HR803, the Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act, recently passed the House of Representatives on February 26th, 2021, by a vote of 227-200. HR803 is authored by Rep. Diane DeGette (CO-1), and co-sponsored by Congressional Future Caucus Member and Emeritus Co-Chair Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-2), Rep. Jason Crow (CO-6), and Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-7). The bill passed with the support of eight House Republican members, including CFC member Rep. Peter Meijer (MI-3).

The Act designates 1.5 million acres of Western federal land as wilderness and prohibits new mining near the Grand Canyon. Included in the bill is HR577, sponsored by CFC Emeritus Co-Chair Rep. Joe Neguse. HR577 would, among other actions, establish the Greater Thompson Divide Fugitive Coal Mine Methane Use Pilot Program to promote the capture, beneficial use, and mitigation of fugitive methane emissions to reduce these harmful emissions and improve air quality. In addition, the House approved a bipartisan amendment offered by Republican Rep. John Curtis (UT-3). The amendment will require a study to determine if any land withdrawn by this legislation contains geothermal resources or minerals needed for battery storage, renewable energy technology, or electric vehicles.The amendment passed 221-205, with sixteen Democrats joining 205 Republicans. The bill’s legislative development and bipartisan support demonstrate the viability of collaboration between parties, with both caucuses advancing priorities through this bill.

The Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act has been sent to the U.S. Senate and referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee.