Snow in Yosemite National Park Sierra Sun Times file photo
December 17, 2025 - Washington, DC – Senator Mike Lee of Utah, who chairs the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resource Committee, recently introduced a shocking new amendment that would pave the way for the Trump administration to sell our national parks to the highest bidder. And he’s working to bring the amendment to a vote as soon as this week.
If passed, the amendment would strip language from an upcoming appropriations bill that states the federal government must protect and maintain national parks as federal lands. If the Senate passes this dangerous amendment, it sends a green-light message to the White House that it’s ok to sell off America’s national park legacy. The future of our national parks is at risk, which is why the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is calling on Senators to oppose Sen. Lee’s amendment.
NPCA is also urging park advocates everywhere to call their Senators today and tell them to vote “no” on Lee Amendment #3972 and stop the national park sell-off. For more information and to connect with your Senators, visit npca.org/dial.
Statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association:
“A vote in favor of Senator Lee’s amendment is a vote to sell America’s national parks. And we won’t stand for it.
“A vote in favor of this amendment is nothing short of a betrayal to the American people. National parks belong to all Americans. These places are cornerstones of American culture, creating shared experiences and lasting memories for hundreds of millions of people every year. They are our legacy. And they are not for sale.
“A vote in favor of this amendment would threaten local economies across the country. National parks are some of the country’s best investments, driving billions of dollars into local economies and creating thousands of jobs. Nobody benefits if our national parks are gutted. Nobody asked for this. Nobody wants this.
“The future of our national parks hangs in the balance. Senators must stand up now, oppose Senator Lee’s amendment, and vote to protect America’s best idea.”
About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.9 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
Source: National Parks Conservation Association
