Marketplace Morning Report Paying more at national parks
11 snips
Jan 16, 2026 Nancy Marshall-Genzer, a Marketplace reporter focused on energy issues, discusses the White House's plan involving data centers and their energy costs. Carla Javier, a national parks expert, covers the significant hike in international visitor fees at national parks like Yellowstone, aimed at solving a $22 billion maintenance backlog. Concerns arise about how these increased fees might deter tourists and impact local economies. The conversation also touches on the implications of credit card rate caps in the financial sector.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
10% Cap Would Break Current Card Math
- President Trump's proposal to cap credit card interest at 10% would clash with current bank economics where average rates exceed 20%.
- Economists warn a cap could push banks to restrict cards or drop high-risk borrowers, reducing credit access.
Tech Asked To Shoulder Data-Center Power Costs
- The White House and regional governors propose asking PJM to auction 15-year power contracts to data centers and cap power auction prices.
- The move aims to make tech companies bear costs of new generation to limit energy price spikes for consumers.
Fees Target Huge Park Maintenance Gap
- Increasing fees for international visitors aims to close a $22 billion Park Service maintenance backlog.
- The policy could sharply raise entry revenues while risking lower international visitation and local economic hits.