Coalition Submits Comments on Alaska Regional Haze Plan

  May 24, 2022 Rebecca Smith Division of Air Quality Department of Environmental Conservation P.O. Box 111800 Juneau, Alaska 99811-1800 Re: Organizational Comments on Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) Dear Ms. Smith: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and National Parks Conservation Association (“Organizations”) submit the following

Coalition Signs on In Support of the NPF Reauthorization Act

  May 23, 2022 Dear Members of the Senate Energy Natural Resources Committee and House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022 and urge the committees to swiftly move the bill and ensure final

Coalition Comments on Fire Island National Seashore Off Road Vehicle Civic Engagement Newsletter

  May 19, 2022 Superintendent Alexcy Romero Fire Island National Seashore 120 Laurel Street Patchogue, New York 11772 Subject: Comments on Fire Island National Seashore Off Road Vehicle Civic Engagement Newsletter Dear Superintendent Romero: I am writing on behalf of over 2,200 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who collectively represent

Coalition Joins Protest of June 2022 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale Parcels

The Wilderness Society, Rocky Mountain Wild, Wild Montana, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, National Audubon Society, Audubon Rockies, and Friends of the Earth respectfully protest all parcels in the June 2022 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sales. The Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact, and accompanying documents contain several major flaws that undergird

NPT: The National Park System’s Crippling Maintenance Backlog

  National Parks Traveler Episode 170 The National Park System’s Crippling Maintenance Backlog By Kurt Repanshek – May 15th, 2022 In today’s podcast, we’re looking out across the National Park System, and at the National Park Service, in advance of the Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional launch to summer, to explore how things are on

Coalition Comments on NPS Deferred Maintenance

UPDATE | National Park System’s Deferred Maintenance Bill Nearly $22 Billion By Kurt Repanshek – May 9th, 2022 Editor’s note: This updates with reaction from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. In the roughly three years since the National Park Service under the Trump administration decided it wasn’t helpful to announce the dollar amount

Member Op-Ed: President Biden, proclaim the 1908 Springfield Race Riot site a national monument.

Op-ed: President Biden, proclaim the 1908 Springfield Race Riot site a national monument By Norman Hellmers The 1908 Springfield Race Riot was an incredibly violent chapter in our nation’s history. Blocks of the Illinois city’s Black neighborhoods, including numerous businesses and residences, were destroyed and burned by rioting white mobs. Two Black citizens were killed

Member Op-Ed: President Biden should make a national monument in Sierra from Yosemite to Kings Canyon

  President Biden should make a national monument in Sierra from Yosemite to Kings Canyon BY RUSSELL GALIPEAU AND DON NEUBACHER April 29, 2022 Last year, President Biden set our first-ever national conservation goal — to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 — as part of his America the Beautiful Plan.

Coalition Works With House Committee On Housing Legislation

  The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks worked closely with the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, & Public Lands, to develop appropriate language for a bill that authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into partnerships to develop housing, and for other purposes. This bill amends existing park

Coalition Comments on Proposed Arkansas Regional Haze Plan

  Erika Droke Department of Energy and Environment 5301 Northshore Drive North Little Rock, AR 72118 April 28, 2022 RE: Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, and Sierra Club Comments on Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality’s Proposed Regional Haze Planning Period II State Implementation Plan Dear Ms. Droke: Please accept these

Open Letter Regarding Alabama’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan

Lance LeFleur, Director Ron Gore, Chief of Air Division Alabama Department of Environmental Management P.O. Box 301463 Montgomery, AL 36130-1463 Dear Director LeFleur and Chief Gore: Alabama is one of the most biodiverse states in the country. Our remarkable ecosystems and beautiful scenery make Alabama an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and drive our tourism

Reduce Regional Haze Air Pollution In Our National Parks

April 21, 2022 Secretary Deborah Haaland U.S. Department of Interior Washington, D.C. Director Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III National Park Service U.S. Department of Interior Washington, D.C. Dear Secretary Haaland and Director Sams, On behalf of our millions of members and supporters nationwide, we, the undersigned 56 organizations, thank you for your commitment to our national

Over 300 Coalition Members Sign On in Support of National Monuments

              April 19, 2022 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden President of the United States The Honorable Debra Haaland Secretary of the Interior The Honorable Brenda Mallory Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality Dear President Biden, Secretary Haaland, and Chair Mallory: We are writing on behalf of over 2,100

Coalition Applauds Congresswoman Escobar’s Letter of Support for Castner Range

  Release Date: April 5, 2022 Media Contact: Emily Thompson Coalition Applauds Congresswoman Escobar’s Letter of Support for Castner Range Following Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland’s visit to Castner Range, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar sent a letter to President Biden requesting he use the Antiquities Act to designate Castner Range a national monument. “We thank

Coalition Speaks with NPT About Funding for Cultural and Historic Parks

  Funding Lags for Historic, Cultural Parks Compared to Large, Popular Parks By Lori Sonken James Van Evers remembers sitting on bunkbeds, chewing bubble gum cigars his father gave him, and riding Heidi, the German Shepherd, in the backyard, but that’s about all he recalls from his childhood home in Jackson, Mississippi. His family moved

Coalition Comments: Air Tour Management Plan Alternatives for Haleakalā National Park

  April 1, 2022 Ms. Natalie Gates, Superintendent Haleakalā National Park PO Box 369 Makawao, HI 96768 Subject: Potential Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Alternatives for Haleakalā National Park Dear Superintendent Gates: I am writing on behalf of over 2,200 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who collectively represent more than 40,000 years

Coalition Submits Comments on Air Tour Management Alternatives for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

  March 28, 2022 Ms. Rhonda Loh, Superintendent Hawaii Volcanoes National Park P.O. Box 52 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 Subject: Potential Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Alternatives for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Dear Superintendent Loh: I am writing on behalf of over 2,100 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who

Coalition Supports Castner Range N. M. Designation As Secretary Haaland Visits the Landscape

March 26, 2022 EL PASO, TEXAS — Earlier today, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited Castner Range in Texas, to hear from local community members and discuss their efforts to permanently protect Castner Range. Celebrating Sec. Haaland’s visit to Castner Range, Mike Murray, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement:

Coalition Joins Comments Request for Supplemental National Environmental Policy Act Analyses.

COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS * CONSERVATION COLORADO * EARTHJUSTICE * ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND * FRIENDS OF THE EARTH * LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS * MONTANA WILDLIFE FEDERATION * NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION * NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL * PUBLIC CITIZEN * ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILD * SIERRA CLUB * WILD MONTANA * THE WILDERNESS

Coalition Comments Comments on Wyoming’s Proposed State Implementation Plan Regional Haze Round Two

              March 22, 2022 Nancy Vehr Administrator Air Quality Division Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality 200 West 17th Street Cheyenne, WY 82002 Re: Conservation Organizations’ Comments on Wyoming’s Proposed State Implementation Plan Regional Haze Round Two Dear Ms. Vehr: The National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club, Powder River Basin

Coalition Joins Comments on Montana’s Regional Haze Plan

March 21, 2022 Rhonda Payne Montana Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Bureau 1520 E 6th Avenue Helena, MT 59620-0901 Re: Montana’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the 2nd Implementation Period Dear Ms. Payne: On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we respectfully submit this comment letter on Montana’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for

Coalition Sends Letter Regarding GRCA Backcountry Permit Fees

            March 10, 2022 Mr. Edward Keable, Superintendent Grand Canyon National Park PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ  86023 Dear Superintendent Keable: I am writing on behalf of over 2,100 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who collectively represent more than 40,000 years of national park

Coalition Comments – Wears Valley Mountain Bike Trail Revised Environmental Assessment.

            March 9, 2022 Mr. Alan Sumeriski Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN  37738 Subject:  Comments on Revised Environmental Assessment for Proposed Wears Valley Mountain Bike Trail System Dear Acting Superintendent Sumeriski: I am writing on behalf of over 2,100 members of the Coalition

Coalition Submits Comments on Caneel Bay Redevelopment and Management Plan

  March 4, 2022 Caneel Bay Redevelopment and Management Plan Superintendent 1300 Cruz Bay Creek St. John, VI 00830 Re: Caneel Bay Redevelopment and Management Plan Newsletter comments Dear Superintendent Fields: We are writing on behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and its 1.6 million members and supporters nationwide, and the Coalition to

Coalition Submits Written Comments on American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas

  March 3, 2022 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Subject: Comments on American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas, Docket No. DOI-2021-0016 Dear Secretary Haaland: I am writing on behalf of over 2,100 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks

Coalition Submits Comments on Visitor Experience and Improvement Authority Proposed Rule

              March 1, 2022 Commercial Services Program National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Mail Stop 2410, Attn: VEIA Rule Comments Washington, DC 20240 Subject: Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1024-AE47 Dear NPS Commercial Services Program: I am writing to you on behalf of over 2,100 members of the Coalition

Coalition Reaches out to Director Sams Regarding HR Concerns

  February 17, 2022 Mr. Charles Sams, Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 2024 Dear Director Sams: I am writing on the behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. The Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of more than 2,100 retired, former and current employees of the National Park

Coalition Joins Sign On Commending GAOA Hearing

  February 8, 2022 Dear Chairman King, Ranking Member Daines and Members of the Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition (Coalition), thank the Subcommittee on National Parks for hosting the important upcoming hearing on the Great American Outdoors Act. We commend the historic bipartisan support for this bill and

Coalition Praises Bennet’s Push to Pass Amache Legislation

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, February 7, 2022 CONTACT: Emily Thompson | Em************@pr********.org Former NPS Employees & Leaders Praise Sen. Bennet for Pushing Legislation to Add Amache National Historic Site to the National Park System Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Urges Swift Senate Passage of Legislation Statement from the Coalition to Protect America’s National

Organizations Send Notice of Intent to Sue EPA Over Failure of Regional Haze Plans

  February 7, 2022 Via Certified and Electronic Mail Michael Regan, Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ariel Rios Building 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Mail Code 1101A Washington, DC 20460 Re: Notice of Intent to File Suit Under the Clean Air Act for Failure to Make Statutory Completeness Determinations and Findings of Failure to Submit Regional

NPT: Room To Grow? For Parks In The Eastern US, More Than You Realize

  As the first major step towards reaching its goal to “conserve, connect, and restore” 30 percent of the nation’s land and water by 2030, the Biden administration released its “America the Beautiful” report in 2021, laying out the broad principles guiding the effort, but lacking specific details on which lands, exactly, need to be

Coalition Submits Comments on Ironman Race Permit Request at Blue Ridge Parkway

  January 29, 2022 Ms. Tracy Swartout, Superintendent Blue Ridge Parkway 199 Hemphill Knob Rd Asheville, NC 28803 Dear Superintendent Swartout: I am writing to you on behalf of over 2,100 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

Coalition Expresses Strong Concern Over Potential Development Near Manassas National Battlefield Park

