Background
This morning, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee marked up several national park and public lands bills. The National Parks Conservation Association praised the committee for successfully passing legislation including the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park Act, First State National Historical Park Act, Oregon Caves Revitalization Act, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation, and the Denali Park Improvement Act. 

Statement by Kristen Brengel, Director of Legislative and Government Affairs
“Thank you to Senators Wyden and Murkowski for their leadership and the committee for passing bills to enhance the legacy of our National Park System and protect new wilderness areas. The five national park-focused bills will diversify our National Park System to better reflect our heritage; take steps towards bringing the first national park to our nation’s first state; and enhance areas with top-notch wilderness values.  We urge Congress to continue to build upon this momentum and bring these bills to a full Senate vote.”

Statement by Alan Spears, Legislative Representative, National Parks Conservation Association
"The actions of the Senate today bring us one step closer to finally honoring the life and work of Harriet Tubman, an American patriot and icon. National park sites in New York and Maryland will enhance public understanding of Harriet Tubman and the role that individuals, including courageous African American women, played in the destruction of the institution of slavery, the liberation of four million enslaved people, and the preservation of a nation."

"The Senate today took another crucial step towards creating the first national park in our country’s first state, with Senator Carper’s First State National Historic Park Act. The legislation combines natural resource protection with the preservation of historic sites, such a Dover Green, of great significance to Delaware's early settlement. The national park will also enhance linkages between the urban communities of Wilmington and nearby Philadelphia through the designation of the Woodlawn site on Brandywine Creek; and bring the economic, job-related, and quality of life enhancements to the only state in our union to not currently have a national park within its boundaries. Senator Carper's bill will help put Delaware on the national parks map in a splendid fashion."

Statement by Jim Stratton, Alaska and Northwest Regional Director, National Parks Conservation Association
“The National Parks Conservation Association supports legislation that takes a thoughtful approach to protecting roadless Alaska, promoting renewable energy development, and honoring native Alaskans.  And when all three components are included in one bill, as they are in Senator Murkowski’s Denali Park Improvement Act, it’s a win-win-win.”

“Since Oregon Caves National Monument was established, by President Taft in 1909, there have been calls to enhance opportunities for public enjoyment of the ‘Marble Halls of Oregon,’ as well as better protection for the surface streams that feed the caves, by expanding the site’s boundaries.  Hundreds of our members have supported Senator Wyden’s continued introduction of Oregon Caves expansion legislation, and we continue to call for successful passage of the bill.”

Statement by Lynn McClure, Midwest Regional Director, National Parks Conservation Association
“With nearly two million acres of land being lost each year to development, it is essential that we safeguard our most special places, while we still can.  Designating wilderness at Sleeping Bear Dunes, one of the ‘most beautiful places in America,’ will continue to provide visitors access to great recreational experiences. When the bill becomes law, it will absolutely provide benefits to our generation, our children, and grandchildren.”

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