President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that eliminates protections for all US national parks, opening them to oil drilling, gas extraction, and mining operations. The order, titled "Unleashing American Energy Dominance on Public Lands," revokes protections dating back to the Antiquities Act of 1906 and affects over 85 million acres of protected land.
Immediate Impact on Iconic Parks
The order applies to all 63 national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. Within hours of the signing, the Department of the Interior began accepting lease applications for energy development in these areas. According to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the move is expected to unlock "trillions of dollars in untapped energy resources" and create thousands of jobs.
Environmental groups immediately announced plans to sue, arguing the order violates the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Air Act. "This is the single greatest assault on America's natural heritage in history," said Sierra Club executive director Ben Jealous. "We will see the Trump administration in court."
Economic and Environmental Consequences
The White House estimates the order could lead to the extraction of 200 billion barrels of oil and 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas from park lands. However, a study by the National Parks Conservation Association found that drilling could reduce park visitation by 30%, costing local economies $40 billion annually. Park tourism currently supports over 300,000 jobs and generates $50 billion in economic activity each year.
The order also waives environmental impact assessments for energy projects, citing national energy security. Critics warn this could lead to irreversible damage. "Once you drill in a national park, you can't undo it," said Dr. Jane Goodall, primatologist and UN Messenger of Peace. "These are irreplaceable ecosystems."
Legal and Political Fallout
Several Democratic state attorneys general have vowed to file lawsuits, and California Governor Gavin Newsom said the state would block pipeline access through state lands. The order also faces opposition from some Republican lawmakers in western states, who worry about the impact on hunting and fishing tourism.
The Trump administration argues that the order is necessary to reduce energy prices and achieve energy independence. "We will no longer lock up our natural resources while Americans struggle with high gas prices," Trump said at the signing ceremony. The order also fast-tracks permits for pipelines and roads through parks.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has warned that it may place several US national parks on its list of World Heritage in Danger, which could affect international tourism.
