A series of secretarial orders were recently issued, including Secretarial Order 3418 “Unleashing American Energy,” which mandates that the Department of the Interior launch an initial review of all lands withdrawn from fossil fuel and mining development, including hundreds of our national monuments.
Phil Francis, Chair of the Executive Council of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement:
“These secretarial orders place energy development as the favored use of America’s public lands, which threatens existing land protections and conservation measures and priorities. In addition, SO 3418 “Unleashing American Energy” gives the Interior Department a very short 15 days to review millions of acres of public land. This review will include not only our national parks, but all the national monuments created by the Antiquities Act.
These lands must be protected for future generations. Our national parks and public lands are treasured by the American people as places for enjoyment, refuge, education, and adventure. They protect clean drinking water, air, and wildlife, preserve our nation’s cultural and ecological heritage, and ensure outdoor access for all Americans. In addition, our parks and public lands provide incredibly important support to local economies across the country.
We stand with advocates and communities across the country in support of our public lands and national monuments.”
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The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks represents over 3,200 current, former, and retired employees and volunteers of the National Park Service, with over 50,000 collective years of stewardship of America’s most precious natural and cultural resources. Recognized as the Voices of Experience, the Coalition educates, speaks, and acts for the preservation and protection of the National Park System, and mission-related programs of the National Park Service. More information can be found at https://protectnps.org