A bill to amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to modify the cost-sharing requirement for conservation projects carried out by a qualified youth or conservation corps, and for other purposes.
Summary
S. 1228 would amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, a law that authorizes youth and conservation corps to work on conservation projects on federal public lands. The bill specifically targets the cost-sharing requirement—the portion of project costs that non-federal entities must contribute. By modifying these requirements, the bill would potentially make it easier or more affordable for qualified youth and conservation corps to carry out conservation work on public lands.
If enacted, this bill could expand opportunities for young people to gain employment and work experience in conservation fields while contributing to land management and environmental projects. The modification of cost-sharing rules could reduce financial barriers for organizations running these programs, potentially allowing them to undertake more projects or serve more participants. The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining, which held hearings on it in December 2025.