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EXCLUSIVE: A prominent conservation organization is poised to reshape the way the Department of the Interior navigates regulations by unveiling its top ten recommendations aimed at cutting what it refers to as “green tape.” The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), based in Montana, stands as a nonpartisan advocate for market-driven conservation solutions and is pushing for reforms that would enhance the efficiency of the agency.
PERC seeks to significantly improve endangered species recovery rates, boost national park revenue without overburdening visitors, and remove regulatory barriers for those wishing to contribute to habitat restoration efforts. According to Brian Yablonski, the CEO of PERC, a staggering $23 billion backlog exists for national parks, impacting infrastructure and conservation projects alike.
As national parks experience a surge in visitor numbers, the need for a sustainable funding model becomes ever more pressing. Yablonski emphasized the necessity for the Interior Department to address these financial requirements while avoiding undue taxpayer burdens.
“One approach to meeting the demands of our national parks is linking funding to demand,” Yablonski stated in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital.
Doubling park revenue does not equate to simply increasing entry fees, Yablonski explained. In many countries, visitors from the U.S. contribute through fee surcharges to conservation efforts, reflecting their lack of baseline tax contributions to park funding.
For example, an international visitor at Skyline Drive might face higher costs than a local resident from Staunton, who already supports park finances through taxation. This strategy would ensure that the national park system continues to thrive without becoming reliant on federal appropriations.
Currently, 80% of the fees collected at individual parks remain designated for those specific locations, while the remaining 20% is allocated to support parks that do not charge for entry. This funding structure could help to “depoliticize” park finances, as revenue generated would not be subject to Congressional control.
Record participation in national parks underscores public willingness to invest in these natural resources. The National Park Service (NPS) reported approximately 332 million visits in 2024, marking a growth of 6.3 million from the previous year. Eliminating barriers to entry, such as excessive fees, could ultimately enhance the visitor experience.
The popular $80 America the Beautiful pass, which grants access to numerous national parks and facilitates parking at various sites, remains an attractive option for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Yablonski highlighted that reducing obstacles for voluntary conservation efforts represents a key strategy for minimizing “green tape.” Currently, landowners interested in assisting with conservation must navigate a complex and often lengthly approval process that can take up to a year to formally engage with the agency.
“Streamlining these agreements could expedite the process, especially for landowners willing to implement voluntary conservation measures,” Yablonski remarked.
Moreover, PERC’s recommendations extend to the Endangered Species Act. While the legislation has played a crucial role in preventing extinction, its success in fostering the recovery of endangered species reveals significant room for improvement.
Astoundingly, only 3% of species listed as endangered have successfully recovered and been removed from the list; the vast majority, 99%, remain at risk. Yablonski argued that there is a crucial distinction between the tools required to prevent extinction versus those needed to spur recovery.
“Regulatory measures help to prevent extinction, but recovery necessitates a different approach, often leaning toward market-based incentives,” he said. “The challenge lies in recognizing when to employ regulatory versus incentive-based mechanisms effectively. The goal is to increase the percentage of recovering species from a mere 3% to a more ambitious target, while also dispelling a sense of complacency within the environmental community regarding current recovery rates.
The full report detailing PERC’s findings and recommendations will be made available on its website Wednesday, providing invaluable insights for policy makers, stakeholders, and conservation advocates alike.
As Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of the Interior for comment regarding its interactions with PERC, the discussion surrounding these impactful recommendations continues to unfold.
With a focus on innovative solutions that bridge environmental stewardship and economic viability, PERC’s proposals pave the way for a modernized approach to conservation, promising to align the interests of both nature and the public.