    January 25, 2022 Chair Wheeler and Members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, I am writing you today on behalf of the Coalition to Protect Americas National Parks, a non-profit organization composed of more than 2,100 retired, former and current employees of the National Park Service (NPS), who collectively have over

Coalition Joins Call Urging Passage of Final FY 22 Appropriations Bills

  January 24, 2022 Dear Chairman Leahy, Ranking Member Shelby, Chairwoman DeLauro and Ranking Member Granger, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, urge passage of final Fiscal Year 2022 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills to address significant park understaffing and related operational

Coalition Participates in American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas Listening Session

  DOI Listening Session – 30×30 Initiative January 21, 2022 FINAL ORAL STATEMENT Good morning, my name is Russell Galipeau and I represent the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. I am speaking from the ancestral lands of the Chumash. Our national parks along with congressionally designated Wilderness Areas should serve as core conservation areas,

Coalition Joins Request for Pre-Decisional Referral for Historic Jamestown Transmission Lines Project

January 19, 2022 Charles F. Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 RE: NAO-2012-00080 Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Proposal Request for Pre-Decisional Referral to CEQ Dear Director Sams: Congratulations on your appointment as the Director of the National Park Service. We look forward to working with you. We, the undersigned, urge

PETITION TO REDUCE THE RATE OF OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION ON PUBLIC LANDS

BEFORE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR _____________________________________________________ PETITION TO REDUCE THE RATE OF OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION ON PUBLIC LANDS AND WATERS TO NEAR ZERO BY 2035 January 19, 2022 Submitted By 361 CLIMATE, CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, PUBLIC HEALTH, INDIGENOUS, FAITH-BASED, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS _____________________________________________________ “No more

Coalition Joins Call to Delay Community Meetings Over Proposed Data Center Near Manassas Battlefield

  Chair Ann Wheeler Supervisor Victor S. Angry Supervisor Jeanine Lawson Supervisor Yesli Vega Supervisor Pete Candland Supervisor Kenny A. Boddye Supervisor Andrea O. Bailey Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin January 13, 2022 Dear Chair Wheeler, and Supervisors Angry, Lawson, Vega, Candland, Boddye, Bailey, and Franklin: We, the below signers, write to you today to urge

Former Coalition Chair Comments on Funding Imbalance and the Parks

    NPT Editor’s note: Without adequate funding, you can’t quickly repair your leaking roof, or hire enough employees to meet your customers’ needs and demands. At the National Park Service, the lack of adequate funding across the board threatens the agency’s mission, landing the issue of park funding on National Parks Traveler’s 3rd Annual Threatened and

Coalition Comments on America the Beautiful Progress Report

  Today, the Biden Administration released their America the Beautiful progress report, which provides updates on the progress and accomplishments of meeting our first-ever national conservation goal – and ensuring all Americans have access to the outdoors – by conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to

Coalition Sends Welcome to Director Sams in the Tradition of the Lane Letter

  December 17, 2021 Mr. Chuck Sams, Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Director Sams: Congratulations on your confirmation as the 19th director of the National Park Service – arguably our nation’s most popular federal agency! You join a long and honored line of directors of the National Park

Opening Brief Filed In NPS Hunting Rule Litigation

For decades, the National Park Service (Service) consistently declared that it must manage the National Park System in Alaska primarily for conservation, and that Congress’ allowance of sport hunting on National Preserves (Preserves) did not alter that conservation mandate. The Service codified that position in 2015, adopting regulations that barred predator reduction efforts as well

Coalition Joins LWCF Funds Request to Support America The Beautiful

December 2, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland, Thank you for your strong support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), our nation’s most important conservation and recreation program and a primary tool for executing the Biden Administration’s ambitious

Comments on Tennessee Regional Haze Plan

    December 10, 2021 Michelle Owenby Director Division of Air Pollution Control Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 15th Floor Nashville, TN 37243 Comments submitted via email to: Ai*******************@tn.gov Re: Conservation Organizations Comments on the Pre-Hearing Draft Tennessee Regional Haze State Implementation Plan Dear Ms. Owensby, The National Parks

Coalition Joins Comments on Oil Mitigation Plan at Big Cypress

  December 7, 2021 Superintendent Tom Forsyth Big Cypress National Preserve 33100 Tamiami Trail E Ochopee, FL 34141 Submitted via email to Th************@np*.gov and online via National Park Service portal at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ Re: Comments on Proposal for Modification of Burnett Oil Co., Inc.’s Existing Plan of Operations (9B Permit) for the Nobles Grade 3D Seismic

Comment Period Extension Request for South Carolina’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan

      December 7, 2021 Via electronic mail Scott Bigleman Air Regulation and Data Analysis Section Bureau of Air Quality 2600 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29201 Re: Requesting Extension of Comment Period for South Carolina’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period On behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association, the

Coalition Joins Comments Regarding Migratory Bird Treaty Act

  BY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION Via Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov Attn: FWS–HQ–MB–2021-0105 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MS: PRB/3W 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 Re: Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2021-0105; Migratory Bird Permits; Authorizing the Incidental Take of Migratory Birds Please accept the following comments submitted by the Southern Environmental Law Center (“SELC”) on behalf of

Comments on Proposed Rescission of Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat

    Revised November 29, 2021 November 23, 2021 Bridget Fahey Chief, Division of Conservation and Classification U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041 Br***********@fw*.gov Angela Somma Chief, Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 An**********@no**.gov Re: Comments on Proposed Rescission of

