Representative Mann and Senators Moran and Marshall Introduce Legislation Pushing Back Against 30x30 Proposal

Press Release

Today, Representative Tracey Mann and Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, M.D. introduced legislation in response to President Biden's 30x30 Executive Order.

On January 27, President Biden issued Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. Section 216 of the order directs the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, and other heads of agencies to achieve the goal of conserving at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030 or 30x30. While a subsequent report was released in May, the lack of details left many questions and concerns remaining from landowners across the country.

"I am deeply concerned with President Biden's land grab attempt" said Rep. Mann. "It is egregious that the Biden Administration would consider a proposal like 30x30 that has the potential to strip away Kansans' private property rights to meet an arbitrary climate goal. Additionally, no consideration was given to current voluntary conservation initiatives that are already underway in Kansas and rural America. Our legislation works to protect Kansas agriculture and prevent progressive overreach."

"Protecting private property rights from federal government overreach is a top priority of Kansans," said Sen. Moran. "While I have long supported voluntary, locally-driven conservation efforts, this legislation would put a stop to the Biden administration's misguided 30x30 plan that threatens to expand federal land ownership and control."

"Land ownership is a core right protected by the Constitution and we cannot allow radical environmentalists who are in the driver's seat on 30x30 dictate what happens on our land. This initiative is further proof of the clear disconnect between the left and those who feed, fuel, and clothe the world," said Sen. Marshall. "Farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists, and no one knows what's best for the land better than those who work on it day in and day out. The best thing the federal government can do is trust the environmental judgment of farmers and ranchers and let them do what they do best: steward the land."

More than 98 percent of land in Kansas is privately owned. Mandating the permanent conservation of 30 percent of America's land would require expanding federal control over land and undermining of private property rights. Additionally, President Biden's proposal would add to the large number of acres already under federal control.

Rep. Mann and Sens. Moran and Marshall will continue to lead a strong Kansas push to defend private property land rights.

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