American Rivers Welcomes Congressional Action on Conservation and Recreation
June 23, 2026 – Last week, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act. This legislation would reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and lead to significant investments in national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and other public lands and waters. Introduced by Senators Daines (R-MT) and King (I-ME), and co-sponsored by over 60 Senators, the bill would invest $1.9 billion annually in infrastructure and environmental stewardship projects. This investment is aimed at addressing the $43 billion maintenance backlog on public lands, across multiple federal agencies, and would improve public access to some of our country’s most treasured rivers as well as ensure clean water supplies for millions of Americans, whether for drinking water or recreation. It would extend the Legacy Restoration Fund, one of the most successful conservation programs created under the Great American Outdoors Act enacted in 2020 and expired in 2025.
Progress in the Senate follows the recent introduction in the House of the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act 250 by Chairman Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Huffman (D-CA). Taken together, these legislative efforts reflect strong, bipartisan support for America’s public lands and waters. American Rivers commends both committees for their work and looks forward to seeing this legislation head to the President’s desk.
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About American Rivers
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 the 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