Coalition Joins Comments Regarding Migratory Bird Treaty Act

  Dr. Eric Kershner Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MS: JAO/1N 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 er***********@*ws.gov Re: Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds Dear Dr. Kershner: The Southern Environmental Law Center submits these comments on behalf of the 31 undersigned organizations, which work

Coalition Joins Comments on Rulemaking Revisions

December 28, 2020 Public Comments Processing Attn: Docket No. DOI-2020-0001 Department of the Interior; MS: 7328 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Re: Department of the Interior interim final rule to revise rulemaking procedures to implement Executive Order 13891 entitled “Promoting the Rule of Law Through Improved Agency Guidance Documents. Dear Mr. Patnaik: Please

Coalition Talks with National Parks Traveler About DOI COVID Count

UPDATE | Report: More Than 2,000 Interior Department Employees Infected By Covid-19 By Kurt Repanshek – December 18th, 2020 Editor’s note: This updates with reaction from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, and the National Parks Conservation Association. More than 2,000 Interior Department employees, including more than 500 at the National Park Service, have

Coalition Calls on DOI for Transparency and Leadership 

  The Washington Monument Was Shut Down After Secretary Bernhardt, Who Had Been “Giving Private, Nighttime Tours,” Tests Positive for Coronavirus A recent internal Interior report revealed that over 2,000 Department of the Interior (DOI) employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and 17 have died. And while the pandemic continues to rage across the country, Secretary Bernhardt

Coalition Weighs In on Bernhardt’s Reckless Behavior

By Washington Post – Juliet Eilperin and Darryl Fears Interior shuts Washington Monument after interior secretary tests positive for the coronavirus Park Service staff say they may have been exposed when David Bernhardt led a private, after-hours tour Officials have taken the extraordinary step of closing the Washington Monument starting Friday as a precaution after

Coalition Praises Representative Haaland’s Historic Nomination for Interior Secretary

  WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, it was reported that President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate Representative Deb Haaland to serve as Secretary of the Interior. She would be the first Indigenous person to serve in that position. In reaction to the announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, said:

Coalition Comments on CO Air Quality Regulator’s Reversal of Decision

Colorado Air Quality Regulator Reverses Decision to Retire Coal Plants Early Air Quality Control Commission sides with corporate polluters over decision to force the early retirement of three coal plants. Denver, CO – Today, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) voted to reverse its decision to accelerate the retirements of three Colorado coal units

Coalition Joins 500+ Organizations in Letter to President-Elect Biden

December 15, 2020 President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. Biden-Harris Transition Team 1401 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20001 Re: Day one promise to ban new federal fossil fuel leasing and permitting on public lands and waters Dear President-elect Biden, Congratulations on winning the presidential election and thank you for your slate of promised executive actions

Coalition Continues to Submit FOIA Requests for COVID-19 Numbers

December 2, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer, P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law No. 114-185) submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. This

Coalition Submits Comment Period Extension Request

  December 7, 2020 Norfolk District, Army Corps of Engineers (ATTN: CENAO-WRR) 803 Front Street Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1011 Subject:   CENAO-WRR NAO-2012-00080, Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Dear Mr. Steffey: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). As a

Coalition Submits Letter in Support of National Defense Authorization Act

November 19, 2020 Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Manchin, Chairman Inhofe and Ranking Member Reed, Chairman Grijalva and Ranking Member Bishop, Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Thornberry, On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization representing over 1,900 current and former National Park Service employees, we would like to

Coalition Signs on to FY 21 Appropriations Letter

 November 19, 2020  Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Ranking Member Udall, Chairwoman Collins and Ranking Member Reed, Chairwoman McCollum and Ranking Member Joyce, Chairman Price and Ranking Member Diaz-Balart,  We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, thank you for your investments over the years to our national parks given the constraints to

Coalition Supports Inclusion of Wildlife Overcrossings in XpressWest High-Speed Rail Project Design

Re: Adding Necessary Wildlife Overcrossings to XpressWest High-Speed Rail Project Design Treasurer Ma, Director Omishakin and Director Bonham: We write to request that your agencies coordinate to ensure that the proposed XpressWest High-Speed Rail Project (“Project”) includes wildlife overcrossings, which are necessary to avoid the permanent blockage of critical California wildlife corridors resulting from the

Coalition Testimony: Hearing on Various National Park and Public Lands Bills

  Statement for the Record Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests & Mining Committee on Energy & Natural Resources United States Senate Hearing on Various National Park and Public Lands Bills November 18, 2020 Senator Lee, Senator Wyden, and members of

Coalition Speaks Out On NPS Alaska Jurisdiction Rule

For immediate release: 11/16/20 Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; (202) 819-8622 The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a final rule that has gone far beyond a precedent set in Sturgeon v. Frost, a case in which the Supreme Court held that the NPS could not enforce a System-wide regulation prohibiting the operation of a hovercraft

Coalition: The Secretary Bernhardt’s Attempt to Undermine LWCF is Unacceptable

  WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, Secretary David Bernhardt announced that the Interior Department would issue new orders that will impose unnecessary, top-down requirements that will potentially delay the National Park Service’s ability to address its over $5 billion backlog of land acquisition needs. In reaction to the announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition

Coalition Slams DOI Over Its LWCF Funding Projects List

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2020  WASHINGTON, DC — This morning, the Department of the Interior published a list of projects it intends to allocate with the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s support. The list comes a week after the deadline, which the Trump administration inexplicably missed. As per the guidance laid out in

Coalition: NEPA Directive a “Waste of Taxpayer Money.”

