Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert released the following statement today in response to news that some members of the U.S. House of Representatives are weighing the idea of selling off public lands.
“Public land protection enjoys overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle, and we applaud the Republicans and Democrats who refuse to reconcile the federal budget at the expense of places where we climb, hike, hunt and fish. If Congress is serious about the budget and deficit, they should look at closing tax loopholes for corporations and billionaires. If they care about solving the housing shortage, they should incentivize redevelopment of existing buildings and find solutions to make housing more affordable.
Priceless public lands are not assets on a balance sheet. They support the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation industry and five million jobs. Once they’re developed, they’re gone.
We’re mobilizing our community and likeminded companies and partner organizations, because we cannot allow this to happen.”
Ryan Gellert, CEO, Patagonia