South Dakota's Noem asks Biden to reverse ban on Mount Rushmore fireworks display
Fox News
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem sent a letter Tuesday requesting that President Biden reverse his administration's ban on an Independence Day fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore this year, arguing doing so would be in keeping with an agreement the federal government made with her state last year.
"This year, as we mark our independence from this virus, Mount Rushmore would be a perfect place for a national celebration and fireworks show," Noem added. She pointed to Biden's recent comments aiming to allow small gatherings in a victory against the virus on Independence Day. The National Parks Service (NPS) notified the state of its decision last month, citing concerns about COVID-19, tribal objections and alleged danger to the park itself. In a letter to the state tourism office, NPS Regional Director Herbert Frost suggested that the 2019 agreement allowed for cancellation if the state could not follow the agreement's resolution to display fireworks in a "safe and responsible manner." Noem objected on Tuesday, arguing the "facts and data tell a very different story."More Related News
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