Gila Herald Staff Reports
TUCSON — Local elected officials and conservation stakeholders across the state are praising U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) for his bipartisan leadership in safeguarding Arizona’s public lands and preserving the outdoor spaces that define the American West.
Recently, Ciscomani joined forces with Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) to introduce the Public Lands Integrity Act. The proposed legislation aims to shield America’s public lands from being sold or otherwise disposed of through fast-tracked federal budget reconciliation processes, ensuring that any such actions instead face strict transparency, accountability, and public scrutiny.
Protecting Landscapes from “Backroom Deals”
The core objective of the Public Lands Integrity Act is to keep federal land management decisions in the open, requiring regular legislative oversight and direct public input rather than allowing treasured spaces to be used as leverage in rushed budget negotiations.
“Our public lands should never be subject to backroom deals or rushed budget negotiations,” Ciscomani said. “Selling or disposing of them through reconciliation is the wrong approach. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Public Lands Integrity Act, which ensures decisions about these treasured spaces are made openly, through regular order, and with full public input.”
Ciscomani emphasized that the issue transcends party lines, noting the deep cultural and geographical connection residents have to the region.
“Our public lands are an American heritage,” he added. “They belong to every community, every family, and every generation. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or Independent, these lands are in our backyards and shape the places we call home.”
A Track Record of Conservation Focus
This latest legislative push builds upon Ciscomani’s broader efforts in Congress regarding federal land management and environmental stewardship.
As an active member of the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, Ciscomani’s previous legislative efforts include:
- The Promoting Accessibility on Federal Lands Act: Co-sponsored by Ciscomani to improve accessibility for visitors to public outdoor spaces.
- The Chiricahua National Park Act: Introduced by Ciscomani to elevate the local national monument to full National Park status. The bill passed the House with wide bipartisan support and is currently awaiting a vote in the U.S. Senate before heading to the President’s desk.
Broad Coalition of Support
The Public Lands Integrity Act has garnered broad support, drawing endorsements from municipal leaders, conservation groups, military veterans, and outdoor recreation advocates who view the state’s public lands as vital economic and environmental drivers.
Supporters emphasize that keeping these open spaces intact is critical for the tourism, hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation industries that sustain local rural and urban communities across Arizona.
