“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 national parks for the enjoyment of future generations.
Contrary to the claims of Trump administration, this move to narrow the scope of NEPA will not streamline the environmental review process. There will undoubtably be litigation and legal challenges that will only result in more delays.
NEPA exists to ensure that there is proper review of proposed projects and provides an opportunity for the public to comment; the proposed changes will harm both objectives. They will benefit the oil and gas industry at the expense of the environment and the input of the American people. Our parks and our people deserve better.”
Phil Francis
Chair, The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks