Virginia Cramer, virginia.cramer@sierraclub.org, 804-519-8449
WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Department of the Interior has extended the comment period for the public to weigh in on proposed rate hikes. The move comes amidst widespread opposition to the fee increases. At an event this morning, park advocates delivered more than 150,000 comments against the proposal, which would raise entry fees at 17 of the most popular national parks across the country, including Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Shenandoah.
In response, Jackie Ostfeld, associate director of Sierra Club’s Outdoors campaign issued the following statement:
“I have spent 15 years working to connect children and families with nature and am all too familiar with the barriers that prevent many communities from feeling welcomed in their public lands. With this one move, the Trump administration will price many people out of our natural wonders -- undermining years of progress in advancing equity and access to our parks. President Trump and Secretary Zinke must abandon this plan.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.