National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act
Summary
The National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to extend certain leases within National Park System units without requiring competitive bidding. This applies to leases entered into at least five years prior, where the lessee is compliant, and the extension is deemed in the best interest of the park unit. The Secretary must also revise relevant regulations within 90 days of the Act's enactment.
Expected Effects
The Act will streamline the lease extension process for existing lessees within National Parks, potentially encouraging long-term investment. It could also reduce administrative burdens associated with re-bidding leases. However, it might limit opportunities for new businesses to access these leases.
Potential Benefits
- Encourages Long-Term Investment: Existing lessees may be more willing to invest in improvements if they can secure lease extensions.
- Reduces Administrative Costs: Waiving the bidding process can save the National Park Service time and resources.
- Maintains Existing Services: Ensures continuity of services provided by current lessees within the parks.
- Supports Business Stability: Provides stability for businesses already operating within the National Park System.
- Streamlines Processes: Simplifies lease management for the National Park Service.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Limits Competition: Excluding competitive bidding may prevent new businesses from accessing opportunities within the parks.
- Potential for Unfavorable Terms: Without competitive pressure, the government may not secure the most favorable lease terms.
- Risk of Entrenchment: Incumbent lessees may become entrenched, potentially hindering innovation.
- Lack of Transparency: Waiving bidding requirements could raise concerns about transparency and fairness.
- Possible Reduced Revenue: Competitive bidding could potentially generate higher revenue for the National Park Service.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article IV, Section 3, which grants Congress the power to manage federal property, including national parks. The Act delegates authority to the Secretary of the Interior, which is a common practice. No specific constitutional conflicts are apparent.
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).