Oh Say Can You See? In America’s National Parks, The Answer Remains, Too Often, “No!” by Thomas C. Kiernan, President National Parks Conservation Association (NAPSA)—Recently, my two sons and I hiked Old Rag in Shenandoah and camped on the ridge of the mountain—an event that has become an annual ritual for us. Every year, millions of Americans venture into national parks across the country, seeking relaxation and inspiration in these treasured places—my family among them. We look forward to enjoying the fresh, clean air of the national parks. Unfortunately, more and more it seems as though we’d get cleaner air if we stayed home. Dozens of outdated power plants that have operated for decades without modern emissions controls spew millions of tons of pollution into the air surrounding our parks each year. Regrettably, this pollution can reduce visibility in parks like Shenandoah to only a few miles. Once, visitors to Shenandoah could see the Washington Monument approximately 70 miles distant. Today, average summer views extend only 25 miles, obscured by a grayish haze. Besides marring scenic views and harming plants and wildlife, air pollution also threatens the health of park visitors and nearby communities. On some days, air quality is so dirty that visitors to Shenandoah and other parks must check to see whetherit’s safe for them to hike or bike in the park. The story is repeated from coast to coast. Parks such as Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee Strengthening and enforcing the Clean Air Act may one day save our national parks from the pollution that now spoils some monumental views, say experts. and North Carolina, Sequoia and Joshua Tree in California, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Rocky Mountain in Colorado and Acadia in Maineareall affected by air pollution. For too many Americans, a visit to a national park during some months can include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing or even an asthma attack—all triggered by air pollution. Filthy air is not what Congress had in mind whenit began setting aside America’s treasured places. In 1916, Congress established the National Park Service to “...conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein...as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Congress made its intentions even more explicit in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 where it declared “...as a national goal the prevention of any future, and the remedying of any existing, impairment of visibility in [national parks and wilderness areas] which impairment results from man-madeair pollution.” But nearly 30 years after setting the course to end dirty air in America’s national parks, the haze and smog remain. Our national parks and the nearly 300 million people who visit them each year deserve better. Enforcing the Clean Air Act would go a long way towardalleviating the problem. Both Congress and the administration have the opportunity and the obligation to protect public health and America’s national parks by closing legal loopholes that benefit polluters and enforcing laws that clear the air. I may not see the day when the air in our national parks is unimpaired by pollution, but if our elected officials act today to protect our parks and the health of our families, my children just might see the Washington Monument when they take their children up Old Rag. Thomas C. Kiernan is president of the National Parks Conservation Association. Since 1919, the nonpartisan NPCA has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its members, and partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for generations to come. Learn how you can help at www.npea.org or call 1-800-NAT-PARK.
