DENVER — The Public Lands Integrity Act will help ensure that the nation’s public lands remain accessible for wildlife and people alike by forbidding Congress from using the budget reconciliation process to sell them off. The legislation was introduced by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

“It was just one year ago, when some members of Congress attempted to sell off public lands to fund other budget priorities. After millions of public lands users — including hunters, anglers, ranchers, and hikers — spoke out, the proposal was withdrawn, but we cannot assume it won’t happen again,” said David Willms, associate vice president for public lands at the National Wildlife Federation. “This legislation provides critical safeguards so lawmakers do not sidestep the established and deliberative process for managing federal lands, while also ensuring the lands remain in public hands so wildlife, recreation, and rural communities can continue to thrive for generations to come.”