Current Public Lands Legislation and Upcoming Bills: February 2026 Overview
As February 2026 begins, public lands policy features a mix of active legislation, recent passages, and upcoming hearings. This post provides an objective summary of key bills and developments, based on congressional records and agency updates. These include measures on land protection, appropriations, and resource management, reflecting priorities for access, conservation, and multiple uses. Public comment periods and subcommittee actions offer opportunities for input.
Active and Recently Passed Legislation
Several bills from the 119th Congress (2025-2026) address public lands, with some advancing to law and others under consideration.
- Public Lands in Public Hands Act (H.R. 718): Introduced in January 2025 by Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), this bill requires congressional approval for the sale or transfer of certain federal lands exceeding 5,000 acres. It aims to maintain public access for recreation, grazing, and other uses. As of February 2026, it remains in the House Natural Resources Committee, with potential for further action.
- PUBLIC Lands Act (S. 3526): Sponsored in the Senate, this bill provides for the protection and investment in specific federal lands in California, including conservation measures and land exchanges. It focuses on habitat preservation and recreational opportunities and is pending in committee.
- Recent Passages: In late 2025, Congress passed HB7148, making consolidated appropriations for FY2026, including funding for public lands management. Additionally, HB1043 directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain federal land in Arizona to La Paz County for local use, becoming Public Law No: 119-69. These appropriations support ongoing operations across agencies like the BLM and NPS.
Upcoming Hearings and Proposals
Scheduled for January 21, 2026 (rescheduled to early February due to weather), the House Natural Resources Committee's Federal Lands Subcommittee will hold an oversight hearing on "EXPLORE America250: Celebrating One Year of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act." This reviews the act's implementation, including affordability for target shooting ranges on public lands. Another hearing on the same day addresses "America First: U.S. Leadership & National Security in International Conservation," examining federal roles in global efforts.
Proposals under review include amendments to the 1872 Mining Law to protect national parks from new claims, alongside bills expanding mining rights on public lands. These could influence resource extraction and recreational access, with public comments open for related BLM initiatives.
Implications for Public Land Users
These bills and hearings could affect access for activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing. Protection-focused measures like H.R. 718 aim to sustain public ownership, while appropriations ensure funding for maintenance. Mining reforms may balance development with preservation, potentially updating permitting in affected areas. Overall, the landscape suggests collaborative progress, with opportunities for stakeholder engagement.
Useful Resources for Staying Informed
Track these bills and hearings with these sources:
- Congress.gov: H.R. 718 – Full text and status of the Public Lands in Public Hands Act.
- Congress.gov: S. 3526 – Details on the PUBLIC Lands Act.
- LegiScan: Passed US Legislation 2025-2026 – List of recently passed bills, including appropriations.
- House Natural Resources Committee: Upcoming Hearings – Schedules for Federal Lands and conservation oversight.
- BLM: Public Lands Rule Updates – Information on ongoing proposals.
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