        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/10/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936 Coalition Calls NEPA Directive a “Waste of Taxpayer Money.” The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo directing federal agencies to prioritize aligning their National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures with the finalized Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations.

The Election Might Be Over—But Our Work As Travelers Isn’t

November 9, 2020 BY MEGAN SPURRELL November 9, 2020We spent days waiting for the 2020 election results, knowing that the final call would impact the world we live in, and, crucially, how we travel. At long last, we know that Joseph R. Biden is the president-elect—and Kamala Harris the first female, Black, and Indian-American vice

Coalition Submits FOIA Request for LWCF Projects Under Great American Outdoors Act

  November 5, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law No. 114-185) submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.

Coalition Pushes for More Description Regarding GAOA Maintenance List

Coalition Chair Phil Francis spoke with National Parks Traveler regarding DOI’s “priority list for tackling deferred maintenance projects in the National Park System and other public lands with funds generated through the Great American Outdoors Act.” While the list was presented to Congress, it failed to provide detailed descriptions of the projects. “It just seems to

Coalition Concerned Over Failure to Hit LWCF Project Deadline

  As per the guidance laid out in the Dingell Act of 2019 and the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, the Department of the Interior was required to publish a list of allocations for the full and permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund by November 2, 2020. The Trump Administration missed this

Coalition Signs on to Comments Regarding USFS Proposed Revision to Oil and Gas Regs

November 2, 2020 Submitted via regulations.gov  USDA-Forest Service Attn: Director-MGM Staff 1617 Cole Boulevard, Building 17 Lakewood, CO 80401 Re: Proposed revisions to Oil and Gas Resources regulations, 36 CFR Part 228, Subpart E RIN 0596-AD33 To Whom It May Concern: The undersigned submit these comments on the proposed rule issued by the Forest Service

Decision to Open Up Tongass National Forest to Development is Devastating

  The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks slammed President Trump’s decision to open up Tongass National Forest to logging and industry, jeopardizing the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. This forest has been called the “lungs of the country,” and is home to numerous and diverse species and old-growth forest. Phil Francis, Chair of the

Coalition Continues Advocacy Through Virtual Meetings

  The Coalition has participated in several meetings with the Office of Management and Budget that have been focused on issues that impact our national parks and public lands. The discussions included topics such as the implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act and the use of science as a guiding principle of park stewardship. These meetings

Coalition Opposes Proposed Revisions to Endangered Species Act Habitat Rules

October 8, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 RE: Proposed Revisions to Endangered Species Act Habitat Rules Dear Secretary Bernhardt: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters nationwide, we urge you to withdraw the two recent proposed rules related to habitat

Coalition Signs on to DOI Letter Regarding Pendley

October 06, 2020 By Mary Jo Brooks – The National Wildlife Federation Coalition of Conservation Organizations Deliver Letter to Secretary Bernhardt Calling for Immediate Review WASHINGTON, D.C. —  The National Wildlife Federation, the National Audubon Society, and 58 other conservation organizations have called on Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to retract all management plans, decisions, rulemakings, and regulations

Coalition Joins Over 100 Organizations in Opposition to OMB Training Memo

Re: OMB circular M-20-34, “Training in the Federal Government,” and the September 22nd Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping October 1, 2020 Dear Senators and Representatives: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters across the country, we write with deep concern about — and strong opposition to — the September 4th 2020

Coalition Joins Letter of Support for Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act

Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters American Rivers || Black Hills Clean Water Alliance || Center for Biological Diversity Clean Water Action || Climate Hawks Vote || Coalition To Protect America’s National Parks || Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River, Inc. || Colorado State Rams for the Boundary Waters Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship || Crow River

Coalition Testifies at House Oversight Committee Hearing

Statement of James G. Northup Executive Council Member, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Committee on Natural Resources U.S. House of Representatives  September 29, 2020 Representative Cox, Representative Gohmert, and Members of the Subcommittee; Good Afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. My name is Jim

Coalition Joins Comments On Oil and Gas Leasing Near Chaco Culture

September 25, 2020 BLM Farmington Field Office, Attn.: Sarah Scott, Project Manager, 6251 College Blvd, Suite A, Farmington, NM87402 Re: Comments on the Farmington Mancos-Gallup Draft RMP Amendment and EIS Dear Ms. Scott: Please accept the following comments on the Farmington Mancos-Gallup Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from Archaeology

Coalition Calls on DOI to Halt All Oil and Gas Lease Sales

September 28, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Bernhardt, On behalf of our over 1,800 members, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), urges you to halt all oil and gas lease sales as our country continues to navigate the

