National

 

A Boost for Trump’s Ego Is a Loss for America’s National Parks. “The National Mall is managed by the National Park Service, and according to a report from the Washington Post, the NPS is diverting nearly $2.5 million in park entrance fees, which are typically used to maintain and improve the nation’s parks, to help fund Thursday’s celebration. “We’ve never seen anything like this,” Sen. Tom Udall (NM), the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on the interior and the environment, told the Post. “No ticketed political event should be paid for with taxpayer dollars.”” [Rolling Stone, 7/3/19 (+)]

Here’s What the Parks Service Could be Funding Instead of Trump’s Military Parade. “Certain critical renovation plans, like renovating the bathrooms at Mt. Zion National Park or the campsites at Yosemite National Park are estimated to cost less than $2.5 million. Other projects that could be funded with the $2.5 million include repairing the base of the State of Liberty (projected capital improvement cost: $1.2 million which would "sustain a safe and enjoyable experience for more than four million visitors each year," according to the National Parks Service. Without the maintenance, the State of Liberty's "durability and even stability could become compromised," according to the agency.” [Newsweek, 7/3/19 (+)]

Top Democrat warns Trump against using Park Service fees for July 4 event. “Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), who chairs the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees Interior Department spending, threatened on Wednesday to investigate the reported use of National Park Service entrance fees to finance President Trump's July Fourth celebration on the National Mall.” [The Hill, 7/3/19 (+)]

Democrats decry use of park fees for Trump's July 4 event as 'slush fund’ “Democratic lawmakers and environmental activists are sharply criticizing plans by the Trump administration to reportedly use $2.5 million in National Park Service (NPS) maintenance funds to help cover the cost of President Trump’s “Salute to America” event on Independence Day. The Washington Post on Tuesday cited two individuals who said NPS recreation fees had been diverted that day, and critics are saying the move may be an illegal use of funds that are generated through national park entrance fees.” [The Hill, 7/3/19 (+)]

Op-Ed, Editorial, and Analysis

 

Op-Ed: Trump is funding his Fourth of July stunt at the expense of our national parks. “Every American should be worried that parks are being called upon to make sacrifices for a short-term purpose — especially one that’s little more than a public stunt. I grew up visiting national parks and took my children to them. I still remember my first trip to the Mall. But millions of Americans, not to mention the generations of Americans yet to come, haven’t yet had the chance to experience our parks. We all have a responsibility and a part to play in making sure that parks are preserved and protected for those future generations.” [Washington Post, 7/3/19 (+)]

Op-Ed: National parks pay the price for Trump's Independence Day spectacle. “For 100 years, we have worked to hold the government accountable for protecting the national parks for all to experience and enjoy. With every bad decision and funding cut, this administration is putting into doubt the future of our national parks and the ability for future generations to experience them as we all have. Former Interior Secretary Sally Jewell once said that national parks are in the “forever business.” The nature, history and culture of our national parks is part of our American heritage. Just like we celebrate Independence Day, that heritage deserves to be celebrated, not shortchanged for a political stunt.” [The Hill, 7/4/19 (+)]

Op-Ed: Respect for public lands will keep them open. “Contrary to what some people seem to believe, putting your trash in a plastic bag and leaving it under a tree, in your camp or alongside the road doesn’t count. Not only is trash unsightly, but it is dangerous to wildlife. In some places where backcountry use is heavy, you will find a dump site on the way out. The American outdoors is a wonderful place with much to offer each one of us. There isn’t a better place to celebrate our Independence Day. All I ask is that we treat her with a little respect.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/3/19 (+)]