Coalition Comments on Oil and Gas Leasing Report

  Release Date: 11/30/21 Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@pr********.org Coalition Comments on Oil and Gas Leasing Report Late last week, The Department of the Interior (DOI) released its report on the Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Program, following a review of onshore and offshore oil and gas programs. The report identifies significant reforms that should be made to

Coalition Joins Comments On Threat To Minidoka National Historic Site

    November 24, 2021 Commissioners California Public Utilities Commission 505 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 Submitted via email to: ES***********@cp**.gov Attention: Monica Palmeira, Analyst – Environmental & Social Justice Action Plan Dear Commissioners: On behalf of Japanese American, Asian American Pacific Islander and partner organizations, we write to express our support for

Comments on Proposed revisions of 40 CFR Sections 1502, 1507, and 1508

    November 19, 2021 Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place Washington, D.C. 20503 Subject: Proposed revisions of 40 CFR Sections 1502, 1507, and 1508 Dear Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ): I am writing to you on behalf of over 2,000 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization

Coalition Celebrates Confirmation of Mr. Charles Sams as 19th Director of NPS

  Release Date: November 19, 2021 Media Contact: Emily Thompson Em************@pr********.org 202-758-3936 Coalition Celebrates Confirmation of Mr. Charles Sams as 19th Director of NPS The Senate has confirmed Charles Sams III to lead the National Park Service, making him the first Senate-confirmed director of the agency since the Obama administration.  The Coalition to Protect America’s

Coalition Signs on Letter Urging Administration to Overhaul Federal Fossil Fuel Program

November 15, 2021 President Joseph R. Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Biden, You have promised the most ambitious climate agenda of any U.S. administration. During the first nine months of your administration, you have taken many essential actions to deliver on those promises. We applaud your leadership

Comments On Indiana’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan

    Ms. Jean Boling Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Air Quality, Room 1003 100 North Senate Avenue Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 November 15, 2021 RE: Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Just Transition Northwest Indiana, Hoosier Environmental Council, Izaak Walton League, and Save the Dunes Comments

Coalition Applauds Plan to Protect Chaco Culture National Historical Park From Oil and Gas Drilling

  Release Date: November 15, 2021 Media Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@pr********.org Coalition Applauds Plan to Protect Chaco Culture National Historical Park From Oil and Gas Drilling Today, the Biden Administration announced that the Department of the Interior will initiate consideration of a 20-year withdrawal of federal lands within a 10-mile radius around Chaco Culture National

Coalition Signs on in Support of Extending Comment Periods for Oil and Gas Leasing Proposals

November 10, 2021 Tracy Stone-Manning Director, Bureau of Land Management 1849 C St., NW, Rm. 5665 Washington, D.C. 20240 Re: Request for Extension of Comment Periods on BLM Oil & Gas Leasing Proposals Dear Director Stone-Manning: Congratulations on your recent confirmation as Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). We look forward to engaging

Coalition Joins Partners in Request to DOI to Remove Land Acquisition Provisions from IRB Charter

November 5, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland, We, the undersigned organizations, are enthusiastic supporters of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the important work it does to bolster the Administration’s America the Beautiful agenda. We commend your

Coalition Joins Letter Regarding Transmission Line Project Over James River

    November 12, 2021 RE: NAO-2012-00080 Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Proposal Dear Mr. Nelson and Mr. Meade: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) plans to issue a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton 500kV transmission line across the James River in Virginia, notwithstanding numerous unresolved objections. According to the permitting dashboard

Coalition Signs on in Support of Wildlife Overpasses

  November 11, 2021 The Honorable Gavin Newsom Governor, State of California 1303 10th Street, Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 9581 Re: Directing Caltrans to Add Necessary Wildlife Overpasses to Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project Governor Newsom: We write to request that your administration ensures that the proposed Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project (“Project”) includes three

Comments on Air Tour Management Plans for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

    November 10, 2021 Subject: Comments on Air Tour Management Plans for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Dear Superintendents Joss, Kenkel, and Brouillette: I am writing on behalf of over 2,000 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National

Coalition Supports Extension of Comment Period for WV’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan

    November 9, 2021 Laura M. Crowder Director, Division of Air Quality W.V. Department of Environmental Protection 601 57th St. SE Charleston, WV 25304 Re: Requesting Extension of Comment Period for West Virginia’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period Dear Ms. Crowder: On behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association,

NPT Episode 141: Is Charles Sams The Next National Park Service Director?

  By Kurt Repanshek – October 24th, 2021 We are on the cusp of having the first Senate-confirmed director of the National Park Service since Jonathan Jarvis retired at the end of the Obama administration in January 2017. Since then there’s been a revolving cast of individuals serving as acting director. But now the Biden Administration

Coalition Signs on to National Monument Thank You Letter

October 18, 2021 Dear President Biden, Secretary Haaland, Secretary Raimondo, Secretary Vilsack, Chair Mallory, Ms. Gina McCarthy, and Administrator  Spinrad. On behalf of the undersigned organizations and the millions of members and supporters we collectively represent, we enthusiastically thank you for your actions restoring full protections to Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Northeast Canyons and

Comments on North Carolina’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan

  October 15, 2021 Randy Strait NC Division of Air Quality 1641 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1641 Comments submitted via email to: da****************@nc****.gov Re: Conservation Organizations Comments on North Carolina’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) for North Carolina Class I Areas for the Second Planning Period (2019 – 2028) Dear Mr. Strait:

Coalition Supports Charles F. Sams III as The 19th Director of The National Park Service.

