Pew's work on restoring national parks, issued the following statement:

"We applaud Natural Resources Committee Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Great American Outdoors Act 250, which extends the Legacy Restoration Fund established under the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020. This legislation would continue a savvy, proven nontaxpayer investment in our national parks and public lands-supporting jobs in communities throughout the country, restoring aging infrastructure within our parks and public lands, safeguarding historic sites, and protecting access to hunting and outdoor recreation.

"While the Legacy Restoration Fund made significant strides, much work remains. Maintaining these places is essential to ensure safe and reliable access for the hundreds of millions of visitors that enjoy our parks and public lands each year. This investment, in turn, is critical to preserving our shared heritage and upholding thriving communities and businesses whose livelihoods depend on these visitors.

"As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, continued investment in safeguarding and updating our parks and public landscapes is a smart and truly patriotic way to celebrate this milestone."

The Great American Outdoors Act 250 joins a bipartisan Senate proposal to extend the Legacy Restoration Fund-the America the Beautiful Act-led by Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Angus King (I-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Mark Warner (D-VA).