In May 2018, the National Park Service (NPS) published a proposed rule that would repeal a 2015 regulation that prohibits a number of controversial hunting and trapping methods from occurring on National Preserves in Alaska. Despite the high level of public opposition to the proposed repeal, NPS has yet to release a NEPA analysis of its impacts. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s letter to the NPS.
Coalition Opposition to DOI Reorganization
August 16, 2018 The Honorable Ryan Zinke Secretary Department of the Interior 1849 C St. N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Susan Combs Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department of the Interior 1849 C St. N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Zinke: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,600 members
Coalition Comments on Proposed Changes to NEPA
July 30, 2018 Edward A. Boling Associate Director for the National Environmental Policy Act Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place NW Washington, DC 20503 Via Federal e-Rulemaking portal at: https://www.regulations.gov. Dear Associate Director Boling, We are writing on behalf of the more than 1,600 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
Coalition Comments on Proposed Revision of Gray Wolf Hunting Seasons
May 08, 2018 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Wildlife Division Attn: Regulations 3030 Energy Lane Casper WY 82604 Subject: Proposed Revision of Chapter 47 Gray Wolf Hunting Seasons Dear Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD): I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,500 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
345 Coalition Members Urge Sec. Zinke to Support LWCF Reauthorization
May 10, 2018 The Honorable Ryan Zinke, Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Subject: Land and Water Conservation Fund Dear Secretary Zinke: We are writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). The Coalition is comprised of over 1,500 members who
Groups Request Public Comment Period on BLM Lease Sale near Carlsbad Cavern
May 4th, 2018 Honorable Senator Tom Udall 400 Gold Avenue SW, Suite 300 Albuquerque, NM 87102 Honorable Senator Martin Heinrich 400 Gold Avenue SW, Suite 1080 Albuquerque, N.M. 87102 Re: New Mexico September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale Comment Period (DOI-BLM-NM-P000-2018-0004-EA) Dear Senator Udall, Senator Heinrich, We write today to inform you of
Proposed Repeal of Clean Power Plan Rule is Bad for Parks
The Coalition has partnered with the National Parks Conservation Association and the Appalachian Mountain Club to prepare comments which strongly oppose the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan (CPP) rule. We believe the CPP is an important regulation that is a vital and necessary step towards addressing global human-caused environmental change.
Coalition Members Call on Wyoming Governor to Halt Premature Grizzly Bear Hunt
April 26, 2018 The Honorable Matt Mead, Governor State of Wyoming Idelman Mansion 2323 Carey Ave. Cheyenne, WY 82002-0010 Dear Governor Mead: We, the undersigned, are former and current employees of the National Park Service (NPS) and active members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). With over 1,500 members, the Coalition collectively
Coalition Appeals to NPS to Reconsider Harmful OHV Rule at Glen Canyon NRA
April 26, 2018 Sue Masica, Regional Director Intermountain Region, National Park Service 12795 Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Proposed Rule on Motor Vehicle Use, Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1024-AD93 Dear Ms. Masica: We, the undersigned, are former or current employees of the National Park Service (NPS) and active members of the Coalition to Protect
Wyoming Should Halt Plans for Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Hunt
April 24, 2018 Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wildlife Division Attn: Regulations 3030 Energy Lane Casper WY 82604 Dear Wyoming Game and Fish Department: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,500 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed entirely of retired, former, or current
Scoping Comments on BLM Plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante NM
Matt Betenson, Associate Monument Manager Bureau of Land Management Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Kanab Field Office 669 South Highway 89 A, Kanab, UT 84741 April 13, 2018 RE: Public Scoping Comments for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Management Planning Dear Mr. Betenson, The National Parks Conservation Association and the Coalition to Protect America’s National
NPS Proposes Irresponsible Increase in OHV Use at Glen Canyon NRA
April 12, 2018 William Shott, Superintendent Glen Canyon National Recreation Area P.O. Box 1507 Page, Arizona 86040 Subject: Proposed Rule on Motor Vehicle Use, Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1024-AD93 Dear Superintendent Shott: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,500 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit
COALITION AND NPCA COMMENT ON BLM MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DOWNSIZED BEARS EARS NM
Lance Porter, District Manager 365 North Main P.O. Box 7 Monticello, UT 84535 April 11, 2018 Re: Bears Ears National Monument Management Plan Scoping Comments Dear Mr. Porter: The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks submits the following scoping comments regarding the development of Monument Management Plans for the
