DENVER — The investments included in the newly unveiled Build Back Better Act will protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, initiate long-overdue reforms to our nation’s oil and gas leasing system, and help restore the nation’s forests and other public lands.

“This historic package will bring much-needed protections and investments to our nation’s public lands. It ensures that one of the last truly wild places on earth, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, will not be harmed by oil and gas development, and it reforms the antiquated oil and gas leasing system, ensuring a better return for American taxpayers,” said Mary Greene, public lands attorney at the National Wildlife Federation. “In addition, the newly released Build Back Better Act will make historic investments in ecosystem restoration and fire prevention on our public lands, which benefits wildlife and humans alike.”

The oil and gas reform provisions include increases in royalty and rental rates, new inspection and conservation fees, the elimination of noncompetitive leasing, and additional fees for idled oil and gas wells.