WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation commends Senate leaders for moving forward with the Great American Outdoors Act. The bill, which permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund and provides money for deferred maintenance projects at national parks, will generate jobs, stimulate the economy, create new recreation opportunities and protect our cherished public lands for generations to come.

“We urge the Senate to pass this bipartisan legislation, which will be vital to the economic recovery of our nation, creating jobs that will further fuel the outdoor recreation economy,” said Tracy Stone-Manning, associate vice president of public lands at the National Wildlife Federation. “One thing we’ve learned during the COVID-19 pandemic is that Americans want and need to get outside to exercise and find solace on our public lands and community parks. But too many Americans don’t have that access now. Expanding access to these spaces in the coming months and years should be an essential part of our collective national recovery.”

Senate leaders today indicated they will take up the Great American Outdoors Act when they return from the Memorial Day recess. The National Wildlife Federation urges all senators to vote for this common-sense legislation and for the House of Representatives to quickly follow suit.

For over five decades, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has created and maintained local, state and national parks, hiking and biking trails, waterfront access and much more in every zip code in America.  Last year Congress voted overwhelmingly to permanently reauthorize this successful conservation program. The Great American Outdoors Act will ensure full and permanent funding for it. America’s outdoor recreation economy supports over 7.6 million jobs and over $887 billion in annual economic output.