Aubrie Spady
Coverage of Aubrie Spady in the Nexus archive.
- 'Discriminatory' National Park fee plan slammed by Democrats turns into conservation win, Burgum says
A controversial National Park fee plan criticized by Democrats as discriminatory, which charges foreign visitors $250 annual passes versus $80 for U.S. residents, generated $2 million in 2026 for conservation efforts, according to DOI Secretary Doug Burgum. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff opposed the plan, citing public notice violations and concerns over visitor retention, while the Trump-aligned DOI defended it as 'America First pricing.'
- 'Discriminatory' National Park fee plan slammed by Democrats turns into conservation win, Burgum says
The U.S. Department of the Interior's plan to charge higher National Park fees for foreign visitors, criticized by Democrats as discriminatory, generated over $2 million in conservation funds in 2026's first quarter. Secretary Doug Burgum defended the policy as fair, citing taxpayer subsidies for parks and emphasizing affordability for American visitors, while Democrats argued it risks visitor retention and privacy.