Oppose Cuts to the National Park Service Budget

As a devoted advocate for our nation's national parks and a concerned citizen, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed cuts to the National Park Service (NPS) budget as outlined in the fiscal year 2024 spending bill for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies recently passed by the House of Representatives. The bill’s alarming $433 million reduction, a 12.5% cut from the NPS budget, could have catastrophic consequences, including the loss of up to 1,000 staff members. These cuts threaten not only the visitor experience and safety but also the integrity of our nation's natural and culturally historic sites. The reduction in funding for essential maintenance, repairs, and historic preservation is deeply concerning. Furthermore, slashing funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's clean air and water programs, along with undoing recent investments in climate change and disaster mitigation, is counterproductive to our ongoing efforts to protect these invaluable resources. My family’s personal experiences underscore the importance of the NPS. Over the last three years, we have visited 13 national parks, contributing approximately $5,000 per week to local economies during our trips. Our plan to visit all remaining parks in the next decade is a testament to our commitment to these national treasures. These figures illustrate the significant economic impact that national parks have on local communities, generating an estimated $15 in economic activity for each dollar invested in the NPS. It is alarming to note that while park visitation has grown by 10% between 2012 and 2022, NPS staffing has declined by 13%, with a current shortfall of 2,600 staff compared to 2011. The proposed cuts will only exacerbate these challenges, undermining years of bipartisan progress to address park funding needs. I urge you to consider the Senate's bipartisan version of the bill, which rejects these detrimental cuts. With the looming deadline to enact funding legislation, it is imperative that our lawmakers prioritize the preservation and proper funding of our national parks. National parks are not only a vital part of our American identity but also crucial economic drivers. The proposed cuts in the House bill are not a solution to our federal debt problem; in fact, they are a step backward. Our national parks deserve robust support, especially at a time when they are more important than ever for environmental protection, historical preservation, and economic vitality. Please stand against the proposed budget cuts and advocate for a spending bill that prioritizes our national parks and the communities they support. The legacy and future of these national treasures depend on our collective action and support. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.