Senate Democrats are warning the Trump administration that its plan to increase fees on foreign visitors to national parks could drive down tourism and put pressure on park rangers.
The letter asked Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to pause the increase, set to take effect Jan. 1, pending study of its impacts. It was signed by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) as well as Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Adam Schiff of California and Ron Wyden of Oregon.
“We strongly believe these fees are being implemented too quickly, without public input, and will be a barrier for both residents and non-residents alike,” the senators wrote.
“We request that you stop implementation of the new non-resident passes and fees until the public has an opportunity to weigh in, impacts to visitation are studied, and clarity on implementation is provided to Congress, NPS employees, and impacted stakeholders.”
