Our Parks Act
Summary
The "Our Parks Act" (H.R. 6603) proposes to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to waive entrance fees to national parks and National Wildlife Refuges on Federal holidays. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Torres of New York and Ms. Clarke of New York and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
The primary goal is to provide free access to these federal lands on designated holidays.
This aims to encourage more people to visit and enjoy these natural resources.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the "Our Parks Act" would eliminate entrance fees to national parks and National Wildlife Refuges on Federal holidays. This would directly affect individuals and families who visit these locations on those days, saving them money. It could also lead to increased visitation on holidays.
The bill amends Section 803(e) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6802(e)) to implement this change.
This could potentially increase the burden on park resources and staff on those days.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to national parks and wildlife refuges for all citizens on Federal holidays.
- Potential cost savings for individuals and families visiting these sites.
- Possible boost to tourism and local economies near these parks.
- Encourages outdoor recreation and appreciation for natural resources.
- Aligns with the goal of promoting the general welfare by providing recreational opportunities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in crowding and strain on park resources on Federal holidays.
- Possible loss of revenue for the National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, which could impact maintenance and operations.
- The increased visitation may lead to higher costs for managing the parks.
- Potential for increased environmental impact due to higher visitor numbers.
- The bill does not address the potential impact on staffing needs during holidays.
Constitutional Alignment
The "Our Parks Act" appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to provide recreational opportunities to the public. Congress has the power to manage federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2, which grants them the power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States.
The act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
It falls within the scope of legislative power granted to Congress.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).