Law and Policy

The Basis for Action

The Organic Act of 1916 (external link) directed the National Park Service to protect park resources and provide for their enjoyment in a manner that leaves them "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." The National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998 (external link) further mandated that decision-makers utilize "the highest quality of science" to inform park management.

Today, the best available science agrees: human activities are bringing significant change to our global climate. Science also demonstrates that the warming world is bringing significant change across the places and resources managed by the National Park System. In many cases, observed effects directly challenge the purpose for which many parks were established. Both law and policy are clear in their expectations: we are obligated to monitor the effects of climate change and take reasonable action for the benefit of parks.

Interpreting Intent through Policy

Both the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service issue organizational policy on climate change response. These policies are intended to operationalize the intent of applicable laws, executive orders, and legal precedents. Numerous policies and memoranda exist to help park managers navigate the challenge of climate change in light of our organizational mission. (Each of the following links will open in a new window.)

2021: Department of the Interior Climate Action Plan
2021: S.O. 3399: Department-Wide Approach to the Climate Crisis and Restoring Transparency and Integrity to the Decision-Making Process [PDF]
2015: PM 15-01: Addressing Climate Change and Natural Hazards for Facilities
2014: PM 14-02: Climate Change and Stewardship of Cultural Resources
2012: PM 12-02: Applying National Park Service Management Policies in the Context of Climate Change [150 KB PDF]