May 13, 2024
The Biden Administration announced a series of policy changes that set a course for a more sustainable future. With the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule and new actions to protect land in the Alaskan Arctic, the administration took bold steps to protect public land. Additionally, the administration has announced new and ambitious goals for protecting freshwater resources, which are crucial to conserving 30% of the United States’ lands, freshwater, and oceans by 2030 while ensuring that at least 40% of the overall benefits flow into disadvantaged communities. The Biden-Harris administration has now protected more than 41 million acres of lands and waters—putting President Biden on track to conserve more lands and waters than any President in history.
The progress during Earth Month complements President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative, a 10-year, locally-led and nationally-scaled effort to protect, conserve, and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife upon which we all depend. It also builds on President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which outlines historic investments in public lands and waters.
The Conservation and Landscape Health Rule Protects America’s most iconic and vital public lands
The Department of the Interior announced the final Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, providing tools for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to protect public lands in the face of climate change, conserve important wildlife habitats, facilitate responsible development, and better recognize unique cultural and natural resources on public lands.
BLM lands represent nearly 40% of America’s public lands. They are home to culturally and ecologically significant places sacred to Tribes and many communities. The Conservation and Landscape Health Rule is a crucial step towards achieving conservation goals while preserving the culture and stories the lands represent to rural, frontline, and communities of color.
“We applaud the Biden administration’s decision to preserve cultural areas, better protect wildlife habitat, and safeguard outdoor access and recreational opportunities.”
– André Sanchez, Community Engagement and Conservation Policy Manager, CalWild
Two New Actions Make Critical Progress in Protecting the Alaskan Arctic
The Biden Administration took key actions to conserve Alaskan fish and wildlife habitats, reduce extractive activities on public lands, and ensure millions of acres of land are managed appropriately to protect the subsistence economy that is significant to Alaska Native people and rural communities. These steps follow President Biden’s actions in March to protect millions of acres of lands and waters in the Arctic, including approximately 2.8 million acres of the Beaufort Sea, ensuring the entire United States Arctic Ocean is off limits to new oil and gas leasing.
After significant engagement with the public, Alaska Native Tribes, and Alaska Native Corporations, the BLM finalized the Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A) rule, which will ensure maximum protection for 13 million acres land in the western Arctic, while supporting subsistence uses and needs for Alaska Native communities.
The BLM also released its environmental analysis for the Ambler Road project—a proposed plan to build a road that would span over 210 miles of significant wildlife habitat and pristine waters that are vital for subsistence along the iconic Brooks Range in north central Alaska. The BLM recommended that the road not be built, finding that any development would significantly and irrevocably impact resources, including those supporting important subsistence uses in ways that can not be mitigated.
As a part of its America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge, the Biden Administration announced new national goals to protect rivers and freshwater resources. These goals — the most ambitious in United States history — include protecting and restoring 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of rivers by 2030.
To achieve these goals and to ensure that our freshwater resources are protected for current and future generations, the Biden-Harris Administration is calling on all states, Tribes, interstate organizations, cities, and local communities, to advance their own policies and strategies for conserving and restoring America’s freshwater systems. More than 100 inaugural members have already signed on to support freshwater restoration including seven states, eight Tribes, and 24 local governments.
“As a member of the America the Beautiful for All Coalition, the Rio Grande International Study Center strongly endorses the Biden-Harris Administration’s America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge. This initiative is a logical next step – a natural extension in our continued work to protect and restore the Rio Grande and a robust affirmation of our organization’s commitment to freshwater protection. We do so by leveraging and enhancing our reach in this united cause to promote our shared vision that our communities’ water resources are responsibly managed and protected for the benefit of generations to come.”
– Martin Castro, Watershed Science Director at Rio Grande International Study Center
April’s Progress Sets the Course for Continued Action
The Biden Administration demonstrated remarkable dedication to advancing conservation goals. Building off other key climate initiatives, this administration has undeniably charted new territory in conservation.
While celebrating these achievements, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the work to advance equitable conservation projects is ongoing. Ensuring that all communities benefit from and participate in conservation is essential for long-term success and impact. Conservation work must prioritize equity and consider the unique meaning of public land and waters for different cultural and identity groups across the country. The America the Beautiful for All Coalition looks forward to continuing to collaborate with the Biden Administration to work towards conservation goals that keep justice and equity at the top of mind.
