Two years post-enactment, the Great American Outdoors Act has made significant strides in public land conservation and infrastructure improvement.
Susan Shain reports for High Country News.
In short:
- The Act has permanently funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund with $900 million annually, primarily from oil and gas fees, enhancing public land access and recreation.
- It allocated $9.5 billion over five years to the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, addressing maintenance backlogs in national parks.
- The initiatives have led to job creation and economic benefits, with a focus on improving access for people with disabilities and enhancing local communities.
Key quote:
"The Great American Outdoors Act was such an important victory... It has changed our world."
— Myke Bybee, legislative director at the Trust for Public Land
Why this matters:
The Great American Outdoors Act represents a landmark in environmental policy, directly impacting health outcomes by improving public access to green spaces and bolstering local economies. Its success is a step in national efforts to preserve natural resources and promote public well-being.
Opinion: A national wildlife refuge at risk of industrialization.
