Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus Endorses Public Lands in Public Hands Act to Safeguard Outdoor Access for Future Generations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, co-chaired by U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT), U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson (R-ID), announced its official endorsement of the bipartisan Public Lands in Public Hands Act to safeguard America’s public lands and ensure they remain open and accessible for all. This is the first bill endorsed by the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, which was founded by Rep. Vasquez and Rep. Zinke in May 2025. 

Rooted in the belief that public lands are “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people,” the Caucus’s endorsement reflects its mission to protect public lands by banning the sale or transfer of most public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service, except under specific conditions and where required by law. The bill also requires Congressional approval for the disposal of publicly accessible federal land tracts over 300 acres and for public land tracts over five acres if accessible via a public waterway — protecting hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation access across the country. The Caucus emphasized that public lands power rural outdoor economies, support cultural traditions, and strengthen communities.

“Like so many New Mexicans, I grew up hunting, fishing, and camping on public lands. Those experiences shaped who I am today,” said Vasquez. “These lands don’t belong to one party or to a handful of wealthy interests — they belong to all of us. This endorsement is a meaningful step as the Public Lands Caucus works to ensure our lands stay in public hands for generations to come.”

The endorsement of the Public Lands in Public Hands Act builds on the Caucus’s early success of stopping a major land sell-off proposal earlier this year, when the Caucus worked across party lines to remove a provision pushed by Senator Lee that would have authorized the sale of 500,000 acres of public lands. 

The Public Lands in Public Hands Act now moves forward in the House with strong support from the members of the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus.

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