Coalition Thanks Congress for Passage of 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act
Dear Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Interior Appropriations Committees, The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks extends its thanks for your efforts in passing the FY 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The Coalition consists of over 1,500 retired, former, and current National Park Service employees with over 35,000 years of collective
Coalition Opposes Oil and Gas Leasing Near Great Sand Dunes
April 5, 2018 Mr. Keith Berger Manager, BLM Royal Gorge Field Office 3028 East Main Street Cañon City, CO 81212 Subject: Comments on DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018-0003-EA September 2018 Oil & Gas Lease Sale, Royal Gorge Field Office Dear Mr. Berger: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,500 members of the Coalition to Protect
Colorado BLM Denies Coalition Request for an Extension
The Coalition requested that a 15-day public comment period on an oil and gas lease sale near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve be extended to a more reasonable 30 days. BLM denied the request, stating it was following “current administration guidance” to streamline the NEPA process. March 24, 2018 Mr. Keith Berger Manager,
Interior Department’s Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Plan is Irresponsible
February 12, 2018 Ms. Kelly Hammerle, Chief National Oil and Gas Leasing Program Development and Coordination Branch Leasing Division, Office of Strategic Resources Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (VAM-LD) 45600 Woodland Road Sterling, VA 20166-9216 Subject: 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program Dear Ms. Hammerle: I am writing to you
Coalition Submits Scoping Comments to BLM on Ambler Road Project
January 31, 2018 Tim La Marr, Central Yukon Field Manager Ambler Road Scoping Comments Anchorage, Alaska 99513 Re: Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Ambler Road Project Dear Mr. La Marr: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,400 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National
Coalition Comments on Ambler Road Project at Gates of the Arctic NP
January 29, 2018 Greg Dudgeon, Superintendent Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve 4175 Geist Rd Fairbanks AK 99709 Subject: Ambler Mining Industrial Access Project, Environmental and Economic Impact Analysis (EEA) Dear Superintendent Dudgeon: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,400 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition),
Interior Proposes to Weaken Offshore Oil and Gas Safety Requirements
January 29, 2018 Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Attention: Regulations Development Branch 45600 Woodland Road, VAE-ORP Sterling VA 20166 Subject: Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Production Safety Systems – Revisions, RIN 1014-AA37 Dear Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE): I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,400 members of the
Recent Court Ruling Raises Questions about Delisting of Yellowstone Grizzly Bears
January 4, 2018 Public Comments Processing ATTN: FWS-R6-ES-2017-0089 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: BPHC 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, Virginia 22041-3803 Subject: Possible Effects of Court Decision on Grizzly Bear Recovery in Conterminous United States Dear U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,400 members of the
Coalition Nominates Deny Galvin for Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee
November 17, 2017 Terry Austin, Associate Director for Business Services National Park Service, Office of Business Services 1849 C Street NW., MS 2717 Washington, DC 20240 Subject: Nomination of Denis P. Galvin for “Made in America” Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee Dear Ms. Austin: I am writing to you on behalf of the
Coalition Urges Preservation of the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive Program
In a letter to the members of the House Ways & Means Committee, the Coalition requested that the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program be retained in a reformed tax code when Congress considers H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. The introduced bill fails to include this vital federal tax incentive – a proven tool that creates local jobs, preserves historic buildings and returns more to the Treasury than it costs.
Over 350 Coalition Members Sign On & Express Disappointment in Zinke’s Monument Review
This fall, over 350 former employees of the National Park Service joined the Coalition’s sign-on letter expressing extreme disappointment with the results of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s recent review of national monuments. The recommendations from Zinke – which included downsizing several monuments – came at the conclusion of an unprecedented 4-month review of over two-dozen monuments designated since 1996, which was initiated by an April Executive Order from President Trump. Efforts by the Trump Administration to remove protections from national monuments or significantly downsize them would be unprecedented and are likely to be met with a quagmire of legal challenges. Click “Read More” to read the letter sent to Secretary Ryan Zinke.
