National Parks On The New York Stock Exchange in 2025?

The notion that public lands, such as National Parks, might soon be traded as commodities on the New York Stock Exchange. A deeply concerning idea.

This unsettling move, proposed for 2025 by John Curtis (R-UT), raises significant questions about the future management and ownership of these cherished spaces.

Thanks to an email tip from John of RV Odd Couple (their video is linked below), we can uncover this situation and dig deep into who’s for it and who’s against it within the government.

Why It’s Concerning

National parks have long been protected for public enjoyment, scientific study, and conservation. The prospect of treating them as tradable assets fundamentally shifts their purpose from preservation to profit.

This change could lead to prioritizing revenue generation over ecological health, public access, and conservation efforts.

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According to E&E News, lawmakers are concerned that the new investments could be used to privately “monetize” national parks, national wildlife refuges, and other protected lands.

The proposed rule by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would allow a new type of company with the rights to manage public and private lands to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Management Changes

Currently, the National Park Service (NPS) prioritizes conservation and public access. It’s still managed financially largely by the federal government. However, under new financial models, there might be increased pressure to commercialize park facilities, limit access to paying customers, and exploit natural resources for profit.

This shift could degrade the very essence of what makes these parks special.

The SEC proposed rule states that Natural Asset Companies (NACs) would have the “management authority” over all assets within their portfolio, including federal lands. This raises fundamental constitutional questions about private investment companies managing federal lands.

The proposal suggests that NACs would manage these areas for conservation, restoration, or sustainable management, but critics argue this could eliminate productive uses necessary for public benefit.

Foreign Control

Another significant concern is the potential for foreign entities to gain control over America’s public lands.

By trading national parks on the stock exchange, shares could be bought by international investors, leading to foreign influence over how these lands are managed and utilized.

Critics argue that NACs could be controlled by anti-agriculture interests or foreign adversaries, which could prohibit productive economic uses and impact rural economies.

Congressional and Administrative Support

The idea of Natural Asset Companies has garnered significant opposition from various lawmakers and officials. Representative John Curtis (R-UT) introduced a bill to protect Utah’s public lands from Wall Street investors, emphasizing that “Wall Street shouldn’t be allowed to control Utah’s land just to meet ESG goals.”

On the House Committee on Natural Resources, Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Subcommittee Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) expressed concerns in a letter to the SEC.

They warned that NACs would allow private investment interests to control and manage national parks and other public lands, potentially leading to the offshoring of resource production to countries with lower standards for labor and environmental practices.

The Future We Hope for Bright, Not Traded on Wall Street

The proposal to commoditize national parks and trade them on the New York Stock Exchange is a troubling development for anyone who values these natural treasures.

As RVers who regularly visit and enjoy these parks, it’s essential to stay informed and advocate for policies that prioritize conservation, public access, and the preservation of our natural heritage.

Let’s ensure that future generations can experience the unspoiled beauty of America’s national parks, free from the pressures of financial markets and foreign control.