H.R.376 - Historic Roadways Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.376, the Historic Roadways Protection Act, aims to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from using funds to finalize or implement certain travel management plans in Utah. This prohibition is tied to the adjudication of R.S. 2477 cases, which involve disputes over rights-of-way on public lands. The bill specifically targets travel management areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within Utah.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would halt the implementation of new travel management plans in specified areas of Utah until the R.S. 2477 cases are resolved. This could lead to continued uncertainty regarding land access and resource management in the affected regions. It may also delay conservation efforts and recreational planning.
Potential Benefits
- Could protect existing access routes and historic roadways in Utah.
- May provide more certainty for local communities and businesses dependent on access to public lands.
- Could allow for a more thorough adjudication of R.S. 2477 claims before new travel management plans are implemented.
- May reduce potential conflicts between the federal government and the State of Utah regarding land management.
- Could potentially streamline the process of resolving rights-of-way disputes.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could delay or prevent the implementation of updated travel management plans that may be necessary for environmental protection or recreation management.
- May prolong uncertainty regarding land access and resource management in the affected areas.
- Could hinder conservation efforts and recreational planning.
- May exacerbate conflicts between different user groups (e.g., motorized vs. non-motorized recreation).
- Could potentially prioritize local interests over broader national interests in land management.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to regulate federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 (the Property Clause). However, the bill's potential impact on states' rights and the balance of power between the federal government and state governments could raise concerns under the Tenth Amendment. The bill does not appear to infringe on any individual rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
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).