Coalition Signs On to Public Comment Extension Letter

The Honorable Sonny Perdue Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250 The Honorable Vicki Christiansen Chief U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service 201 14th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20227 September 24, 2020 Dear Secretary Perdue and Chief Christiansen: Given the ongoing public health crisis as a result of COVID-19, the

Coalition Signs On to Letter Opposing Endangered Species Act Amendments

 September 23, 2020 The Honorable John Barrasso Chairman Environment and Public Works Committee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Tom Carper Ranking Member Environment and Public Works Committee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Barrasso and Ranking Member Carper:  The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee meets today for a hearing

Coalition Voices Support for Senator Bennet’s Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Bills

September 21, 2020   Today, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet introduced two bills to tackle the growing orphaned oil well crisis in the short and long term while restoring robust public participation and Tribal consultation during decisions about whether public lands should be leased for drilling. Underlying these crises is the outdated federal oil and gas

Coalition Signs On to California Wildlife Protection Letter

  September 18, 2020 Toks Omishakin, Caltrans Director California Department of Transportation 1120 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814 John Bulinski, District Director Michael Beauchamp, Deputy District Director of Construction David Bricker, Deputy District Director of Environmental Planning Andrew Walters, Senior Environmental Planner California Department of Transportation, District 8 464 W. 4th Street San Bernardino, CA

Coalition Encourages Transparency with The Great American Outdoors Act

  September 14, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Bernhardt, We are writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the National

Coalition Joins Comments on “Habitat” Definition Under ESA

  September 3, 2020 Gary Frazer Assistant Director for Endangered Species Ecological Services Program U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 2204 Samuel D. Rauch, III Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 2091 Re: Comments on Proposed

Member Oped: Great American Outdoors Act is worth celebrating, especially in Maine

  In a year full of unexpected challenges and extreme partisanship, I am particularly grateful for a cause for celebration. The recent Great American Outdoors Act has provided just such an opportunity. With an eye on the future, both houses of Congress have passed legislation recognizing the importance of preserving and protecting our irreplaceable natural

Coalition Comments on Proposed Changes to Concessions Regulations

  September 9, 2020 Subject:  Commercial Visitor Services – Concession Contracts Proposed Rule – National Park Service, RIN 1024-AE57 Commercial Services Program National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W., Mail Stop 2410 Concessions Contracts Revised Rule Comments Washington, D.C. 20240 I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect

Coalition Submits FOIA Request Related to COVID-19 Numbers

  September 1, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer, P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject:  Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law No. 114-185) submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.

Coalition Joins Groups in Lawsuit Over Destructive Hunting Practices

  August 26, 2020 Thirteen groups sue Interior, NPS for paving way for destructive hunting practices that threaten bears and wolves on national preserves ANCHORAGE, AK—A lawsuit filed today in federal District Court in Alaska charges the Interior Department and National Park Service with violating multiple laws when adopting a rule that would open up

Coalition Comments on Distribution of GAO Act Funds

Park Service anniversary finds government working to implement new funding The government is working to implement new legislation giving the National Park Service’s infrastructure a well-needed facelift as the NPS, one of the most popular federal agencies, celebrates its 104th anniversary on Tuesday. The recently passed Great American Outdoors Act is intended to tackle the

Coalition Joins Protest of Oil and Gas Lease Sales

Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance – Center for Biological Diversity – Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks – Great Old Broads for Wilderness – Living Rivers – National Parks Conservation Association – Natural Resources Defense Council – Old Spanish Trail Association – Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility – Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club – Waterkeeper

Fort McHenry Should Not Be Used For Political Gain

  Fort McHenry Should Not Be Used For Political Gain Vice President Mike Pence will speak at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday from Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The Maryland Republican Party reportedly secured a special use permit to use the national park site for the Vice President’s political event. The Coalition

Coalition: Acting Director Does Not Understand How Parks Operate

  Margaret Everson, the recently named Acting Director of the National Park Service, has stated that a lack of park employees due to the pandemic should not be a reason to limit access to parks. Ms. Everson went on to instruct NPS Regional Directors that, “staffing limitations should not be a constraining factor in providing

Freedom of Information Act Request: Closure of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

  August 18, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer National Park Service P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject:  Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law No. 114-185) submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Protect

Coalition Condemns Decision to Open Arctic Refuge to Drilling

  The Trump administration announced its plan to open up portions of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to oil and gas development, a move that overturns six decades of protections for the largest remaining stretch of wilderness in the United States. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt said that the department will auction

Member OpEd: A call for authorizing Curecanti National Recreation Area

A call for authorizing Curecanti National Recreation Area Posted to The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel Aug 14, 2020 As a group, we have a combined 26.5 years of experience as superintendents of Curecanti National Recreation Area and a collective 179 years of service with the National Park Service. With the benefit of this extensive background,

Coalition Comments on Proposed Mountain Biking Trail

  August 17, 2020 Mr. Cassius Cash Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Subject:  Scoping Comments, Proposed Wears Valley Bicycle Trail Dear Superintendent Cash: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed

Coalition Speaks About Lack of Permanent NPS Director

  How Trump bent the National Park Service to do his bidding By Mark Kaufman For the first 100 years of the National Park Service’s existence, there has almost continually been an official director who leads the prestigious conservation agency. Now, that’s changed. The Trump administration has never had anyone in the official position of

