Media Statement
ATC Statement on the Passage of the Build Back Better Act by the House of Representatives
November 19, 2021
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Statement
November 19, 2021
In Response to the Passage of the $1.75 Trillion Build Back Better Act in the House of Representatives
Statement from Sandra Marra, President & CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) applauds the passage of the Build Back Better Act by the House of Representatives and proudly voices its support for this important legislation. The ATC is also deeply appreciative of President Biden and the House and Senate Agriculture and Natural Resource Committees for their continued support of crucial funding for conservation programs across our public lands, including those to address the growing impacts of climate change.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) depends on programs like Forest Legacy ($1.25 billion in the bill), which protects forestlands at risk of development or conversion; Legacy Roads and Trails ($450 million in the bill), which rehabilitates Forest Service roads and trails; trail maintenance ($100 million in the bill); and robust, expeditious NEPA reviews ($100 million in the bill) in order to further conserve a corridor with irreplaceable recreational, cultural and ecological value. These are just a few of the ways Build Back Better Act investments will improve and protect the A.T. experience while supporting natural climate solutions and energizing outdoor recreation economies across our gateway communities. This is a win-win for outdoor recreation, equitable access, ecosystem integrity, environmental justice and a climate-resilient America.
As this transformative legislation moves to the Senate for consideration, the ATC will continue its vigorous advocacy on forestry, public land and climate policy to encourage the passage of the Build Back Better Act into law. We encourage our members and supporters to contact their Senators today to voice their support for the Build Back Better Act, which will help reinforce protections for the trails and public lands we all love.”
About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The ATC was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. A unit of the National Park System, the A.T. ranges from Maine to Georgia and is 2,193.1 miles in length. It is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. The mission of the ATC is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. For more information, please visit www.appalachiantrail.org.
Media Contact: Jordan Bowman
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Tel: 304.885.0794
Email: jbowman@appalachiantrail.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ATHike
Web: www.appalachiantrail.org
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Click below to read our letter to Congress detailing our reasons for supporting the Build Back Better Act.
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