Letter: As an athlete and Olympian, I rely on public lands. As a citizen, I’m fighting to protect them.

I moved to Salt Lake City three years ago. Two years later I competed in Paris as an Olympian.

Sure, having access to the USA Climbing Training Center and top-tier gyms helped — but my success is also because Utah gives me access to some of the best public lands for climbing.

I might compete on artificial walls, but it’s rock that truly grounds me. It’s where I find peace, push my limits and connect with generations of climbers on (almost) unchanging stone. These public lands helped build my foundation in the sport and my path to the Olympics.

Now they are under threat.

Lawmakers are pushing a budget deal that would be the biggest rollback of climate and public lands protections in U.S. history. If passed, it would:

• Open 460,000+ acres of public land to oil and gas drilling

• Slash $250 billion in clean energy incentives

• Weaken safeguards for air, water, and public lands

This is a direct attack on my profession and passion. Public lands are a multifaceted opportunity for athletes and people from all backgrounds to connect in and with nature. If this deal passes, my abilities to represent the U.S. will be impeded, and we all will pay a larger price.

Sen. John Curtis, thank you for seeking to protect clean energy tax credits which have helped create 71,898 direct jobs. At the same time, Sen. Mike Lee and Sen. Curtis, please, this is your chance to lead. Vote “No” on this reckless package. Our lands, our economy ($9.5 billion from public lands annually in Utah!) and our climate future depend on it.

To everyone reading this, especially my outdoor community: Please speak up. Call your senators. Tell your friends. We can not afford to stay quiet.

Jesse Grupper, member of Protect Our Winters Alliance, Salt Lake City

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