National Parks

Thursday's directive calls for a period of public comment on the individual rule changes under Bernhardt's order.

Rob Wallace must be confirmed by the full Senate before he can begin his duty as assistant secretary in the Interior Department.

Opponents questioned the constitutionality of the idea and criticized its vague language.

Hiring seasonal workers who typically start in the spring as rangers, fee collectors and hiking guides also has been delayed.

Scott dismissed any concerns about the constitutionality of his proposal, saying the idea is to help out the federal government, citizens and the tourism industry.

The federal government shutdown, as it has in the past, will affect the national parks and other sites in Wyoming.

Researchers at Iowa State and Cornell universities looked at more than two decades of data on ozone pollution at 33 parks.

The park service received more than 109,000 comments on the proposal, most of them opposed, during a two-month comment period that ended in late December.

The agency estimates the increase would generate an additional $70 million to help address backlogged maintenance and infrastructure projects.

Officials say the higher fees are needed to address a backlog of maintenance and infrastructure projects.