Over 350 Coalition Members Sign On & Express Disappointment in Zinke’s Monument Review
October 17, 2017 The Honorable Ryan Zinke, Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Subject: Executive Order 13792 (National Monument Review) Dear Secretary Zinke: We are writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). With over 1,400 members, the Coalition is composed entirely
Coalition Joins In Strongly Opposing H.R. 3354
Sept 13, 2017 Dear Member of Congress, On behalf of our millions of members and supporters nationwide, we write in strong opposition to H.R. 3354, the Fiscal Year 2018 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (“Make America Secure and Prosperous Act, 2018”). Due to funding cuts, environmentally damaging policy riders, and the bill’s
Coalition Comments on Zinke’s Statement About Contracting Out Services in Parks
The Coalition is concerned regarding Secretary Zinke’s stated desire to contract out some services in various parks. We are especially concerned about the reported focus on potential outsourcing of campground management. Please click “Read More” to see our letter to Secretary Zinke.
Coalition Comments on Secretary Zinke’s Review of 27 National Monuments
After a serving only a few months as Interior Secretary, Ryan Zinke is conducting a problematic review that will determine the fate of 27 national monuments. Whatever Mr. Zinke decides will inevitably define his legacy as the chief steward of America’s public lands. Click “Read More” to see our comment letter to the Secretary.
Coalition Opposes BLM Oil & Gas Leasing Near Zion National Park
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to issue leases in June 2017 for oil and gas development on parcels less than two miles from the west boundary of Zion National Park. Click “Read More” to see our comment letter to BLM.
Proposed Dominion Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project
December 23, 2016 Colonel Jason Kelly US Army Corps of Engineers Commander, Norfolk District 803 Front Street Norfolk VA 23510-1096 RE: Proposed Dominion Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Colonel Kelly: This follows up on our January 26, 2016, letter opposing Dominion Virginia Power’s (Dominion) proposed Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton project. Based upon credible new evidence,
Eagle Crest “Gen-Tie” Project Will Have Significant Impact on Joshua Tree NP – An EIS Should be Prepared
BLM has issued an environmental assessment (EA) for the next phase of a controversial electric energy production facility to be located immediately adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. The EA falls short in its analysis of potentially significant impacts to the park and its wildlife and groundwater resources. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s comments to the BLM.
Say “No” to Soda Mountain Solar
The Bureau of Land Management has given the go ahead to a massive solar energy development proposed by Soda Mountain Solar, LLC that would be constructed less than a mile from the boundary of Mojave National Preserve. The project threatens important wildlife habitat and migration corridors. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s letter opposing the project to the San Bernadino County Board of Supervisors.
Say “No” to Oil Refinery at Theodore Roosevelt NP
Meridian Energy Group proposes to construct and operate an oil refinery approximately three miles from the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s letter opposing the refinery that was sent to the Billings County (ND) Commissioners.
Coalition Comments on Director’s Order #21 – Philanthropic Partnerships
The NPS has proposed changes in its servicewide policies related to philanthropic partnerships and fundraising. While the draft guidance is a step in the right direction, it has a number of shortcomings that need to be addressed to make it more effective for both the NPS and its philanthropic partners. Click “Read More” to see our comments.
Coalition Supports Proposed Changes to Virginia’s Powerline Approval Process
February 5, 2016 The Honorable Terry G. Kilgore Virginia House of Delegates General Assembly Building, Room 704 Capital Square Richmond, Virginia 23219 RE: Support HB 908: Electrical Transmission Lines; Minimize Effects on Historic Resources Dear Del. Kilgore, The undersigned organizations are writing to request your support of legislation, HB 908, introduced by Delegate Randy Minchew,
Say “No” to Pipelines Through Parks
Current law requires specific Congressional approval before an oil or gas pipeline can be built through any unit of the National Park System. However, a proposed amendment to an energy bill being considered in the U.S. Senate would eliminate this requirement and promote the construction of natural gas pipelines through parks. The Coalition and other conservation groups strongly oppose the pipelines-through-parks amendment. Click “Read More” to see our joint letter to members of the U.S. Senate.
Coalition Opposes James River Transmission Line Project
Colonial National Historical Park – James River Transmission Line Proposal The Coalition has joined the fight in opposing Dominion Virginia Power’s proposed new high-voltage transmission line across the James River near historic Jamestown. The proposal includes 17 huge transmission towers, as tall as the Statue of Liberty and topped with flashing red lights, that would
NPS Is Revising Its “9B” Oil and Gas Regulations
Did you know that there are currently over 530 oil and gas drilling operations occurring in 12 parks whose enabling legislation authorizes such activities to occur? NPS is updating its 1978 regulations governing such drilling operations and the Coalition has spoken out in support of much needed changes. Click “Read More” to read our full comments.