Senator Daines Introduces Bipartisan “America the Beautiful Act” to Enhance Outdoor Conservation
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines, joined by Senator Angus King (I-Maine), has introduced the “America the Beautiful Act,” aiming to build upon the success of the Great American Outdoors Act. This legislation seeks to reinforce and reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), addressing the significant maintenance backlog faced by national parks and public lands.
Senator Daines highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting, “When President Trump signed my ‘Great American Outdoors Act’ into law in 2020, it was the greatest conservation win for Montana and the entire country in 50 years.” He expressed pride in collaborating with colleagues to strengthen this initiative, emphasizing its role in preserving the outdoor lifestyles cherished by many Americans.
The proposed “America the Beautiful Act” reauthorizes the LRF through 2033 and seeks to increase annual funding to $2 billion, targeting the urgent maintenance needs in these vital conservation areas. The current maintenance backlog is staggering, estimated at $23.26 billion for the U.S. Park Service, $8.695 billion for the U.S. Forest Service, $2.65 billion for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, $5.72 billion for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and $804.5 million for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education.
This legislation aims not only to address immediate maintenance issues but also to facilitate access to the breathtaking natural beauty of the United States for future generations. As Senator Daines put it, the act is crucial for getting Americans outside to enjoy the landscapes and recreational opportunities available throughout the nation.
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