WASHINGTON - June 19 - Today a coalition of Hispanic and immigration reform advocates, Native American tribal organizations, sportsmen, businesses and conservation groups came together in a strong show of unity to oppose H.R. 1505, the “National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act.” The measure has been incorporated into H.R. 2578, the so-called “Conservation and Economic Growth Act.” The full bill is set to be voted on in the House of Representatives this week.

In response to the measure’s inclusion, the coalition, made of over 50 organizations, released a strongly worded letter against the bill that was sent to Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The letter stated the following:

“Latino and immigration reform groups recognize this attack as an exploitation of anti-immigrant sentiments to further erode the environmental protections enjoyed by all Americans on the northern and southern borders. Native American Tribes view the bill as a direct and profound threat to tribal sovereignty, including protection of sacred places and cultural artifacts. Ranchers, business owners, hunters and conservation groups don’t want the bill, and environmentalists see the bill as an overwhelming threat to air, water, and wildlife.”

To view the coalition sign on letter, please click here: http://www.npca.org/assets/pdf/HR_1505_SIGN_ON_LETTER_Border_Bill.pdf

For a map of impacted areas, please click here: http://www.npca.org/assets/pdf/HR1505nationalmapJune14.pdf

To view a Spanish version of this press release, please click here: http://www.npca.org/assets/pdf/Coalition_letter_release_Spn.pdf