“Selling off public lands would be a direct threat to Latino communities that already face stark disparities in access to nature. Across the country, Latinos and communities of color are three times more likely than white communities to live in nature-deprived places. 67% of Latinos live in nature-deprived areas, as opposed to 23% of Whites.

“The few existing public lands are critical for addressing this nature gap. Besides the reliance on them to purify the air, supply water, and act as buffers against extreme weather events, Latinos rely on them for connection to their ancestry, culture, and identity. In addition, access to nature is a critical public health issue for Latino communities, offering physical, mental, and environmental benefits. Green spaces encourage physical activity, reducing risks of chronic diseases like obesity and heart disease while alleviating stress and improving mental well-being.

“We applaud Senators Heinrich and Hickenlooper and others who voted to keep public lands in public hands. We support efforts to reconcile the budget in ways that ensure long-term economic sustainability, but not at the expense of Latinos and communities of color or our shared natural heritage. We look forward to continuing our work with policymakers to ensure these lands remain protected and accessible for everyone— now and for future generations. We remain hopeful that the Senate will explore other ways to address the nation’s fiscal challenges.”