South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R-SD) is suing the Biden administration for canceling an iconic Fourth of July celebration in her state. The National Park Service (NPS) denied a permit for fireworks on Independence Day at Mount Rushmore for this July, after former President Trump’s celebration last year.
"Potential risks to the park itself and to the health and safety of employees and visitors associated with the fireworks demonstration continue to be a concern and are still being evaluated as a result of the 2020 event,” NPS Regional Director Herbert Frost wrote to the state’s tourism office.
Now, Noem is taking the Biden administration to task, and demands that the permit be approved.
"Mount Rushmore is the very best place to celebrate America’s birthday and all that makes our country special," Noem wrote in a lawsuit, Fox News reported. "After telling us they’d ‘circle back,’ the Biden Administration has not responded to our request to uphold the Memorandum Agreement between the State of South Dakota and the National Parks Service to host a safe and responsible national celebration and fireworks show."
After telling us they'd "circle back," the Biden Administration has not responded to our request to uphold the Memorandum of Agreement between the State of South Dakota and the National Parks Service to host a safe and responsible national celebration and fireworks show. (2/)
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) April 30, 2021
Unfortunately, the new administration departed from precedent and reneged on this agreement without any meaningful explanation. We're asking the court to enjoin Interior's denial of the fireworks permit and order it to issue a permit for the event expeditiously. (3/3)
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) April 30, 2021
She added that the decision abandons “long standing precedent.” Trump’s fireworks display was the first since 2009, on account of wildfire risks.
BREAKING>>Fireworks are coming back to Mount Rushmore starting with the 2020 Independence Day celebration! Grateful for @realDonaldTrump and @SecBernhardt’s help through this process. Let's Make Fireworks Great Again!!https://t.co/NuXetXYX3t pic.twitter.com/NoyOCniGL9
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) May 7, 2019