WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation hailed the “Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act” which is designed to conserve some of our nation’s most cherished landscapes and watersheds. The bill incorporates eight previously introduced measures, including the Grand Canyon Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz), which will permanently protect the greater Grand Canyon region from new mining claims.

“The Grand Canyon is far too special — for Indigenous communities, wildlife, and our cultural and natural heritage — to leave it at risk to nearby, reckless uranium mining that threatens the health and water resources for the Havasupai, Navajo, Hopi, and Hualapai Tribes and 40 million users downstream,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We stand in full support of Chairman Grijalva’s tireless leadership to protect these lands, public health, Tribal communities, wildlife, and recreational opportunities by preventing additional uranium mining in the greater Grand Canyon.”

The public lands bill, which the U.S. House of Representatives will consider next week, also includes the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act, sponsored by Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo), which would protect 400,000 acres of public land in Colorado and expand outdoor recreation opportunities.

“The Core Act will conserve some of Colorado’s most cherished public lands while increasing access and opportunities for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists from all walks of life,” said Aaron Kindle, director of sporting advocacy for the National Wildlife Federation. “This legislation was driven by input from local communities and will help conserve our hunting and angling traditions, and ensure a future with healthy wildlife and wildlife habitat."

The "Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act" also includes measures that would protect rivers and wilderness areas in California and the Pacific Northwest.