Department of Interior

The Roots of the Politicization of the National Parks Service

by Nick DeLuca

The National Park Service has never been totally independent of politics. But a 1996 law requiring Senate approval of the NPS Director, combined with the Trump administration's use of acting directors, has created uncertainty. Approving Biden's nominee Chuck Sams is a key step to putting the National Parks on solid footing. 

Why Deb Haaland Matters

by Michael Leroy Oberg and Joel Helfrich

New Interior Secretary Deb Haaland's nomination signals a hopeful turn for "those who value the environment and appreciate the 172-year long historic relationship between Interior and America's Native Nations."