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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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14

Bush Policies Will Blow Through Nat'l Parks for Years

Putting commerce over conservation, White House stifled scientists' protests

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(Newser) – Views of spacious skies and purple mountain majesties in US national parks may soon be interrupted by industrial roads and power lines, after years of Bush policies that pushed commerce over conservation, reports the Los Angeles Times. And unlike the many decisions that President Obama can quickly reverse, the changes looming for national parks may be difficult or impossible to prevent.

Moves like greenlighting a uranium mine on the Grand Canyon's doorstep or auctioning oil leases next-door to Arches National Park were met with near-universal dismay, but a "culture of fear" and "ethical failure" within the Interior Department quashed opposition. "The agency has been demoralized; the employees of the National Park Service have been beaten down," says one retired park superintendent.

Vistas in national parks, like Utah's Bryce Canyon, are under threat from policies laid out during Bush's terms. Soon, new roads, heavy vehicles, and dusty air could encroach on public lands.
Vistas in national parks, like Utah's Bryce Canyon, are under threat from policies laid out during Bush's terms. Soon, new roads, heavy vehicles, and dusty air could encroach on public lands.   (©mandj98)
One of the plans approved under the Bush administration is the creation of a uranium mine two miles from a Grand Canyon visitors center.
One of the plans approved under the Bush administration is the creation of a uranium mine two miles from a Grand Canyon visitors center.   (©dchousegrooves)
The Bureau of Land Management decided last year to auction off oil and gas leases on public land in Utah, including areas that border on Arches National Park and other natural wonders.
The Bureau of Land Management decided last year to auction off oil and gas leases on public land in Utah, including areas that border on Arches National Park and other natural wonders.   (©NileGuide.com)
This undated photo released by South Dakota Tourism shows a landscape at Badlands National Park, SD.
This undated photo released by South Dakota Tourism shows a landscape at Badlands National Park, SD.   (AP Photo/South Dakota Tourism, Chad Coppess)
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14 comments
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christine_m
Jan 25, 09 2:06 PM CST
Yes, I do hate Bush.... Reply
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peacenique
Jan 25, 09 3:35 PM CST
... you and the majority of the world. Reply
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veloslug
Jan 25, 09 5:46 PM CST
The Bush Legacy. Our grandkids will be too busy paying off the debt to visit parks anyway. Reply
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infidel
Jan 25, 09 7:11 PM CST
This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment.
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Doctor_Zaius
Jan 25, 09 7:29 PM CST
No, Fixing Bush's numerous fuckups will be Obama's legacy. Reply
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