WASHINGTON (May 23, 2025) – The U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget bill this week that removed provisions that would have allowed for sales of public lands but moved ahead with other harmful provisions. These include mandates for oil and gas lease sales in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, the removal of tax incentives for large-scale renewable energy development, and the repeal of billions of dollars in funding for conservation and restoration.
“We are glad to see the provision that would have authorized the sale of public lands removed, and that there remains a continued commitment to conserving important lands in the West. However, we are disappointed that these fixes did not extend to protection of the fragile ecosystems in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge that provide critical bird habitat,” said Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs at National Audubon Society. “Also concerning is the significant erosion of support for maintaining a U.S. commitment to an ‘all of the above’ energy agenda that includes critical incentives for clean energy development that has already jumpstarted U.S. manufacturing, job growth, and economic activity in communities across the country.”
“Throughout our 120-year history, Audubon has worked across the aisle to ensure the conservation of birds and the places they need to survive. That work continues and is as important as ever, so as the focus turns to the Senate, we stand ready to work collaboratively and push for critical improvements to mitigate harmful provisions for birds, communities, and our planet,” said Stadler.
About Audubon
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
Media Contact: Robyn Shepherd, robyn.shepherd@audubon.org
