Rep. Schrier Applauds House Passage of Wilderness and Public Lands Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) voted today in support of HR 803, the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act. This legislation will take steps to conserve public lands and waters, and protect communities from the effects of climate change.

"We are facing an urgent climate crisis that is threatening our beloved public lands and resources," said Rep. Schrier. "This legislation will protect and preserve our public lands, while also promoting outdoor recreation, a balance many Washingtonians will appreciate. I want to make sure that my child and future generations will still be able to enjoy our state's treasured wild lands and rivers."

The Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act designates approximately 1.5 million acres of public land as wilderness and incorporates more than 1,200 river miles into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (NWSRS). The legislation also includes the text of Rep. Derek Kilmer's bill, the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (HR 999), which would designate over 130,000 acres of public land as wilderness and protect 458 river miles as components of the NWSRS in Washington.