Rep. Neguse Receives Public Service Award for Leadership in Protecting Public Lands, Parks, and Water Resources
June 5, 2026 Press Release Image Washington, D.C. — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse was awarded the National Park Trust’s prestigious Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award, an annual national award that recognizes an elected official for exemplary service, skill, and innovation in protecting and preserving America’s public lands and waters. Neguse, who serves as Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee’s Federal Lands Subcommittee, received the award for his efforts toward protecting the environment and safeguarding public lands. His dedicated leadership has led to the creation of the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument and the Amache National Historic Site—both in Colorado. Neguse has also authored laws to expand access to outdoor recreation, protect our public lands and wildlife, secure pay increases for Federal wildland firefighters, and more. The Colorado Congressman was named the most effective Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives in both environment and public lands policy areas for the 118th Congress. “Colorado’s public lands are part of the spirit of our great state, and I believe there has never been a more important time to stand up for protecting and preserving these treasured spaces for future generations,” said Congressman Neguse. “As a kid growing up in the West, spending time outdoors was an integral part of my life—and my appreciation for our public lands is something I’ve proudly carried with me during my time in Congress, fighting to advance legislation that safeguards our nation’s lands, waters, and natural resources. I’m honored to receive this year’s Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award for this work and will continue advancing proposals that act in the best interest of all of our hunters, ranchers, fishermen, recreationists, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts.” Over the course of the last year, Neguse played a key role in ultimately putting a stop to Congressional Republicans' plot to sell off millions of acres of America’s public lands. He used his platform to expose the last-minute move to force the sale as part of the so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act” and worked across party lines to build a bipartisan coalition in opposition to provisions that would’ve permitted the widespread sale or transfer of treasured spaces across the Rocky Mountain West. “National Park Trust is proud to recognize Congressman Joe Neguse with the bipartisan Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award,” said Scott Stone, Board Chair of the National Park Trust. “He joins a distinguished group of leaders from both parties whose commitment to conservation has strengthened our nation’s parks and public lands. His dedication to protecting these treasured places makes him a deserving recipient of this honor.” Sue Vento, National Park Trust Advisory Board Member shared, “U.S. Representative Joe Neguse is a tireless advocate for our public lands, national parks, and water resources. His wisdom and passion plus his fierce determination to protect our most treasured assets merit great and celebrated recognition.” The National Park Trust established the Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award in 2001 to honor the memory and legacy of Bruce F. Vento, a twelve-term Minnesota congressman and former chair of the National Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands. As a dedicated environmentalist, Vento championed more than 300 bills protecting our nation's public lands and water. Find additional information about the award and a list of previous recipients HERE . ###
d94f74db-e73e-4189-b916-9656505af308Edit history (1 prior version)
This release was edited after publication. Earlier captures are preserved below.
- Captured Jun 10, 2026, 2:11 PM EDT
Show prior body text
June 5, 2026 Press Release Image Washington, D.C. — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse was awarded the National Park Trust’s prestigious Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award, an annual national award that recognizes an elected official for exemplary service, skill, and innovation in protecting and preserving America’s public lands and waters. Neguse, who serves as Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee’s Federal Lands Subcommittee, received the award for his efforts toward protecting the environment and safeguarding public lands. His dedicated leadership has led to the creation of the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument and the Amache National Historic Site—both in Colorado. Neguse has also authored laws to expand access to outdoor recreation, protect our public lands and wildlife, secure pay increases for Federal wildland firefighters, and more. The Colorado Congressman was named the most effective Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives in both environment and public lands policy areas for the 118th Congress. “Colorado’s public lands are part of the spirit of our great state, and I believe there has never been a more important time to stand up for protecting and preserving these treasured spaces for future generations,” said Congressman Neguse. “As a kid growing up in the West, spending time outdoors was an integral part of my life—and my appreciation for our public lands is something I’ve proudly carried with me during my time in Congress, fighting to advance legislation that safeguards our nation’s lands, waters, and natural resources. I’m honored to receive this year’s Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award for this work and will continue advancing proposals that act in the best interest of all of our hunters, ranchers, fishermen, recreationists, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts.” Over the course of the last year, Neguse played a key role in ultimately putting a stop to Congressional Republicans' plot to sell off millions of acres of America’s public lands. He used his platform to expose the last-minute move to force the sale as part of the so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act” and worked across party lines to build a bipartisan coalition in opposition to provisions that would’ve permitted the widespread sale or transfer of treasures spaces across the Rocky Mountain West. “National Park Trust is proud to recognize Congressman Joe Neguse with the bipartisan Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award,” said Scott Stone, Board Chair of the National Park Trust. “He joins a distinguished group of leaders from both parties whose commitment to conservation has strengthened our nation’s parks and public lands. His dedication to protecting these treasured places makes him a deserving recipient of this honor.” Sue Vento, National Park Trust Advisory Board Member shared, “U.S. Representative Joe Neguse is a tireless advocate for our public lands, national parks, and water resources. His wisdom and passion plus his fierce determination to protect our most treasured assets merit great and celebrated recognition.” The National Park Trust established the Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award in 2001 to honor the memory and legacy of Bruce F. Vento, a twelve-term Minnesota congressman and former chair of the National Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands. As a dedicated environmentalist, Vento championed more than 300 bills protecting our nation's public lands and water. Find additional information about the award and a list of previous recipients HERE . ###
Issued within 24 hours
Other senators' releases published in the day before or after this one.
