Making America Beautiful Again By Improving Our National Parks
Summary
This executive order, titled "Making America Beautiful Again By Improving Our National Parks," directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop strategies for increasing revenue and improving recreational experiences in national parks. The order focuses on raising fees for non-residents, improving affordability and services for U.S. residents, and encouraging international tourism. It also mandates a review of maintenance backlogs and recreational access rules, with an emphasis on preferential treatment for American residents.
Expected Effects
The order will likely lead to increased costs for foreign tourists visiting national parks, while potentially improving infrastructure and services within the parks. It could also result in changes to recreational access rules, favoring U.S. residents. The revocation of the 2017 memorandum on diversity and inclusion may alter the focus of park-related initiatives.
Potential Benefits
- Improved infrastructure and enhanced recreational experiences in national parks.
- Increased revenue for the National Park Service through higher fees for non-residents.
- Potentially improved affordability and services for U.S. residents visiting national parks.
- Encouragement of international tourism to underutilized national park areas.
- Investment in national park infrastructure through the Great American Outdoors Act.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for foreign tourists, potentially deterring international visitors.
- Potential for unequal access to national parks based on residency.
- Revocation of the 2017 memorandum on diversity and inclusion may reduce focus on diversity initiatives.
- Possible negative impact on international relations due to differential pricing.
- The order's success depends on the effective implementation by the Secretary of the Interior and the availability of appropriations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The executive order cites the President's authority under the Constitution and laws of the United States. The order's focus on managing federal lands and setting fees falls within the scope of executive power. However, preferential treatment for American residents in recreational access rules could raise concerns under the Equal Protection Clause, though this typically applies to state action (14th Amendment) and may have less bearing on federal land management policies. The order does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).