  October 14, 2021 Dear Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso: On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization representing over 2,000 current and former National Park Service employees, we would like to express our support for President Biden’s nomination of Charles F. Sams III to serve as the 19th

Coalition Celebrates President Biden’s Restoration of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments

  WASHINGTON, DC — Late yesterday, it was announced that President Joe Biden will restore protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. In reaction to the announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a national organization representing current, former, and retired National Park Service employees, issued the following

Coalition Supports COMPETES Act

  For Immediate Release: 10/7/21 Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@pr********.org Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper — with Senators Heinrich and Rosen as cosponsors — introduced a bill to end noncompetitive leasing. The “Competitive Onshore Mineral Policy via Eliminating Taxpayer-Enabled Speculation” (COMPETES) Act would end the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) practice of selling oil and gas

Comments on Indiana’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan

    October 1, 2021 Via electronic mail Jean Boling Senior Environmental Engineer Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Air Quality, Air Programs Branch 100 North Senate Avenue, MC 61-53 IGCN 1003 Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251 Re:      Requesting Extension of Comment Period for Indiana’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period. Dear

Comments on Canyonlands National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan

  October 1, 2021 Ms. Patricia Trap, Superintendent National Park Service Southeast Utah Group 2282 Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532 Subject: Comments on Canyonlands National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Trap: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is

Comments on Arches National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan

    October 1, 2021 Ms. Patricia Trap, Superintendent National Park Service Southeast Utah Group 2282 Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532 Subject: Comments on Arches National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Trap: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership

Comments on Bandelier National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management

  October 1, 2021 Mr. Patrick Suddath, Superintendent Bandelier National Monument 15 Entrance RD Los Alamos, NM 87544 Subject:  Comments on Bandelier National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Suddath: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former,

Former National Park Service Leaders Applaud Tracy Stone-Manning’s Confirmation to be the Next Director of the Bureau of Land Management

WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, Tracy Stone-Manning was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the next director of the Bureau of Land Management. In reaction to her confirmation, Phil Francis, chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement: “The confirmation of Tracy Stone-Manning to serve as the next

Comments on Natural Bridges National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management Plan

  September 29, 2021 Ms. Patricia Trap, Superintendent National Park Service Southeast Utah Group 2282 Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532 Subject: Comments on Natural Bridges National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Trap: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership

Comments on Bryce Canyon National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan

  September 29, 2021 Mr. Jim Ireland, Superintendent Bryce Canyon National Park P.O. Box 640201 Bryce, UT 84764 Subject:  Comments on Bryce Canyon National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Ireland: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised

Comments on Glacier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan

  September 29, 2021 Mr. Pete Webster, Acting Superintendent Glacier National Park PO Box 128 West Glacier, MT 59936 Subject:  Comments on Glacier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Acting Superintendent Webster: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of

Comments on Great Smoky Mountains NP Proposed Air Tour Management Plan

  September 29, 2021 Mr. Cassius Cash, Superintendent Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Subject:  Comments on Great Smoky Mountains NP Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Cash: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised

Coalition Signs On in Support of Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act

  September 29, 2021 Dear Representative, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, particularly the significant investments for national parks through investments in the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP), Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) and Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Project

Coalition Supports Local Vision for Alabama Black Belt NHA

    September 30, 2021 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Dear Ms. Estenoz: Thank you again for meeting with us on Tuesday, September 28. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss several important issues and concerns with

Member Op-Ed: Protect national parks before they reach their breaking point

National Parks are at their breaking point. You’ve seen the images; visitors lined up to hike at Zion National Park, heavy traffic at Yellowstone National Park and big crowds in Arches National Park. Although our COVID-19 infection rates continue to climb, visitors are still flocking to national parks. Collectively, we have spent over 70 years

Coalition Comments On Reforms To Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program

  September 2, 2021 The Honorable Joe Manchin Chairman, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Raul Grijalva Chairman, House Natural Resources Committee U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 CC: Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi Dear Chairmen Manchin and Grijalva, We are writing on behalf of

Coalition Joins Call to Restore National Monument Protections

August 31, 2021 President Joseph R. Biden Jr. The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Biden, On behalf of the undersigned organizations and the millions of members and supporters we collectively represent, we urge you to immediately take action to restore national monument protections to Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and

Coalition Signs on To Deferred Maintenance Letter

August 30, 2021 Dear Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso, As the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prepares its portion of S. Con. Res. 14, the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition requests $5 billion for the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance needs in our

Member Op-Ed: Our national parks need more funding to keep up with rising number of visitors.

  Parks across the country have seen record-breaking numbers of visitors this summer, even as we continue to grapple with the impacts of COVID-19. I’m sure you’ve seen the images; visitors lined up to hike at Zion National Park, heavy traffic at Yellowstone National Park and big crowds in Arches National Park. Here in Maine,

Comments on the Death Valley National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan

  These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 28, 2021 Mike Reynolds, Superintendent Death Valley National Park P.O. Box 579 Death Valley, CA 92328 Subject:  Comments on the Death Valley National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan   Dear Superintendent Reynolds: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members

Comments on the Olympic National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan

  These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 27, 2021 Ms. Sarah Creachbaum, Superintendent Olympic National Park 600 E. Park Avenue Port Angeles, WA 98362 Subject:  Comments on the Olympic National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Creachbaum: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition

Comments on Mt. Rainier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan

These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 26, 2021 Mr. Greg Dudgeon, Superintendent Mount Rainier National Park 55210 238th Avenue East Ashford, WA 98304 Subject:  Comments on Mt. Rainier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Dear Superintendent Dudgeon: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition

Comments on Everglades National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan

  These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website.   August 25, 2021 Pedro Ramos, Superintendent Everglades National Park 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034-6733 Subject:  Comments on Everglades National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Dear Superintendent Ramos: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the

GAOA Funds Must Be Available to More Units Across the National Park System

      August 26, 2021 Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland: Our organizations are writing to express our deep concern about the need to make funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) available to more units across the National Park System.