Coalition Celebrates Decision to Defer UT Lease Sales

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Steve Bloch, Legal Director, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, 801-859-1552, st***@**wa.org Anne Hawke, Senior Press Secretary, Natural Resources Defense Council,  646-823-4518, ah****@**dc.org Liam Kelly, Communications Manager, National Parks Conservation Association, 213-814-8666 Emily Thompson, Associate Director of Engagement, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, 202-758-3936, Em************@********ps.org Salt Lake City, UT (August 12, 2020) – The Bureau of Land

Coalition Objects to Proposed Political Speech at Gettysburg National Military Park

  President Trump recently announced he is considering both Gettysburg National Military Park and the White House as the setting for his upcoming speech to accept the Republican Presidential nomination. In light of this announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, has sent a letter to the Acting Director of

Coalition Chair Comments On What Comes After Great American Outdoors Act

President Trump Has Signed The Great American Outdoors Act: Now What?  By Kurt Repanshek – August 5th, 2020 4:22pm Passage of the Great American Outdoors Act has been hailed as one of the greatest conservation measures to come out of Congress in decades, as it will send $6.5 billion to the National Park Service to battle deferred

Coalition Signs on to FY21 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Letter

July 23, 2020 Dear Representative,  We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition , ask that you support the FY21 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill as part of the minibus package. We also urge you to oppose any policy riders that harm our national parks.  We support the robust $200

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Applauds Momentous Movement on Great American Outdoors Act

  WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act. The bill now moves to President Trump’s desk for his signature. This act would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a popular program that invests in national parks, public lands, and communities across the country.

Coalition Signs On to Comments on Migratory Bird Treaty Act

  July 20, 2020 BY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION Via Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MS: JAO/lN 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 Re: Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds Please accept the following comments on behalf of over 35 undersigned organizations, which

Coalition Supports Legislation to End Non-Competitive Leasing

  U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced legislation requiring the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to issue all oil and gas leases through competitive auction, ending noncompetitive leasing and encouraging government inefficiency. Noncompetitive leases are lands that the market has determined have little or no potential for oil and gas development. They are commonly purchased by

Coalition Joins Partners in Comments on Upcoming Oil and Gas Lease Sale

 Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance – Center for Biological Diversity – Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks – Great Old Broads for Wilderness – Living Rivers – National Parks Conservation Association – Natural Resources Defense Council – Old Spanish Trail Association – Partnership for the National Trails System – Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility – The

400+ Coalition Members Sign on To Letter in Support of Great American Outdoors Act

July 9, 2020 Dear Representatives, We are writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the National Park Service (NPS). The Coalition studies, educates, speaks, and acts for the preservation of America’s National Park System. As

Member Oped: Mount Rushmore Fireworks A Bad Idea

Opinion by Cheryl Schreier July 1, 2020 at 4:20 p.m. EDT Cheryl Schreier was superintendent of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial from 2010 to 2019. It has been more than 10 years since fireworks were last seen at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The fireworks were canceled in 2010, my first year as superintendent of the

Coalition Signs on to Letter Regarding Air Quality Standards

 June 29, 2020  Andrew Wheeler, Administrator Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20460  Submitted via regulations.gov RE: Secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter; Proposed Rule; Docket No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0072  Dear Administrator Wheeler, We, the undersigned public lands and conservation organizations, strongly oppose the proposal to retain the current, inadequate secondary

Coalition Submits Comments on NPS Jurisdiction in Alaska

  June 29, 2020 Donald Striker, Acting Regional Director National Park Service Alaska Regional Office 240 West 5th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 Submitted via regulations.gov Subject:  Comments on Proposed Rule – National Park Service Jurisdiction in Alaska RIN: 1024-AE63 Dear Mr. Striker: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition

Coalition Signs On to Support H.R. 2, the “Moving Forward Act.”

June 29, 2020 Dear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Chairman Grijalva, and Ranking Member Bishop:  On behalf of our organizations and our millions of members and supporters, we want to thank you for the positive wildlife and public lands conservation provisions in H.R. 2, the “Moving Forward Act.” We appreciate

Coalition: Fireworks at Mount Rushmore a Bad Idea

  Firework Celebration at Mount Rushmore is A Bad Idea The National Park Service has announced it will resume Fourth of July fireworks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The event this year will be held on July 3, 2020, and President Trump has indicated he plans to attend. The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks

Coalition Member Comments on Mount Rushmore Fireworks Demonstration

Trump is headlining fireworks at Mount Rushmore. Experts worry two things could spread: virus and wildfire. National Park Service and local fire marshal officials have warned for years about dangers in resuming fireworks at the memorial. By Juliet Eilperin, Darryl Fears and Josh Dawsey Published in The Washington Post – June 25, 2020 President Trump

Letter to Appropriators: NEPA EO Will Harm Parks

  June 23, 2020 Dear Chairwoman Lowey and Chair McCollum, We are writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the National Park Service (NPS). The Coalition studies, educates, speaks, and acts for the preservation of

Former NPS Alaska Managers Submit Letter to DOI Opposing NPS Final Rule on Hunting and Trapping in Alaska

  June 19, 2020 The Honorable Rob Wallace Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC  20240 Subject:  National Park Service Final Rule on Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves in Alaska (RIN 1024-AE38) Dear Assistant Secretary Wallace: We write to you on behalf

Yellowstone National Park’s Reopening Protocol is Commendable

  June 18, 2020 Dear Acting Director Vela: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks to commend Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly, his staff, and local public health partners for their outstanding management and implementation of the park’s COVID-19 reopening plan. We are impressed and greatly

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Applauds Momentous Movement on Great American Outdoors Act

WASHINGTON, DC — Earlier today, the United States Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act by a vote of 73-25. The bill now moves to the House for final passage. This act would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a popular program that invests in national parks, public lands, and communities across

Coalition Joins Partners in Support of INVEST in America Act

June 16, 2020 Dear Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act (INVEST in America Act), especially the increased funding levels for federal lands to help

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Reacts to President’s Order on NEPA

  On June 4, 2020, the President released an executive order waiving the environmental review process for some infrastructure projects and using the pandemic as justification, writing, “as agencies respond to situations involving immediate threats to human health or safety, or immediate threats to valuable natural resources, they must consider whether there is sufficient time

Amid pandemic, Interior moves forward with enormous oil and gas drilling plan on public lands near National Parks  

  Contact: Liam Kelly, National Parks Conservation Association, 213-814-8666, lk****@**ca.org Landon Newell, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, 801.428.3991, la****@**wa.org   Salt Lake City, UT – The Trump administration has released its proposal to open up more than 110,000 acres of public land to oil and gas drilling, most of which lies in southern Utah near Canyonlands,

Coalition Comments on New DOI Acting Orders

  Posted to The Hill – 06/09/20 06:00 AM EDT By Rebecca Beitsch and Rachel Frazin A new Interior Department move to leave controversial temporary leaders in place indefinitely may violate laws on filling vacancies, legal experts say, and skirts requirements for Senate confirmation. In a statement provided to The Hill on Friday, Interior said

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Applauds Introduction of the Bill in the House of Representatives, Senate Cloture Vote

  WASHINGTON, DC — Earlier today, the US Senate held a cloture vote to advance the Great American Outdoors Act just days after the legislation was also introduced in the US House of Representatives. The Great American Outdoors Act would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a popular program that invests in public

Coalition Condemns President Trump’s Removal of Marine Protections on the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument

President Trump announced Friday that he will remove protections on the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, a nearly 5,000-square-mile area southeast of Cape Cod that is home to endangered whales and sea turtles, and will open the area up to commercial fishing. In reaction to the announcement, Phil Francis, chair of the coalition

Parks Group Demands Answers to Park Police’s Unprovoked and Aggressive Actions Against Peaceful Protesters

David Bernhardt Secretary of the Interior Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW Washington, DC 20240 **Submitted via email** June 4, 2020 Dear Secretary Bernhardt, We write with deep concern about the recent actions of the United States Park Police during ongoing protests in Washington, DC. Like protests around the country, those in our

Coalition Participates in House Virtual Forum on Parks and Pandemic

Statement of Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Committee on Natural Resources Virtual Forum House of Representatives “Not So Grand Opening: Examining Local Perspectives on the Department of the Interior’s Plan to Reopen National Parks During the Coronavirus

Comments on Proposed Rule titled “General Provisions; Electric Bicycles.”

  June 2, 2020 Jay Calhoun, Regulations Program Manager National Park Service 849 C Street NW, MS-2472 Washington, DC 20240 Subject:  Comments on Proposed Rule titled “General Provisions; Electric Bicycles.” RIN 1024-AE61. Dear Mr. Calhoun: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition),

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Condemns President’s Use of Violence

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Condemns President’s Use of Violence Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks condemns the recent and continued attacks on people of color in this country. We mourn the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor,

Member OP-ED: Killing bear cubs and wolf pups in their dens on NPS lands in Alaska is wrong

Many people would agree that hunting methods such as killing black bear mothers with cubs in their dens, “harvesting” grizzly bears over bait, “taking” female wolves and coyotes and their pups during denning season, are deeply offensive, particularly on public lands, like the national preserves managed by the National Park Service in Alaska. Yet, Secretary David Bernhardt’s Interior Department

Coalition Praises Senate Movement on Great American Outdoors Act

  Former National Park Service Employees Praise Senate Movement on Great American Outdoors Act, Urge Swift Passage WASHINGTON, DC — Late yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that the Senate would take up the Great American Outdoors Act when it returns next month. The legislation would fully-fund the popular conservation program investing in public

Member OP-ED: The outdoors is a good getaway amid pandemic. Just not the Grand Canyon. Don’t reopen it yet

Grand Canyon National Park is an icon. It attracts visitors from all over the world who flock to the South Rim and other viewpoints within the park that offer a glimpse of the famous Canyon. As the pandemic continues to impact our lives, when social distancing is still the name of the game, reopening this

