Parks Group Urges Senate to Reject Permitting Bill, Calls for Better Plan in the Next Congress

Washington, DC – As the Senate prepares to vote on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 and its sponsors’ substitute amendment, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is urging senators to oppose the bill in its current form. The legislation trades too many protections under bedrock laws that protect our national parks and their air, water, wildlife and cultural heritage. NPCA shares the bill’s sponsors’ urgency on addressing climate change and expanding clean energy but cannot support a bill that prioritizes those goals at the expense of our national parks. NPCA is calling on the Senate to reject this bill and take up a more balanced approach in the next Congress.

Statement by Daniel Hart, Director of Energy and Climate Policy for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA):

“Climate change is one of the greatest threats our national parks face. Parks are already experiencing shrinking glaciers, rising seas, and longer and more intense wildfire seasons. Advancing clean energy is essential to protecting these places and all they hold. We share that goal, and we appreciate the senators who have worked hard to advance it.

“But the path to a clean energy future should not run through our national parks. The sponsors’ latest changes include welcome improvements, and we thank the senators who advocated for them. But those changes don’t go far enough. Despite the efforts of many organizations to improve it, this bill still limits the voice of the public, Tribes, and park experts in decisions affecting our most cherished places. In fact, its historic preservation provisions were written without consulting Tribal Nations. The bill also weakens safeguards against irresponsible development and creates uncertainty for our country’s most threatened and endangered species.

“NPCA stands ready to work with senators on permitting reform that advances clean energy while also protecting our parks. And we urge the next Congress to make both a priority. Our national parks deserve a better plan than this one.”

###

About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.9 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.