NPS Director Nominee Announced

  Release Date: August 18, 2021 NPS Director Nominee Announced Today, the White House announced that President Biden plans to nominate Charles Sams to serve as the Director of the National Park Service.  Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, says this announcement is long overdue. “For the first time in

Coalition Concern Over Air Tour Management Plans

  August 16, 2021 Mr. Shawn Benge, Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Subject: National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plans referred to in Federal Register on July 29, 2021; Document Citation: 86 FR 40897 Document Number: 2021-16182 Dear Acting Director Benge: We are writing to you on behalf

Member Op-Ed: Off-highway vehicles in national parks is a bad idea

    Mike Lee’s bill to allow off-highway vehicles in national parks is a bad idea By Cordell Roy | Special to The Tribune U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, recently introduced two bills in the Senate — S.1526 and S.1527 — that have to do with allowing off-highway vehicle use in our national parks. S.1526,

Member Op-Ed: Clean up orphaned wells for Chaco, all national parks

Clean up orphaned wells for Chaco, all national parks BY TOM VAUGHAN/CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, SILVER CITY RESIDENT Published: Saturday, July 31st, 2021 at 3:32pm Updated: Friday, August 6th, 2021 at 3:33pm During my 22 years with the National Park Service, I spent four years as superintendent of Chaco Culture National Historical Park in

Coalition Joins Partners in Push to Nominate a NPS Director

 August 4, 2021  Dear President Biden,  We, the undersigned, urge you to nominate a National Park Service (NPS) Director as soon as possible. It’s been over four years since the NPS has had a Senate-confirmed director, an agency whose 20,000 employees oversee 423 of America’s most treasured places — national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks,

Coalition Signs Letter About Spaceport Camden and Cumberland Island National Seashore.

  July 9, 2021 Shannon A. Estenoz Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240 RE: Spaceport Camden and Cumberland Island National Seashore Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Estenoz: We write to raise concerns about Spaceport Camden, a proposed rocket launch site

Coalition Joins Comments on Florida’s Proposed Regional Haze Plan

  July 9, 2021 Ashley Kung Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2600 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, FL 32301 Re: Conservation Organizations’ Comments on Florida’s Proposed Revisions Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period Dear Ms. Kung: The National Parks Conservation Association, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and Sierra Club (“Conservation Organizations”)

Coalition Opposes S. 1812 – A Bill to Expand Lincoln Home NHS

    July 8, 2021 Subject: Opposition to S. 1812 – A bill to expand Lincoln Home National Historic Site Dear Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former, or current National

Coalition Signs On in Opposition to General Management Plan Amendment for Point Reyes National Seashore

June 30, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20240 RE: Protect Point Reyes National Seashore from industrial agriculture and restore the park for all Americans Dear Secretary Haaland: Our organizations – over 50 in number – have joined together to urge

Member Op-Ed:Biden’s America the Beautiful Plan will help ensure national parks are protected, accessible

  Biden’s America the Beautiful Plan will help ensure national parks are protected, accessible Bill Wade | Special to Tucson Sentinel.com | Jun 29, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has very visibly demonstrated just how important parks are to Americans. With households across the country spending months in lockdown, a trip to the great outdoors provided much

OPPOSE Large Scale Pumped Storage Budget Proposal – “Eagle Crest Bailout”

  June 25, 2021 Re: OPPOSE Large Scale Pumped Storage Budget Proposal – “Eagle Crest Bailout” Our diverse coalition of organizations representing environmental, community choice aggregation, renewable energy, industrial ratepayer, agricultural, and veteran interests write in strong opposition to a troubling proposal that includes the ratepayer underwriting of the multi-billion-dollar Eagle Crest (also called Eagle

Coalition Supports Bennet’s Reintroduced Oil and Gas Reform Bills

Today, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet reintroduced two bills to tackle the growing orphaned oil well crisis in the short and long term while restoring robust public participation for decisions about whether public lands should be leased for drilling. Underlying these crises is the outdated federal oil and gas leasing system, which for decades has failed

Coalition Continues to Push for Stronger Air Quality Standards

June 10, 2021 President Joe Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500 Administrator Michael Regan U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 RE: Strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone and Particulate Matter Dear Mr. President and Administrator Regan, On behalf of our millions of members

Coalition Submits Testimony for 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  June 16, 2021 Senator Cortez Masto, Senator Lee, and members of

Op-Ed: Rebecca Harriett: A welcome initiative to protect our parks

By Rebecca Harriett Jun 13, 2021 West Virginia is a state that values access to the great outdoors. It’s a place of incredible beauty, full of opportunities to hike, canoe, hunt, fish and swim. And for West Virginians — and Americans across the country — the COVID-19 pandemic has very visibly demonstrated just how important

Coalition Lends Support to Revocation of MBTA “Jan 7” Rule

  June 7, 2021 BY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION Via Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: JAO/3W Falls Church, VA 22041 Re: Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2018–0090, Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds; Proposed Rule Please accept the following comments submitted by the Southern Environmental Law Center (“SELC”) on behalf of

Coalition Joins Letter of Concern Regarding Kentucky Air Quality

June 7, 2021 Commissioner Anthony Hatton Melissa K. Duff, Director, Division for Air Quality Department for Environmental Protection 300 Sower Boulevard, 2nd Floor Frankfort, KY 40601 Dear Commissioner Hatton and Director Duff, On behalf of the below-listed community, health, and conservation groups, we are concerned that Kentucky is heading toward failing to meet its obligations

Coalition Statement on President Biden’s FY2022 Budget

  Coalition Statement on President Biden’s FY2022 Budget Date: 6.3.2021 Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@pr********.org Last week, the Biden administration released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2022. The proposal calls for significant investments in the National Park System, including an increase of nearly $381 million (a 12% increase) to the National Park Service (NPS) budget.