Coalition Condemns Final NPS Alaska Hunting Rule

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/20/20 The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks expressed outrage at the National Park Service’s decision to announce the final rule that amends its regulations to adopt the state of Alaska’s approved hunting practices, which target predator species, and include killing black bear sows with cubs at den sites; killing wolves

Coalition Rolls Out Advocacy Toolkit on Reopening Parks

The Coalition has developed a toolkit that summarizes our position on when national parks should safely reopen. We urge you to take a look and reach out to your Congressional representatives or share some of our guidance on your social media. If you need some additional information, please visit our Advocacy Guide, which provides some best practices

Member Oped: Halt oil and gas lease sales and protect Carlsbad Caverns

Rick Smith and Cherry Payne, Coalition to Protect America’s Parks Published Carlsbad Current-Argus May 14, 2020 Each year, over 450,000 people visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park to marvel at otherworldly cave formations and the flying rivers of Mexican free-tail bats departing each evening for their nightly meal. The park is recognized as a national treasure and

Member OpEd: Oil and Gas Lease Sales Should be Paused During the Pandemic Crisis

Opinion: Oil and gas lease sales should be paused during the coronavirus crisis – Sheridan Steele Special to The Colorado Sun The COVID-19 pandemic has swept through the United States and changed our daily lives. Complying with orders from city, state and national leaders, those who are able to in Colorado are staying home to

Coalition Comments on Acting Positions in DOI

– UPDATE – Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) Sues Over “Acting” Positions For National Park Service, BLM Directors Posted by National Parks Traveler Staff (NPT)- May 11th, 2020 NPT Editor’s note: This updates with reaction from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and National Parks Conservation Association. David Vela, the de facto director of

Coalition Joins 850+ Groups in Congressional Letter Supporting Great American Outdoors Act

Support for the Great American Outdoors Act May 11, 2020 Dear Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader Schumer, and Minority Leader McCarthy: Our organizations, and the members we represent, strongly support passage and subsequent enactment of the Great American Outdoors Act (S. 3422) as quickly as  possible. This bill is necessary to support the

Coalition Urges Caution in Podcast Discussion on Reopening Parks

A conversation with Phil Francis, the chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, and Joan Anzelmo, a longtime spokesperson for numerous National Park Service units, about Interior Secretary David Bernhardt’s rush to reopen national parks despite warnings from career NPS staff about risks to employees and the public.     Posted May 8,

Coalition Addresses Park Reopenings

During a recent Earth Day ceremony, President Donald Trump announced that his administration will “open up national parks and public lands,” and Interior Secretary Bernhardt continues to tout the reopening of some national parks. “We are also eager to get Americans back into our national parks,” says Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect

Victory in a 30-year fight to protect groundwater under Great Basin National Park

There is good news to celebrate in a long struggle against the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SNWA) proposed groundwater pumping and pipeline project in Eastern Nevada, which would have caused significant impact to Great Basin National Park. Following a 30-year battle, the SNWA has decided not to appeal the March 2020 decision by Nevada District Court

Coalition Reacts to President Trump’s Remark That National Parks Will Reopen

WASHINGTON, DC —Moments ago, at a tree-planting ceremony on the White House Lawn, President Trump remarked that he would begin to reopen national parks to the public. Phil Francis, Chairman of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (CPANP), issued the following in response: “We understand that the president is eager to reopen our national

Parks Groups File Brief Against Administration’s Weak Air and Climate Rule

Parks Groups File Brief Against Administration’s Weak Air and Climate Rule Washington, DC – The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks took legal action today by filing an amicus brief in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The brief supports a challenge to the Trump administration’s Affordable Clean Energy (ACE)

Coalition Rebukes Secretary Bernhardt’s Messaging

The Coalition issued a short statement in response to an op-ed by Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. Fox News published an op-ed in which the Secretary defended his lackluster response to the coronavirus pandemic, which many experts have warned puts park workers, volunteers, and visitors at risk of infection. Phil Francis, chairman of the Coalition to Protect

Coalition Urges Funding for Lands Package to Assist with Economic Recovery

The Coalition has called on the Department of Interior to shut down America’s National Parks since the COVID-19 pandemic began. But we also have continued to advocate for long-term solutions needed to protect America’s national parks, and help the gateway communities around them survive the economic devastation caused by the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has revealed

Coalition: Grand Canyon Superintendent Selection is Appalling

  Coalition: Grand Canyon Superintendent Selection is Appalling The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks expressed shock and disappointment at the news that Department of the Interior (DOI) Solicitor Edward Keable has been named the new Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks: “Ed Keable

Coalition Issues Statement on Oil and Gas Meeting

National Park Service Retirees on President Trump’s Meeting with Oil Executives Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says Bernhardt is Prioritizing Former Clients Oil Interests, Over the Safety and Health of National Parks Employees WASHINGTON, DC — Today, President Donald Trump met with oil company executives at the White House to discuss falling oil prices

Coalition Letter to Acting Director Vela on Continuing COVID-19 Response

  April 2, 2020 Mr. David Vela Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC  20240 Dear Acting Director Vela: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition) to express our ongoing concerns about the many units of the National Park System remain open

