Commercializing The National Parks

"Given the issues put on the table by Katrina and the events that followed, it was therefore surprising to read (in a dispatch from the National Parks Conservation Association) that Rep. Richard Pombo, a Republican from California and Chairman of the House Resources Committee, had proposed in a draft budget reconciliation legislative proposal, to sell 15 national parks to oil and gas interests and private developers. In addition, Pombo suggested that the National Park Service sell advertising space on its vehicles, buildings, and publications. Naming rights for National Park buildings would also be up for sale. Welcome to 'Halliburton’s Yellowstone National Park!' "