The "Expanding Quality and Universal Access to Lands and Parks Act," or EQUAL Parks Act , aims to establish a permanent legal framework for promoting diversity and inclusion in public lands. It specifically seeks to codify the Presidential Memorandum of January 12, 2017 , which addresses diversity and inclusion in national parks, national forests, and other public lands and waters. By codifying this memorandum, the bill ensures that its directives will have the full force and effect of law . This action is intended to solidify and provide a lasting legal basis for efforts to enhance equitable access, representation, and engagement for all individuals across these important natural resources.