Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act
Summary
The Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act mandates the Secretary of the Interior to issue a right-of-way for an emergency exit on National Park Service land in Virginia, specifically near the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is contingent upon completing evaluations of alternative routes, analyzing fire ecology behavior, and fulfilling requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act. The aim is to provide a designated emergency exit for the Wintergreen community.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely result in the construction of an emergency exit route across National Park Service land. This could improve the safety and evacuation capabilities for the Wintergreen community in the event of an emergency, particularly a fire. However, it may also have environmental impacts that need to be carefully considered.
Potential Benefits
- Improved emergency evacuation capabilities for the Wintergreen community.
- Increased public safety in the event of a fire or other emergency.
- Potential for faster response times for emergency services.
- Addresses a specific need for a designated emergency exit.
- Requires environmental and alternative route evaluations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential environmental impact on National Park Service land.
- Possible disruption to natural habitats and wildlife.
- Potential costs associated with construction and maintenance of the right-of-way.
- Possible negative impact on the aesthetic value of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- The act mandates the right-of-way, potentially limiting the Secretary of Interior's discretion based on the completed evaluations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate federal lands. The Act also indirectly relates to the general welfare clause by aiming to improve public safety. The requirement for environmental reviews aligns with responsible stewardship of federal resources.
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).