An early-season heat wave is sweeping across the Western U.S., with a heat warning in effect from Friday to Saturday. Southern Nevada is experiencing triple-digit temperatures, while Death Valley could see highs above 115 degrees. This alarming weather event, occurring weeks before summer officially begins, has spurred the organization More Perfect Union to respond with a billboard campaign addressing the ramifications of layoffs and budget cuts affecting national parks.
The campaign specifically highlights the risks associated with extreme heat, which is particularly relevant in the Southwest. Abigail Wines, acting deputy superintendent of Death Valley National Park, emphasized the park’s commitment to visitor safety. She advised the public to check weather alerts and pack essentials like water and sunscreen before visiting.
More Perfect Union aims not only to inform but also to criticize the policies of the Department of the Interior and the Trump administration, which enacted significant reductions in federal agency funding. The organization strategically placed billboards in Republican-leaning areas, taking advantage of the bipartisan popularity of national parks—76% of Americans surveyed by the Pew Research Center view the National Park Service favorably.
Shakir, a representative from More Perfect Union, pointed out that leveraging the national parks’ universal appeal is a means to ignite discussion about the adverse impacts of DOGE’s actions on these cherished spaces. The true effects of National Park Service budget cuts remain to be seen as the peak summer tourism season approaches, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action in the face of extreme conditions.
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