Coalition Op-Ed: People are flocking to national parks — yet understaffed parks continue struggling financially

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking a trip out west to visit several national parks in Utah, including Arches and Canyonlands. I have spent years working with national parks; first as a National Park Service (NPS) Ranger and now as the executive director for the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks,

Organizations Request Extension of Comment Period for MI Regional Haze State Plan

        Bob Irvine Air Quality Division Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Constitution Hall P.O. Box 30260 Lansing, MI 48909-7760  Re: Requesting Extension of Comment Period for Michigan’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period. Dear Mr. Irvine: On behalf of the Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation

Coalition Signs On to OH Regional Haze Public Comment Extension Request

        May 20, 2021 Holly Kaloz Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, DAPC Lazarus Government Center P.O. Box 1049 Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049 (614) 644-3632 Re: Conservation Organizations’ Request for an Extension of Comment Period for Ohio’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period. Dear Ms. Kaloz: On behalf of the Sierra Club, National Parks

Entry Tickets For National Parks Going Fast

Entry Tickets For National Parks Going Fast By Stephanie Serrano, Mountain West News Bureau If you want to visit Glacier National Park, starting Memorial Weekend you’ll need a ticket to drive through the most popular entrance, but there’s a problem. “The tickets are selling out very quickly,” said Gina Kerzman, a spokesperson for Glacier National

Coalition Supports President Biden’s America the Beautiful Conservation Plan

  The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says Biden’s Ambitious Plan is Needed to Address America’s Climate Crises and Help Protect Our Parks WASHINGTON, DC — Today, President Biden announced his Administration’s new conservation plan, laying out an ambitious effort to conserve more of America’s majestic and beautiful lands, waters, and wildlife, and increase

North Carolina Regional Haze Letter

April 29, 2021 Secretary Dionne Delli-Gatti Michael Abraczinskas, Director, Division of Air Quality North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality 217 West Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27603 Dear Secretary Delli-Gatti and Mr. Abraczinskas: On behalf of the below-listed community, health, and conservation groups, we are concerned that North Carolina is heading toward violating its obligations under

Coalition Continues to Advocate for NPS COVID-19 Data

  April 27, 2021 CAPT Sara B. Newman, DrPH, MCP, USPHS Director, Office of Public Health National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC  20240 Subject: NPS Covid-19 Response Program and Data Dear Captain Newman: Thank you again for speaking with us last week regarding the National Park Service (NPS) Covid-19 response program and

Coalition Signs on to Pennsylvania Regional Haze Letter

April 19, 2021 Mark Hammond, Director Bureau of Air Quality Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Rachel Carson State Office Building 400 Market Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 Re: Regional Haze, Second Planning Period Dear Mr. Hammond: We are writing regarding the Department of Environmental Protection’s implementation plan for regional haze in the second planning period, which the

Coalition Supports Legislation to Establish Amache Site as an NPS Unit

April 18, 2021 Dear Congressman Neguse and Congressman Buck, On behalf of the 1,900 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), I am writing to express our support for the legislation to establish the Amache National

Coalition Applauds Secretary’s Orders to Repeal Energy Dominance Policies

  Release Date: April 16, 2021 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@pr********.org, 202-758-3936 Coalition Applauds Secretary’s Orders to Repeal Energy Dominance Policies Today, Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, issued two Secretarial Orders (SO) to prioritize action on climate change throughout the Interior Department and to restore transparency and integrity in the Department’s decision-making processes. Secretary

Coalition signs on to Protect National Trails

   April 15, 2021  The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW, MS 5311 Washington, DC 20240  Re: Department of the Interior Oil and Gas Leasing Program Review Under Executive Order 14008  Dear Madam Secretary:  Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments related to the Department of

Coalition Signs on To Letter Urging DOI Action to Reform Leasing Program

April 15, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Interior 1849 C Street Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland: Thank you for the opportunity to provide recommendations on the Interior Department’s review of the federal onshore oil and gas program. We wholeheartedly support this review, as the onshore program requires sweeping, top-to-bottom reform – to eliminate

Coalition Urges Senate to Confirm DOI Leadership Nominees

  Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says Experience of Beaudreau and Estenoz Will Help Advance Biden’s Ambitious Conservation and Climate Agenda WASHINGTON, DC — The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is urging the Senate to confirm Tommy Beaudreau as Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Shannon Estenoz as Assistant Secretary

Coalition Submits Comments on DOI Fossil Fuels Program Review

  April 12, 2021 The Honorable Debra Haaland Secretary of Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland, I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, and current

Coalition Urges Secretary Haaland to Protect Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments

  Ahead of Haaland’s Visit to Utah’s Monuments, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says These Lands Need Stronger Protections. WASHINGTON, DC — Later this week, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will travel to Utah to meet with stakeholders, Tribes, and elected leaders as part of the national monuments review announced by President Biden. Ahead

Coalition Submits Comments on Draft E-Bike Study

  April 5, 2021 Jonah Chiarenza Transportation Planner, Transportation Planning Division Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, U.S. DOT Subject: Comments on Draft FHWA study proposal regarding “E-bikes on Public Lands” Dear Mr. Chiarenza: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit

