Foundation for America’s Public Lands Reauthorization Act

This bill renews the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, which supports the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It also makes “helping fulfill BLM’s multiple use mission” an explicit purpose—meaning the Foundation can back a mix of uses like energy, grazing, recreation, and mining on public lands .

The Foundation’s board would grow over time and include a wider range of voices. Within four years, the board can have up to 18 members, with at least one-third being subject-matter experts. It must also include people with experience in fossil and non-fossil energy, ranching/grazing on BLM lands, non-motorized and motorized recreation, hunting/fishing or recreational shooting, and mining . The bill bars spending Foundation funds on lawsuits or lobbying Congress. It also lets the Foundation pass along donations to federal agencies to support BLM’s multiple-use work. Finally, it authorizes funding for each of the five fiscal years after enactment .

Key points

• Who is affected: People and industries that use BLM lands (ranchers, energy producers, miners, hunters/anglers, off-roaders, hikers) and federal agencies that may receive donations for public-lands projects.
• What changes: Expands the board and requires diverse representation; adds “multiple use” as a core purpose; bans spending on lawsuits and lobbying; allows donations to be given to agencies for BLM’s mission; provides funding for five years .
• When: Board capped at 12 members within 180 days, 15 in two years, and 18 in four years; specific board seats required by year four; funding runs for five fiscal years after enactment .