Arguments Against National Parks

America's national parks are under attack. One of the most famous defenders of national parks was President Teddy Roosevelt. “While president, Roosevelt personally surveyed the country for potential parks and refuges, exploring natural areas new to him” (“Roosevelt”). Another early environmentalist was John Muir, who led Roosevelt to some of the more spectacular national park sites, like Yellowstone (“Roosevelt”). Both men wanted nature to be protected from businessmen who wanted to develop the land instead of appreciate it. “These temple destroyers, devotees of ravaging commercialism, seem to have a perfect contempt for Nature, and, instead of lifting their eyes to the God of the mountains, lift them to the Almighty Dollar” (Muir

“The House repeatedly has approved drilling in the refuge as part of broad energy legislation” (Taylor). “A bipartisan group of House members is trying to rally support for an end to the ban, which has blocked access to potential oil fields off California, Florida and other states” (Woo and Hughes A2). One of the more vocal political advocates for more drilling is Representative Gosar, and “[his] elevation to subcommittee chairman, coupled with President Donald Trump's vow to push for more energy development on land controlled by the federal government, is cause for concern among environmentalists” (Fears). The opposition is not just from politicians. While many citizens want the regulations that protect the scenery, animals, and history, other citizens want to explore some deregulation. “Carlos Vasquez said he had previously opposed offshore drilling because of environmental concerns. But the 41-year-old lawyer said the recent rise in gas prices changed his mind” (Woo and Hughes A2). However, Americans should protect national parks for the wildlife, for the people and for the environment. “Landscape gardens, places of recreation and worship, are never made beautiful by destroying and burying them” (Muir 184). In fact, Geltman admitted that the potential for damage could increase with more drilling. “Directional drilling does not

"Coalition to Protect America's National Parks CPANP, Washington, D.C.; HelpSaveNationalParks.Org Holiday Gift Center Launches to Support the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks." Science Letter, Dec 08, 2017, pp. 708, ProQuest.
Fears, Darryl. "Arizona Congressman Wants More Drilling in National Parks." Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2017. Global Issues in Context.
Geltman, Elizabeth Ann Glass. “Oil and Gas Drilling in National Parks. National Resources Journal, vol. 56, no. 1, 2016, p145 – 192. Academic One File.
“In Utah, Possible Drilling Near National Parks Triggers Controversy.” Federal Information and News Dispatch, Washington, 2009, ProQuest.
Muir, John. Yosemite, The Floating Press, 2012. ProQuest Ebook Central.
“National Parks: Udall - Report Underscores Why We Must Protect Colorado's National Parks, Overcome Reckless Partisanship.” Federal Information and News Dispatch,