American Rivers’ Statement on Senate Proposal to Sell Millions of Acres of Public Lands and Jeopardize Clean Drinking Water

Contact: Hawk Hammer, National Communications and Media Director, Hhammer@americanrivers.org 

In response to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s provision that proposes selling off millions of acres of public lands throughout the American West, Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers, issued the following statement:  

“It is deeply disappointing that a proposal to sell such a significant portion of our shared resources is advancing in the Senate after being rejected in the House. Our public lands are instrumental in providing millions of Americans with clean drinking water and access to nature. They support hunting and fishing industries and are an important part of our heritage. The American public doesn’t want to part with these pristine places, and it’s essential that Congress defends our nation’s water wealth.” 

“American Rivers thanks Senators Daines, Sheehy, Crapo, and Risch for their public statements in support of public lands and waters and calls on all members to oppose the inclusion of these sales in the reconciliation package.” 

The proposal targets the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming and mandates sales within 5 years.  

###

American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. AmericanRivers.org