Today, Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) and Rep. Jared Polis' (D-Colorado) bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4257 the Advancing Conservation and Education (ACE) Act, was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives.

State trust lands generate over $3.8 billion annually to benefit school children. However, millions of acres of state school trust lands are trapped within wilderness areas, national parks, national monuments and other areas that have been set aside for conservation purposes. The ACE Act provides a streamlined process by which state and federal land managers can exchange trust lands within federal conservation areas for other public lands that are better suited for revenue generation for public schools.

“The ACE Act proves we can come together to solve complex public land issues. It’s a win for Utah, a win for school kids, and a win for conservation. I’m eager for this bipartisan piece of legislation to be passed by the Senate, signed into law, and begin benefiting children across the West.” - Rep. Chris Stewart

“The Ace Act is a win-win for both the environment and schools, two things I care deeply about. By cutting red tape between state land trusts and the federal government, we can protect our most precious wilderness areas, while generating more revenue for local governments and schools that desperately need it.” - Rep. Jared Polis.

This bill is supported by the Western States Land Commissioners Association, the Wilderness Society, the State of Utah’s School & Institutional Trust Lands Administration, and other groups. 

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