Millions of Acres of Public Lands Spared from Sale in Reconciliation Bill After Momentous Opposition from American Public

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

WASHINGTON D.C — American Rivers is today celebrating the defeat of legislation mandating the sale of public lands in the West that was set to be included in the Senate version of the reconciliation bill.  

“This is a momentous win for conservation and a powerful reminder that Americans deeply value our public lands and waters. That was made crystal clear by the remarkable, bipartisan outcry opposing the liquidation of our natural heritage,” said Tom Kiernan, president and CEO of American Rivers. “Future generations should be able to continue to use these lands for fishing, rafting, hiking, and swimming, and to enjoy the clean water that begins in these priceless places. It is our responsibility to protect that legacy.” 

Public lands are the largest single source of municipal water supply in the nation, with roughly 1 in 10 Americans in the West relying on Bureau of Land Management lands to supply their drinking water. Public lands also support an outdoor recreation industry worth $11.1 billion according to 2022 estimates and provide 73,000 jobs.  

### 

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