Haaland Joins Legislation to Restore Ban on Plastic Water Bottle Sales in National Parks

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland, Chair of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands announced that she joined legislation to restore the ban on plastic water bottle sales in national Parks. The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act, introduced by Representative Mike Quigley, will restore Obama-era guidance banning the sale of single-use plastic water bottles in national park facilities, where possible. The bill is being introduced following a two-day tour of Yellowstone National Park, where a group of law makers, including Haaland, learned first-hand about the devastating impacts of climate change on Yellowstone and our National Parks.

"Our country is home to beautiful places that sustain local economies and should be around for future generations to enjoy, but these places are put at risk for the convenience of single-use plastics. Federal agencies can take the lead and promote ways to keep our ecosystems healthy. Banning plastic bottle sales in our National Parks makes us more thoughtful about the plastic waste in our National Parks. We can all play a role by carrying around a reusable water bottle," said Congresswoman Deb Haaland, Chair of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.

Last week, Haaland was one of five Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition members to tour Yellowstone National Park. During the tour, the members saw the impact that climate change is having on the National Park System already. National Park Service scientists and experts also educated the members on the tactics they have deployed to combat the effects of climate change and the measures that could be implemented going forward to help adapt to coming climate impacts. The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act is just one federal initiative that will help these experts in their mission to preserve our nation's precious natural treasures.

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