Letter to Secretary Bernhardt: Close Public Access to Parks

  March 31, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt, Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC  20240 Dear Secretary Bernhardt: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, and current employees of

Member OP-ED: We must protect Utah’s Red Rock landscapes

By Cordell Roy | Special to The Salt Lake Tribune Published: 3/29/20 In this time of national emergency, it may seem relatively trivial to concern oneself with anything other than our own personal and community well-being. However, the well-being of our environment and public lands that contribute to Utahns quality of life is also experiencing

Coalition Joins Over 90 Organizations Calling for Suspension of Public Comment Periods During National Health Emergency

American Bird Conservancy • Archaeology Southwest • Athens County’s Future Action Network • Basin and Range Watch • Black Hills Clean Water Alliance • Born Free USA • Buckeye Environmental Network • Center for Biological Diversity • Christian Council of Delmara • Clean Water Action • Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks • Conservation Council

Coalition Members Speak Out About Park Visitation During Pandemic

Coalition members are speaking out about the dangers of increased visitation at national parks, despite the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendations about social distancing. Numerous parks across the country have seen an increase in visitation since the Secretary of the Interior waived entrance fees in parks. “We should not be encouraging more visitation to our national

Coalition Joins 51 Conservation Groups Commenting On Migratory Bird Treaty Act Rollbacks

  The comments were submitted by the Southern Environmental Law Center regarding the Trump administration’s proposal to rollback the protections of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  Click here to read the PDF file. The Coalition also joined the Audubon Society and other organizations in their sign-on letter opposing proposed changes to the MBTA. Click here to

DOI Should Not Encourage Additional Park Visitation

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/19/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936 DOI Should Not Encourage Additional Park Visitation Interior Secretary David Bernhardt has waived entrance fees at national parks across the country to encourage visitation and “make it easier for the American public to enjoy the outdoors in our incredible national parks.” However, this decision

Coalition Supports Halt to Lease Sales and Hold on Public Comment Periods

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/17/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936 Coalition Supports Halt to Lease Sales and Hold on Public Comment Periods “We fully support the idea of suspending ongoing comment periods, halting oil and gas lease sales, and delaying new policy proposals. Just as we called on the Department of the Interior (DOI)

 Coalition Calls for Closures at National Parks

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/16/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936  Coalition Calls for Closures at National Parks In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance that calls for a nationwide halt to gatherings of 50 people or more. In addition, Americans are

America’s Best Idea at Risk

  Our national parks are America’s Best Idea. They protect our irreplaceable natural and cultural resources, preserve the stories of our past, and connect Americans to the outdoors. Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) funding is crucial to the successful management of our national parks and the continued protection of the irreplaceable natural and cultural resources

Coalition Signs on to Collective Comments Regarding Proposed NEPA Changes

Ms. Mary Neumayr Chairman Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place NW Washington, DC 20503 Attn: Docket No. CEQ-2019 0003 March 10, 2020 Re: Attachment I—NEPA Archive Dear Chairman Neumayr: The following compiled materials, included as Attachment I to the environmental coalition letter, are pertinent to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process as it

Backpacker: Here’s How the Presidential Candidates’ Public Lands Plans Stack Up

By Elizabeth Miller Mar 10, 2020 While Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden have spoken at length about fighting climate change, conservation groups say their plans for America’s public lands are big on promises and short on details. In the 11 years that Phil Francis was Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s deputy superintendent, he saw air quality

Coalition Comments On Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act

  March 10, 2020 Edward Boling Associate Director for the National Environmental Policy Act Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place, N.W. Washington, DC  20503 Subject:  Comments on “Update to the Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)” {Docket No. CEQ-2019-0003} Dear Mr. Boling: I am writing to you

Testimony of Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council

Statement for the Record Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations House of Representatives Hearing on FY 2021 Budget for the National Park Service March 6, 2020 Rep. McCollum, Rep. Joyce, and members of the subcommittee, thank

Coalition Celebrates Movement on Combined Bill to Protect National Parks

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/5/20 Coalition Celebrates Movement on Combined Bill to Protect National Parks “We are celebrating the positive progress of a combined bill that will make an incredible difference to the protection and preservation of our national parks and public lands. As life-long stewards of our national parks, we know what a difference

Coalition: National Park Visitation Demands Greater National Park Service Budget

  Coalition: National Park Visitation Demands Greater National Park Service Budget By Kurt Repanshek on March 2nd, 2020 © National Parks Traveler   While visitation to the National Park System remains strong, the same can’t be said of the National Park Service’s ability to welcome those visitors and preserve the parks’ resources, according to the

Coalition Testifies at NEPA Public Hearing in Washington, DC

Statement of Amy Fehir Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Regarding Proposed Revisions to CEQ Regulations for the Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Washington, DC Hearing February 25, 2020 Good evening. My name is Amy Fehir. I am a former National Park Service employee and the current Executive Director of the Coalition to

Ahead of Testimony, Coalition Issues Statement on NEPA Changes

  Ahead of Testimony, Coalition Issues Statement on NEPA Changes “Current NEPA procedures have long provided a critical mechanism for ensuring that the National Park Service fulfills its mission to conserve parks unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. And a key factor in making good decisions that protect parks has been strong citizen involvement.

