Noem sues Biden administration over rejection of Mount Rushmore fireworks
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) on Friday sued the Biden administration over its decision not to allow Independence Day fireworks at Mount Rushmore this year.
"Mount Rushmore is the very best place to celebrate America’s birthday and all that makes our country special," Noem said in a statement announcing the suit. "We are asking the court to enjoin the Department of Interior’s (DOI) denial of the fireworks permit and order it to issue a permit for the event expeditiously."
Noem spokesperson Ian Fury said that Noem, who is seen as a potential presidential contender for 2024, would do “everything in her ability to ensure that we can celebrate America’s birthday with fireworks at Mount Rushmore."
An Interior Department spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit. The National Park Service (NPS) had rejected the state’s request in March to hold fireworks at the national memorial, citing health risks, including those associated with the coronavirus pandemic, and opposition from Native American tribes.
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/551158-noem-sues-biden-administration-over-rejection-of-mount-rushmore
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