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Tucson councilman urges nonpartisan support for national parks

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Monday, October 28, 2024   

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Kristen Brengel's title. (11:38 a.m. PST, Oct. 28, 2024) Clarification: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Trump's budget proposal. (12:22 a.m. PST, Oct. 28, 2024)


Public lands and national parks are set to be one of the many issues Americans are paying attention to this election cycle and a new scorecard looks at how Arizona lawmakers fared in supporting things such as national park funding, conservation, preservation and wildlife protection.

The National Parks Action Fund's 2024 Congressional Scorecard only evaluated members of the House of Representatives, as the Senate did not take any votes on parks this session.

Kevin Dahl, a member of the Tucson City Council, said he sees partisan politics playing a big role in the issues that matter to voters.

"National parks, of many issues, can be something that most everybody can support," Dahl contended. "I've worked with Republicans in supporting national parks. There is no reason why it can't be a bipartisan, nonpartisan effort."

Dahl added the scorecard is a tool all voters should look at before casting their ballot. All of Arizona's GOP House members, except Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., received failing grades. The Democratic members of Congress all received A's.

Dahl wants our national parks to be prioritized and wants to let voters know because a park has a certain designation, it does not mean it is being adequately cared for. He argued in order to support national parks, we must support elected officials who do so as well.

Kristen Brengel, executive director of National Parks Action, said polling consistently shows nearly all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, want national parks to receive the appropriate funding they need. She noted in 2017, the Trump administration aimed to cut national park funding by 13%. But Trump's budget proposal did not move through Congress. Brengel fears similar proposals could be brought up again.

"This is why it is so important to hold members of Congress accountable," Brengel stressed. "And to have their constituents see what grade they got and push them, in the next Congress, to do better and to be more 'pro-park.'"

Parks have seen a 14% increase in visitation over the last five years, while the park system has seen a 14% reduction in staffing, according to the association.

Brengel emphasized National Parks are an integral part of American values. She wants voters to consider how their values line up with members of Congress and make their voices heard.

Disclosure: The National Parks Action Fund contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Environment, and Public Lands/Wilderness. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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