The ongoing loss of natural and agricultural lands in the United States has reached critical levels, with more than 40 acres of farmland and ranchland disappearing every hour. This rapid depletion amounts to the loss of open spaces twice the size of Central Park each day and an annual deforestation of about one million acres. Once these lands are developed or degraded, they are gone permanently, raising concerns about the sustainability of the nation’s natural resources.

Amid plans for extensive infrastructure investments slated to unfold across the country, environmental leaders caution that without deliberate strategies, this wave of construction could accelerate the destruction of essential wild and working landscapes. These areas provide vital services to both people and wildlife and are irreplaceable once lost.

Larry Selzer, President and CEO of a prominent conservation organization, emphasized the need for a shift in the environmental movement’s approach. He acknowledged the significant gains made in prior decades through opposing harmful projects via legislation, regulation, and litigation—a strategy largely defined by saying “no.” While effective in safeguarding many critical natural areas, this tactic alone is no longer sufficient given the scale of contemporary challenges such as climate change, housing shortages, water scarcity, and rural economic development.

Selzer argues for a more collaborative framework that integrates new infrastructure development with conservation objectives, asserting that built and natural infrastructure can function in tandem rather than at odds. Wetlands, for example, serve as natural barriers to flooding and storm surges; forests capture carbon emissions, filter drinking water, and prolong reservoir life; farms contribute sustainable food sources; and urban tree canopies help mitigate the effects of heat waves in cities. These natural systems provide indispensable ecological services that complement constructed infrastructure.

The call to action underscores that environmental preservation and responsible development must proceed together. The movement must evolve to embrace both protecting what cannot be replaced and actively contributing to the construction of critical infrastructure that supports a resilient and prosperous future.

The message is clear: the era of exclusively blocking development projects is insufficient to meet the urgent demands facing the nation. A balanced approach—one that enables identifying when and how to say “yes” to thoughtfully designed infrastructure—is essential for meeting the complex, interconnected challenges of today and tomorrow.