H.R.105 - Increasing Public Access to Recreation Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 105, the "Increasing Public Access to Recreation Act," aims to amend Title 54 of the United States Code to enhance public access to recreational areas on federal lands. The bill proposes increasing the allocation for recreational public access from 3% to 10% and raising the funding cap from $15,000,000 to $50,000,000.
This adjustment seeks to provide more resources for maintaining and improving recreational facilities on federal lands. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Biggs of Arizona and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
The intended outcome is to facilitate greater public enjoyment and utilization of these natural resources.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 105 would lead to a significant increase in funding available for recreational areas on federal lands. This would likely result in improved infrastructure, better maintenance, and potentially expanded access to these areas.
The increased funding could also support new recreational projects and initiatives. Ultimately, the bill aims to enhance the recreational experiences of the American public on federal lands.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to recreational areas for the public.
- Improved maintenance and infrastructure of existing recreational facilities.
- Potential for new recreational projects and initiatives on federal lands.
- Enhanced opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism.
- Greater public enjoyment and utilization of natural resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on federal budget due to increased allocation.
- Possible environmental impact from increased recreational activities if not managed sustainably.
- Risk of overuse and degradation of popular recreational areas.
- Potential conflicts between different user groups (e.g., hikers vs. motorized vehicles).
- May require additional staff and resources for management and enforcement.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the population. By increasing access to recreational areas, the bill aims to improve the quality of life for Americans.
Furthermore, Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to manage federal lands. This bill falls under that purview as it directly addresses the management and accessibility of these lands for recreational purposes.
There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional provisions.
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).