South Dakota is blessed to be the home of many state and national parks and forests. From Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, our parks are truly one of our greatest natural resources. Our state offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. My family and I love getting outside any way we can. We enjoy hiking, camping, and hunting together.

The Badlands offer dozens of outdoor activities—exploring fossil trails, taking long hikes, driving the scenic routes, encountering wildlife, and much more. The Missouri River running through the middle of the state is another treasure that many people love to hunt and fish along. Conserving our parks and resources doesn’t just benefit us, but the wildlife that live among them.

I believe it is important that we work together to protect our shared environment. I am a member of the Conservative Climate Caucus, a group that seeks solutions to lower emissions while enhancing economic prosperity. Currently, there is bipartisan momentum to solve environmental problems, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on reasonable conservation efforts.

Recently, the Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee by unanimous consent. This bill that I introduced with U.S. Senators Thune and Rounds would authorize the State of South Dakota to purchase approximately 266 acres of U.S. Forest Service land in Lawrence County. This purchase would allow the State to continue clean-up efforts of the Gilt Edge Mine, protecting and conserving our natural resources and environment.

Today, along with every day, is an opportunity to reflect and appreciate our planet and all the amazing things we can do in it. However you spend your Earth Day, I hope you do it outside.