WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Local Input Act fosters transparency, public participation, and accountability in decisions affecting America’s public lands. The bill ensures communities, Tribal Nations, and outdoor recreationists have meaningful input opportunities before land management decisions are made. It also gives the Bureau of Land Management some discretion not to lease parcels of land for oil or gas development based on that public feedback. 

“Public lands belong to all Americans and decisions about their future should not happen behind closed doors,” said David Willms, associate vice president of public lands at National Wildlife Federation. “The Local Input Act ensures public perspectives are considered as federal agencies evaluate leasing decisions, creating a more accountable and transparent process for managing lands that support wildlife, clean water, and communities."