Squirrel in Yosemite with Half Dome in the background
NPS Photo
April 7, 2025 - During Friday's vote-a-rama, the Senate dismissed the bipartisan amendment from Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) opposing the sale of public lands to pay for the reconciliation bill.
Emily Thompson, Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement:
“Proposals to sell off or dispose of our public lands pose a dire threat to Americans’ ability to access and enjoy our country’s incredible natural and cultural resources.
“Americans love our national parks and public lands. They are a critical part of our country’s past, present, and future – and they provide huge economic benefits to local communities. The idea that we would sell these lands shows just how out of step the current Administration is with the wishes of the American people.
“We appreciate Senators Heinrich and Hickenlooper leading a bipartisan effort to block attempts to sell public lands and keep these spaces protected and open for recreation. We applaud the Senators who voted for this amendment and urge all Americans to help us ensure that our national parks, national monuments, and public lands remain in the hands of the American people.”
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks represents over 4,000 current, former, and retired employees and volunteers of the National Park Service, with over 50,000 collective years of stewardship of America’s most precious natural and cultural resources. Recognized as the Voices of Experience, the Coalition educates, speaks, and acts for the preservation and protection of the National Park System, and mission-related programs of the National Park Service. More information can be found at https://protectnps.org
Source: Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
