Axios
The South Dakota governor will push for fireworks at Rushmore on July 4, despite federal denial.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) will continue her efforts to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks at Mount Rushmore, despite the Biden government’s refusal to comply with her request. spread, forest fires and tribal sovereignty – the monument was excavated in a land sacred to the Sioux Lakota. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free What they are saying: Noem will do “everything in his power” to carry out his plan, the governor’s communications director, Ian Fury, said in a statement to Axios. Noem’s office referred to President Biden’s speech last week, in which he said there is a “good chance” that Americans could meet to celebrate Independence Day. “The best place in America to hold such a special celebration would be Mount Rushmore, with fireworks included,” said Fury. The flip side: The National Service Park (NPS) denied Noem’s request last Friday, citing potential risks to the health and safety of the park and people. The NPS added that many tribal partners “are expressly opposed to fireworks at the Memorial,” according to The Hill. The big picture: The celebration of the fourth of July last year, which Noem hosted with former President Trump, included the first use of fireworks at the monument since 2009 – previous shows have always been canceled due to forest fires. Noem, who said “there will be no social distance” at the event, faced similar resistance. A former Mount Rushmore fire management officer and six other national parks in the region said the fireworks show was “ill-advised” due to the burning of “extremely flammable” debris, embers and shells, according to the Leader Argus. disrespect. “Now we are being forced to witness the scourge of our land with pomp, arrogance and fire, in the hope that our sacred lands will survive,” Harold Frazier, president of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, told USA Today in June. Frazier even asked for the monument to be removed. Read more about Axios: sign up for the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Sign up for free