A Beautiful Bill? Not for Our Parks: Why H.R. 1 Threatens America’s Public Lands

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1) with a vote of 215–214, and one member voting present. This bloated legislation aligns with  President Donald Trump's agenda, encompassing significant tax cuts, reductions in social programs, and substantial changes to public land management policies. The bill now advances to the Senate, where it faces further deliberation. The Senate is expected to take up the bill in June.

Impacts on Public Lands and National Parks

H.R. 1 introduces several provisions that could profoundly affect the management and preservation of America's public lands:

• Rescission of Conservation Funds: The bill rescinds unobligated balances from the Inflation Reduction Act allocated to the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, totaling approximately $267 million. This could hinder staffing, maintenance, and conservation projects in national parks.

• Prohibition on Implementing Certain Resource Management Plans: H.R. 1 prohibits the implementation of specific resource management plans, such as those for the Grand Junction and Colorado River Valley Field Offices in Colorado. This restriction may limit the BLM's ability to manage land use effectively in these areas.

• Expansion of Fossil Fuel Development: By mandating the leasing of all lands nominated by the oil and gas industry in several states, the bill prioritizes fossil fuel development, potentially at the expense of environmental conservation and recreation.

• Reduced Environmental Oversight: The bill includes provisions that may weaken environmental regulations, such as rescinding funds for environmental reviews, potentially leading to unchecked development.

• Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems: Increased industrial activities near protected areas could disrupt wildlife habitats, migration patterns, and overall ecosystem health, affecting biodiversity and natural processes.

• Potential Decline in Tourism and Recreation: Environmental degradation and reduced funding for park services may diminish the quality of visitor experiences, potentially leading to a decline in tourism-related revenue for local communities.

• Air and Water Quality Concerns: Expanded drilling and mining activities raise concerns about pollution, which could affect air and water quality in and around national parks, posing risks to both ecosystems and public health.

Conservation Groups' Perspectives

Several environmental and conservation organizations have voiced strong opposition to H.R. 1:

• National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA): The NPCA opposes H.R. 1, stating that it undermines the protection and enhancement of the National Park System by rescinding critical funding and promoting fossil fuel development near protected areas.

• The Wilderness Society: This organization criticizes the bill for opening vast areas to drilling, mining, and logging, arguing that it prioritizes industrial interests over environmental protection and public enjoyment of natural spaces.

• Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA): While BHA applauds the removal of a provision that would have sold off public lands, it continues to oppose aspects of the bill that expedite development in intact fish and wildlife habitats.

Call to Action

The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" poses significant threats to the preservation and responsible management of America's public lands and national parks. If you are concerned about the potential impacts of this legislation, consider taking the following actions:

Contact Your Senators: Reach out to your U.S. Senators to express your opposition to H.R. 1 and urge them to vote against the bill. Republican opposition is key to killing or amending the objectionable aspects of the bill. Below is a list of Senators who are up for re-election in 2026 and won their last election by 53% or less. Meanwhile, Senator McConnell is retiring and should be free to vote his conscience on the bill. 

• Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)

  • Phone: (202) 224-2523

  • Email: Contact Form

• Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

  • Phone: (202) 224-3254

  • Email: Contact Form

• Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)

  • Phone: (202) 224-6342

  • Email: Contact Form

• Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)

  • Phone: (202) 224-2934

  • Email: Contact Form

• Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

  • Phone: (202) 224-2541

  • Email: Contact Form

Conclusion

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is a sweeping piece of legislation with consequences that extend far beyond fiscal policy. For America’s public lands—our national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and open spaces—it represents a profound shift away from stewardship and sustainability toward short-term exploitation and deregulation. From gutting conservation funds to mandating oil and gas leasing near protected areas, the bill jeopardizes the health of ecosystems, the viability of wildlife, the quality of outdoor recreation, and the future of our shared natural heritage.

We are at a critical juncture. The Senate now holds the power to stop this bill and safeguard the places that define our national identity. Our parks and public lands cannot speak for themselves—they need us to do it for them.

Let your voice be heard. Speak out. Stand up. And help ensure that the legacy we pass on is one of protection, not neglect.