Late last week, the House passed a sweeping public lands conservation package which the Council previously analyzed.
The bill, Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act (H.R. 803) passed along party lines with eight Republicans supporting and one Democrat opposing. It will soon head to the Senate.
During the debate, Republicans disagreed with limiting access to areas that are sources of critical minerals, oil and gas. Ranking member of the Natural Resource Committee, Rep. Westerman (R-AR) voiced doubt in the federal government’s ability to properly manage the areas under its care.
Republicans sought to add language rejecting President Biden’s executive order halting new leases for oil and gas drilling, but the motion was defeated 221-204. The House approved an amendment from Rep. Curtis (R-UT), which requires a study of lands under conversation to verify if they contain critical minerals.
For more information about the Council’s advocacy efforts, contact SVP Government Affairs & Counsel Tim Tarpley.
