House Natural Resource Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) has introduced legislation that would dismantle key provisions of the Antiquities Act, which has been used by Republican and Democratic presidents alike to protect some of America’s most iconic and beloved parks and public lands. Click “Read More” to see our statement opposing the bill.
Member OP-ED: Coalition’s letter to the editor of the Helena (MT) Independent Record
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke’s recent claim that 30 percent of department employees are “not loyal to the flag” is not only ludicrous but also deeply insulting to the hundreds of dedicated Interior employees who live and work in Zinke’s home state of Montana. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s letter to the editor of the Helena (MT) Independent Record.
Coalition Statement on Executive Order 13792 (National Monument Review)
Today, we learned that the Trump Administration may be preparing to remove protections for millions of acres of public lands and oceans that were designated as national monuments under the authority of the Antiquities Act. This initiative is unprecedented, ill-advised and unlikely to withstand legal scrutiny. The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks has already voiced our support for the protection and preservation of the monuments that were subject to this review. From the beginning of this review process, it seemed obvious that
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 Participates in Telepresser on Oil & Gas Development
In August 2017, three Coalition members participated in a telepresser with members of the press focused on oil & gas development around national parks. This call was held to urge Secretary Zinke, DOI and BLM not to lease lands next to any national monuments or national parks, and instead ensure that the lands around our
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 Statement on President’s Budget
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is alarmed at the extent the National Park Service’s budget will be reduced should the President’s budget be adopted. While we have not seen how the Interior Department’s overall 11.7% cut will be allocated between agencies within Interior, should a cut of that magnitude be levied against the NPS and its parks, there will by widespread reductions in programs, operating hours, seasonal and permanent staff, and visitor services.
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.
OP-ED: The Old Dominion deserves better from Dominion Electric
By Pat Tiller October 28, 2016 Pat Tiller, who retired in 2005 after 30 years with the National Park Service, is a lecturer on historic preservation at George Washington University. We must soon make a choice for which future generations of Virginians and Americans will forever hold us responsible. Dominion Virginia Power plans to
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.
Member OP-ED: Protecting America’s Parks
This spring, after nearly 10 years of thinking, talking, searching and hoping, a dream came true for many of us who spent our careers working in national parks. On March 3, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks announced the establishment of the Park Institute of America in collaboration with the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. Click “Read More” for the full article.
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.
Op-Ed: This Is No Time To Give Up On America’s National Treasures
There is no denying that many of America’s national parks and historic places are in disrepair today or offering shortened visitor hours, fewer interpretive guides, and other services that should make a visit to one of our national crown jewels a special experience. This is a tragedy, but it is no reason to give up on preserving more of what makes America unique.
Op-Ed: “The most beautiful places on earth: Our public parks and open space”
“With the LWCF expiring in less than 100 days, Congress must act to ensure that future generations have access to healthy outdoor recreation resources. Debate in Congress raises fears that it will fail to continue this valuable program. Congress is failing to demonstrate the kind of overwhelming bipartisan support for conservation and recreation that led to the creation of the Fund 50 years ago and the protection of so many important areas throughout the nation. It’s time for Congress to reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund.”
Please Oppose H.R. 399, The “Secure Our Borders First Act Of 2015″
On behalf of the millions of Americans represented by our organizations, we write to strongly oppose H.R. 399, the “Secure Our Borders First Act of 2015,” in particular Section 3, “Operational Control of the Border,” and Section 13, “Prohibition on Actions that Impede Border Security on Certain Federal Land.” Under the guise of enhancing border security, Section 3 would further militarize natural areas and communities already glutted with border walls, roads and towers; Section 13 would undermine fundamental environmental and conservation laws and would allow further damage to the fragile border environment and the people and communities dependent upon it.
Understanding The U.S. House Of Representatives’ Major Attack on Antiquities Act & National Parks
For those of us who have made it our life’s work to keep America’s national parks and monuments truly bipartisan and non-political, the passage of H.R. 1459 is a tragic development.
The Coalition Guest Shot Jackson Hole News & Guide 1.15.14
Park’s Duty To Protect Wilson Corridor I am writing on behalf of the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees (CNPSR) which represents nearly 1000 members who collectively have some 30,000 years of national park management experience. The Coalition has been closely following the progress towards development of a comprehensive management plan for the Moose-Wilson corridor