WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) today introduced the Protecting Access to Recreation with Cash (PARC) Act which would require National Park Service (NPS) units to accept cash as a form of payment for entrance fees. Currently, NPS allows each park to decide if it will accept cash, barring visitors who prefer or rely on cash payments from exploring national parks out west.
“The beauty of our nation’s parks should be open to all visitors, not just those with credit or debit cards,” said Lummis. “Wyoming takes immense pride in our state’s natural treasures, and accepting cash payments allows people from the Cowboy State and around the world access to our indescribable landscapes. I’m proud to lead the charge to make our National Parks accessible to everyone.”
The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Barrasso (R-WY), and John Boozman (R-AR).
Click here to read the bill.
Background:
At least 25 National Park units have stopped accepting cash, including Devils Tower in Wyoming.
- Cash is reliable.
- There is always the possibility that a credit or debit card could be declined, or that the card reader could malfunction.
- This could leave visitors stranded at the entrance to the park, unable to pay their entrance fees. Cash, on the other hand, is not reliant on technology.
- Cash is universal.
- Not everyone has a bank account or credit card, or wants to use them at a national park. Cash is a more convenient option for these visitors.
- Cash is more secure.
- There is always the risk of credit or debit card fraud. When visitors pay with cash, there is no risk of their personal information being stolen.
- Accepting cash is consistent with small government principles.
- The government should not interfere in the lives of citizens more than necessary. By requiring visitors to pay with credit or debit, the government is effectively forcing them to use a particular form of payment.
###