Public Lands Should Not Be Sold to Balance the Budget

  Today was the nomination hearing for Judy Shelton, President Trump’s latest nominee for the Federal Reserve Board. Shelton has expressed the view that the U.S. government should sell-off its “numerous federal land holdings” in order to “expedite the achievement of a balanced budget.” Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks,

Coalition Testifies at NEPA Public Hearing

Statement of Sarah Bransom Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Regarding Proposed Revisions to CEQ Regulations for the Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Denver, Colorado Hearing February 11, 2020 Good morning. My name is Sarah Bransom. I am presenting this testimony on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Our group

Member Op-ed: Organ Pipe Cactus Will Suffer Irreversible Destruction

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is home to a thriving community of plants and animals. In fact, this national monument is also an International Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its conservation of the unique resources representing a pristine example of an intact Sonoran Desert ecosystem. But the health and continued protection of this irreplaceable ecosystem is

Coalition Denounces Massive Cuts to DOI Budget in President’s Proposed Budget

Coalition Denounces Massive Cuts to DOI Budget in President’s Proposed Budget WASHINGTON, DC — This morning, the White House released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2021, which includes massive cuts to major domestic programs. The Trump Administration’s proposed budget includes cuts to the Department of Interior funding, which includes a 97% cut in discretionary

Coalition Condemns Final Management Plans for Utah National Monuments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 06, 2020 CONTACT: Emily Thompson, 202-758-3936, Em************@********ps.org Coalition Condemns Final Management Plans for Utah National Monuments WASHINGTON, DC — This morning, the Interior Department finalized resource management plans for the reduced Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah by releasing two Records of Decision. The decision

Oppose Eagle Crest Legislation

  February 3, 2020 The Honorable Chris Holden and Laura Friedman Assembly Utilities and Energy and Natural Resources Committees State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: Opposition to Eagle Crest Legislation Dear Chair Holden and Chair Friedman, We write to express our opposition to legislation directing the procurement by the Independent System Operator of expensive long-duration

Coalition Participates in Outdoor Retailer Panel on Parks and Climate Change

Coalition Member Gary Davis recently served as a panelist for the session Parks in Peril: National Parks in a Changing Climate at Outdoor Retailer, a business-to-business outdoor sports show for those working in the industry. Several hundred people participated in the session, which included a lively discussion focused on the evolving role of science in

Coalition Comments on Electric Bicycles in NPS Alaskan Parks

January 29, 2020 National Park Service, Attn: Compendiums Alaska Regional Office 240 West 5th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 Dear Alaska Regional Office: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition).The Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of

Prominent Park Advocates and Leaders Take Battle Over Atlantic Coast Pipeline to the Supreme Court

Today, the National Parks Conservation Association joined the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and prominent park advocates Jon Jarvis, former director of the National Park Service, and Pam Underhill, former Superintendent of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, in filing a joint amicus brief supporting conservation respondents in U.S. Forest Service, et al. v. Cowpasture

Coalition Joins “Amici curiae” Brief to The Supreme Court of the United States

Coalition Joins “Amici curiae” Brief to The Supreme Court of the United States   Nos. 18-1584 & 18-1587 ================================================================================================================ In The Supreme Court of the United States • UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE, ET AL., Petitioners, v. COWPASTURE RIVER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION, ET AL., Respondents. • ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE, LLC, Petitioner, v. COWPASTURE RIVER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION, ET

Coalition Requests Extension of Comment Period for NEPA Update

January 20, 2020 Mary Neumayr, Chair Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place, N.W. Washington, DC  20503 Edward Boling, Associate Director for the National Environmental Policy Act Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place, N.W. Washington, DC  20503 Subject:  Request for a 60 day Extension of Public Comment Period on “Update to the Regulations for Implementing

Member OP-ED: Trump is Threatening America’s Cornerstone of Environmental Law to Allow for Backroom Deals

TRUMP IS THREATENING AMERICA’S CORNERSTONE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW TO ALLOW FOR BACKROOM DEALS | NEWSWEEK OPINION JUDITH HAZEN CONNERY The Trump administration’s proposal to exempt some of the nation’s most controversial developments, such as pipelines and mines, from scrutiny under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is more than just a bone thrown to corporate

Coalition Condemns Proposed Changes to NEPA

For Immediate Release: 1/9/20 “We strongly condemn the administration’s proposed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The National Park Service (NPS) is charged by law to protect our nation’s irreplaceable natural and cultural resources and NEPA is acritical tool that allows the NPS to meet their fundamental mission of protecting and preserving our

Coalition Comments: Sochan Gathering for Traditional Purposes at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  January 5, 2020 Superintendent Cassius M. Cash National Park Service Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, Tennessee  37738 Dear Superintendent Cash: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition).The Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of retired, former,

Coalition Comments – Ebike Use on Trails

  January 4, 2020 Superintendent Craig Kenkel National Park Service Cuyahoga Valley National Park 15610 Vaughn Road Brecksville, OH 44141 Dear Superintendent Kenkel: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition).The Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the