National Parks Group Praises House Approval of Manhattan Project National Historical Park Act

Background: The House of Representatives today approved the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015, which included a bipartisan provision sponsored by Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings to establish a Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The bill is also stand-alone legislation by Congressman Doc Hastings, Congressman Ben Lujan, and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann.

“With its broad bipartisan support, the National Parks Conservation Association applauds House Natural Resources Chairman Doc Hastings and our House of Representatives for passing the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Act today, as part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. The complex story of the Manhattan Project, including the veil of secrecy under which employees worked; the way it helped empower women into the workplace; and the resulting impacts of atomic power and nuclear technology are ideal topics for the National Park Service to interpret.

“With only a very small percentage of our national parks currently dedicated to interpreting science and technology, the Manhattan Project National Historical Park would help enhance our National Park System – particularly as we look to its 2016 centennial celebration.

“We now call on Senators Cantwell and Murray, who have championed the legislation, to ensure the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Act is included in the Senate version of the defense bill.”

Click here to learn more about the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Act.

###

About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.