The White House issued executive orders to protect public lands, establishing a MABA commission and seeking to improve national parks. The orders contrast with prior policies expanding mining on public lands. However, the language is vague regarding future changes. Recent cuts reduced National Park Service funding by $267 million and its staff by 24%. A fee increase for foreign tourists aims to improve park affordability. The MABA order claims prior regulatory overreach hurt outdoor traditions and caused a $23 billion maintenance backlog at national parks, which the previous administration's actions contributed to.
"We hope this departure from Trump's anti-public lands agenda becomes the norm and isn't just a PR ploy to distract voters from the backlash some Republicans received after spending months trying to sell off these same public lands to the highest bidder."
"The two orders come on the heels of $267 million in cuts to the National Park Service (NPS) via the current budget reconciliation bill and a reduction of 24% to the NPS' permanent staff."
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