Interior Attempts to Cut Air Quality Monitoring in Parks

Yesterday, The Washington Post reported that the Interior Department temporarily suspended an air-quality monitoring program in the national parks. This follows after the United States experienced some of the worst wildfire smoke and air quality in decades in June 2023, and 2025’s air quality is already trending toward dangerous pollution levels.

In response, Jackie Ostfeld, the Sierra Club Outdoors for All Campaign Director, released the following statement:

“This is an appalling move by the administration, especially considering the haze, wildfire smoke, and worsening air quality conditions that have plagued many areas of the country the past few years. Instead of working to protect the health of our communities, increase access to the parks as summer vacations approach, or address any of the reasons behind air quality issues in our treasured and iconic national parks – wildfires, industry, pollution – the administration is cutting programs designed to keep our outdoors safe and accessible.”