“We are deeply concerned by provisions in the Senate’s recent budget reconciliation proposal that would mandate the sale of over 2 million acres of public land across 11 states, expand oil and gas leasing, and weaken protections for some of our nation’s most treasured landscapes. This short-sighted approach ignores the long-term value these lands provide—especially to communities historically excluded from access, including Latinos and other communities of color.

Public lands are a shared inheritance. They are vital to the cultural, spiritual, and economic well-being of Latino communities, offering clean air and water, supporting local economies, and providing spaces for connection, healing, and heritage. Selling them would sever access, disrupt livelihoods, and further erode public trust.

We are especially alarmed by the use of the budget reconciliation process to bypass public input, environmental review, and transparency. These decisions demand open debate and must reflect the overwhelming public support for conservation—from Latino voters to ranchers, small businesses, hunters, anglers, and local communities.

Latino communities are increasingly active in the care and use of public lands. Polls show we want these places preserved, not privatized. According to the 2025 Conservation in the West poll, 91% of Latino voters support maintaining national monument protections, and 77% want Congress to prioritize clean air, water, wildlife, and recreation over more drilling.

Our public lands are critical to clean water and healthy communities. We strongly oppose their sale and instead urge stronger protections to ensure equitable access, environmental resilience, and long-term stewardship for all.”