WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Legislation that would permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and protect national parks from nearby mining, among other thing, has passed the U.S. House and Senate and is expected to be signed by President Donald Trump. The Natural Resources Management Act is widely hailed by outdoor recreation and conservation groups, including PeopleForBikes.
"All Americans will benefit from the increased federal investment in the trails and parks where we love to bike," said PeopleForBikes' president, Tim Blumenthal.
Among other things, the act would provide free access to national parks for fourth graders and their families. It would expand eight national parks, create several new national monuments and protect specific natural resources in several states.
PeopleForBikes called it "a milestone for pro-bike policy on our public lands." The group also launched a campaign making it easy for its members to thank their representatives for the vote, at peopleforbikes.org/public-lands-thank-legislators.
REI also released a statement applauding the vote. "This bill is proof that, even in our current political climate, there are issues both Republicans and Democrats can agree on. It reinforces our belief that time outdoors has the power to unite us,” said Eric Artz, REI Co-op's interim president and CEO. “The degree of bipartisanship is historic and worth celebrating. We’re proud to see this bill move to the White House and we encourage the president to sign it.”