Coalition Submits Budget Recommendations for Committee Hearing

The Coalition submitted its FY 2022 NPS Budget Recommendations as part of the official record for the House Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing entitled “Building Back Better: Examining the Future of America’s Public Lands.”   FY 2022 National Park Service Budget Recommendations from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks     EXECUTIVE SUMMARY At a time when

Coalition Signs on to Appropriations and Infrastructure Letters

  March 26, 2021 Dear Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of robust investments for national parks in the upcoming surface transportation or larger infrastructure package. In particular, the coalition supports $400 million a year for both the national

Coalition Comments on DOI Public Forum

  “We strongly agree with Secretary Haaland’s Interior Department; our nation’s federal oil and gas leasing system is in need of holistic reform,” said Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. “It is an outdated system that threatens our climate, wildlife, clean air and water, public lands, and national parks.” President

Coalition Joins Petition to EPA On Regional Haze Guidelines

March 16, 2021 Michael S. Regan, Administrator Office of the Administrator (1101A) United States Environmental Protection Agency William Jefferson Clinton Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 Re: Regional Haze Guidance Petition for Reconsideration: Priority Issues Dear Administrator Regan: National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Appalachian Mountain Club,

Coalition and NPCA Send Letter to Interior Regarding Concerns at Big Cypress National Preserve

  March 16, 2021 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife and Parks US DOI, Office of the Secretary Washington, DC 20240 Mr. Shawn Benge Deputy Director, Operations Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director, National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary

Coalition Celebrates Deb Haaland’s Confirmation as Interior Secretary

  “We applaud today’s historic confirmation of Deb Haaland as the new Secretary of the Interior. We look forward to having a public lands champion in the office and will work to support her efforts to combat the challenges facing our national parks and public lands,” said Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect

Coalition Supports Senate Bill to Reform Fiscal Aspects of Leasing System

  Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Contact: Pr***@Ro***.gov (Rosen) Contact: Ka*************@Gr******.Gov (Grassley) Rosen, Grassley Introduce Bipartisan Fair Returns for Public Lands Act to Ensure Taxpayers Get Fair Share for Oil and Gas Leasing on Public Lands Legislation Would Reform Antiquated Law That Governs Royalties And The Leasing Of Public Land To Ensure Oil And Gas Companies Pay

Coalition Signs on to Support the Fair Return for Public Lands Act

March 9, 2021 Dear Senator: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters across the country, we the undersigned urge you to support the Fair Return for Public Lands Act, introduced by Senators Rosen and Grassley. Federal revenue-generating policies for onshore oil and gas production have not kept pace and have fallen well behind the policies of

Coalition Joins Comments on Spaceport Coastal Consistency

March 8, 2021 Mr. Doug Haymans Director Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way Brunswick, GA 31520 RE: Proposed Coastal Consistency Determination For Spaceport Camden Dear Director Haymans: On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s Parks, Georgia Audubon, the National Parks Conservation Association, One Hundred Miles, the Satilla Riverkeeper, and Wild Cumberland,

Coalition Submits Letter on NPS Second Century Campground Strategy

  March 9, 2021 Dear Acting Director Benge, On behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the National Park Service (NPS), I am writing to provide the Coalition’s concerns related to the NPS Second Century Campground Strategy. Coalition

Coalition Continues to Support Haaland as Interior Secretary Nominee

  Coalition Continues to Support Haaland as her Nomination for Interior Secretary Heads to a Full Senate Confirmation Vote WASHINGTON, DC — Earlier today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to advance the nomination of Rep. Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior Department to a full Senate confirmation vote. In reaction

Coalition Submits Letter of Support for the Amache Special Resource Study

February 19, 2021   Mr. Jeremy Sweat Regional Chief of Planning and Compliance National Park Service 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Lakewood, CO 80228 Dear Mr. Sweat: On behalf of the 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

Coalition Contacts NPS Regarding Transmission Line DEIS

  Subject:  Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Acting Director Benge: I am writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former, or current National Park Service (NPS) employees. As a group we collectively represent over 40,000 years of

Coalition Contacts ACHP Regarding Transmission Line DEIS

  Subject:  Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Director Fowler: I am writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former, or current National Park Service (NPS) employees. As a group we collectively represent over 40,000 years of experience

Coalition Contacts Virginia SHPO Regarding Transmission Line DEIS

Subject:  Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Director Langan: I am writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former, or current National Park Service (NPS) employees. As a group we collectively represent over 40,000 years of experience managing

Coalition Encourages More Diversity Within National Park System

  Black History Month provides us with an opportunity to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans. It is also a time to reflect on the work we must do to address the historic, substantial challenges facing people of color in our country today. This is especially true in our national parks, which should

Coalition Statement On NPS Employees And COVID-19

Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued a statement regarding the safety of National Park Service (NPS) frontline employees as the country continues to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: “We applaud the Biden administration’s decision to require the Federal workforce and individuals interacting with the Federal workforce to

Coalition Praises DOI’s Actions To Restore Intent Of LWCF

  WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, the Department of the Interior repealed former Secretary David Bernhardt’s Secretarial Orders on the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) which imposed unnecessary, top-down requirements that delayed the National Park Service’s ability to address its over $5 billion backlog of land acquisition needs. The Interior Department’s action today restores

Coalition Submits Comments On Army Corps’ DEIS

  February 10, 2021 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 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). As a

Coalition Continues to Submit FOIA Requests for COVID 19 Numbers

February 5, 2021 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