Jan. 23, 2024
Dear Vanessa Countryman, I do not support the creation of Natural Asset Companies (NAC's). I oppose the securitizing of public land into NACs. I am especially concerned that this proposal could result in privatization of our National Parks. If public lands managed by the federal government of the United States were controlled by private interests, my interest in accessing and enjoying public lands will be adversely affected. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis showed that in 2021 the outdoor recreation industry generates $821 billion nationwide in economic activity. NAC's could become restrictive for users and could be harming the local economy and robbing them of potential income. Allowing a few corporations to benefit off of free public land will be catastrophic to our nation. NAC's could restrict access for all user groups. Public lands should benefit the public and not corporations. Because the social and economic impact of NACs will be substantial, the creation of NACs through an SEC rule making is likely a violation of the Major Questions Doctrine. Only Congress should be enacting policy changes of this magnitude. Finally, I don't think enough analysis has been done to scrutinize the possibility of foreign adversaries to the U.S. using NACs to undermine our national security, lock up our lands and resources, and hurt our local communities. Please don't sell our National Parks to Wall Street! Sincerely, Charles Runge 70 Linden Ave Bloomfield, NJ 07003-2307 cvsloserboy@aol.com