We submitted official comments opposing the dangerous proposal to rescind the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, a move that would make it easier to destroy critical habitat without consequences. To learn more about what’s at stake and why this matters for wildlife in and around national parks, take a look at this video & then read our full comments and take action today. Read our full comments here: https://protectnps.org/2025/05/19/coalition-opposes-rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act/ (fb)

This week, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum will testify in front of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday May 20 and in front of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday May 21. This administration has made devastating cuts to national parks staff, setting up a potential crisis. These actions include: - An ongoing hiring freeze on permanent employees and delayed seasonal hiring. - The firing of 1,000 National Park Service probationary employees which caused chaos and confusion. - The loss of as much as 13% of National Park Service staff due to buyouts, deferred resignations, and retirement incentives. Despite these massive reductions, an April 3 order from Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum required all parks to remain “open and accessible,” ignoring the realities of safely managing our parks. In a response letter to the order, nearly every living former National Park Service Director expressed deep concern to Secretary Burgum – calling the order “contradictory with the law and the intent of Congress.” On top of this, the President’s budget, which Secretary Burgum will testify about, would be the largest cut ever to the National Park Service and exacerbate an already deeply problematic and dangerous situation. According to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), the president’s proposed budget cuts could shutter at least 350 national park sites across the country – effectively more than 75% of our national park system. Last year saw record numbers of visitors to our national parks. As summer begins and visitors from all over the world once again head to the parks – and with a Reduction in Force (RIF) looming – the true impact of this administration’s devastating cuts could come to light. Secretary Burgum should now have to answer for these decisions in front of Congress. Given this, here are six key questions Congress should ask the Secretary this week. 👉 Check out the carousel & comments below for the questions Congress should ask. (fb)