(Washington, D.C.—June 18,2026) The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee yesterday advanced the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act, legislation that would reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and double down on critical investments in national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other public lands. The bill, introduced by Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME), would invest $1.9 billion per year in infrastructure and stewardship projects on public lands and extend and strengthen one of the most successful conservation programs created under the Great American Outdoors Act that was enacted in 2020.
“As Americans, we share the incredible natural legacy of our public lands,” said Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs for the National Audubon Society. “But our public lands are in dire need of support in the face of increasing pressures including wildfire, public demand and degradation. The Legacy Restoration Fund has helped address long-standing maintenance and restoration needs across America’s public lands while supporting wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, and local communities and we applaud the committee for advancing this bipartisan legislation.”
The Senate committee’s action follows the recent introduction of the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act 250 in the House by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA). Together, the House and Senate proposals reflect strong bipartisan support for extending investments in America’s public lands.
Press contact: Jason Howe, jason.howe@audubon.org
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