Lawsuit Filed to Strike Trump’s Face From National Parks Pass – Center for Biological Diversity

Report on Legal Action Concerning America the Beautiful National Parks Pass

Introduction

The Center for Biological Diversity has initiated a lawsuit to challenge the decision by the Trump administration to replace the official image of Glacier National Park on the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass with a close-up photograph of President Donald Trump’s face. This action raises significant concerns regarding adherence to federal law and the preservation of national heritage, directly relating to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land, which emphasizes the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

Background of the America the Beautiful Pass

• The America the Beautiful Pass, costing $80 annually, grants access to all national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal recreational lands.
• Federal law mandates that the pass feature the winning photograph from the National Parks Foundation’s annual public lands photo contest.
• For 2026, the winning image is a photograph of Montana’s Glacier National Park.

Details of the Lawsuit

1. Violation of Federal Law: The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration violated the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 by:
   • Replacing the contest-winning Glacier National Park image with a photograph of President Trump’s face, which was not taken on federal land and was not submitted to the contest.
   • Creating unauthorized “Resident” and “Nonresident” passes, contrary to the law’s prohibition on additional national recreation passes.
   • Relegating the Glacier National Park photo to a newly created “Nonresident” pass, diminishing its prominence.
2. Legal Filing: The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., supported by images contrasting the official contest-winning photograph and the altered 2026 pass design.

Significance to Sustainable Development Goals

This case highlights the importance of:

• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Protecting and promoting awareness of national parks and federal lands, which are critical habitats for biodiversity and natural heritage.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): Upholding the rule of law by ensuring federal agencies comply with legislation designed to protect public lands and democratic processes.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): The annual photo contest serves as an educational tool to increase public knowledge and appreciation of federal recreational lands.

Legal and Legislative Context

• The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, Section 6801(a), requires an annual public competition to select the image featured on the pass.
• The law explicitly prohibits the creation of additional national recreation passes beyond those specified.
• The contest is designed to educate the American public about federal lands and promote democratic participation.

Conclusion

The lawsuit underscores the critical role of federal law in preserving the integrity and educational value of national parks and federal recreational lands. It emphasizes the need to respect democratic processes and protect natural heritage sites, aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals aimed at fostering environmental stewardship, justice, and education.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article focuses on the protection and appreciation of national parks and federal recreational lands, which are critical habitats for biodiversity and ecosystems.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The lawsuit addresses legal compliance and governance issues related to federal laws governing public lands and recreational passes.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article mentions the educational goal of the photo contest to educate the American people about federal recreational lands and waters.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • National parks and federal lands contribute to sustainable community development and public access to natural spaces.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.4: Ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable lifestyles and biodiversity awareness.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 15
   • Proportion of land that is protected (e.g., national parks, wildlife refuges) – implied through the focus on national parks and federal lands preservation.
   • Number of protected mountain ecosystems conserved, such as Glacier National Park.
2. Indicator for SDG 16
   • Number of legal actions or lawsuits ensuring compliance with federal laws related to public lands.
   • Existence and enforcement of laws such as the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004.
3. Indicator for SDG 4
   • Number of public education initiatives or contests aimed at increasing awareness of federal recreational lands.
   • Participation rates in public contests like the National Parks Foundation’s photo contest.
4. Indicator for SDG 11
   • Access and affordability of public passes to national parks and federal recreational lands.
   • Number and quality of public green spaces maintained and promoted.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: biologicaldiversity.org