The Great American Outdoors Act was introduced by Representative John Lewis (D-GA) on behalf of twelve original cosponsors* referred to the Ways and Means and Financial Services committees on March 28, 2019. This bill was passed in the House 310 yea to 107 nay, and passed in the Senate 73 yea to 25 nay. The bill became Public Law No: 116-152 on August 4, 2020.
*The twelve original cosponsors in addition to Rep. Lewis are Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Kevin Brady (R-TX), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Jackie Walorski (R-IN-2), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Thomas Suozzi (D-NY), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Judy Chu (D-CA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Brendan Boyle (D-PA). THE LAW: H.R.1957 What does this law do? This bipartisan law allocates money to the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and the Land Water Conservation Fund to support maintenance projects on federal lands that were put on hold, in hopes of aiding the restoration of our national parks and federal land. This law is relevant to projects from 2021-2025 within the National Park Service (70% of funds), the Forest Service (15%), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (5%), the Bureau of Land Management (5%), and the Bureau of Indian Education (5%). The law provides funds for these maintenance projects using revenues from oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy development on federal land. Each year from 2021-2025, 50% of the energy development revenues will be deposited into the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund but won’t exceed $1.9 billion for any fiscal year. The law will also provide permanent guaranteed funding, $900 million, for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. No less than 65% of funds will be allocated for non-transportation projects. Any funds remaining can be put toward transportation projects such as improving unpaved roads, bridges, tunnels, and parking areas. None of the funding will be allowed for land acquisition, bonuses to employees, or replacing annual discretionary funding for maintenance at an agency. Why was it proposed? Over 325 million people visit our national parks each year, and currently, ~70% of park infrastructure, like historic buildings and campgrounds, is over 60 years old (1). While park entrance fees cover some maintenance costs (2), the goal of this law is to reduce the ~$12 billion (1,3) backlog of important maintenance projects that have been deferred. National park tourism has increased 50% since 1980 with a relatively flat budget (2), leading to poorly maintained infrastructure. Without significant repairs to roads, trails, restrooms, water treatment systems, visitor facilities, etc. parks will not be able to keep up with the increasing popularity and demand. Benefits This is the largest land conservation legislation to pass into law in a generation (1, 3). National Parks and other federal agency lands will be supported with funds to complete projects, protect natural historic sites and access to these places, and create better experiences for all. Additionally, these funds will not draw from taxpayer dollars to push more funding toward the parks. Investing in National Parks helps to create jobs and sustain existing employment, and boost local economies (4). Challenges The law only provides maintenance funding for five years, which could lead to significant future deferred maintenance backlogs as the federal state continues to expand, if we do not ensure proper maintenance. The law also does not focus on maintaining routine maintenance, which if unchecked also becomes deferred maintenance (1). Additionally, as indicated by H.R. 8288 Improving the Not-So-Great American Outdoors Act, there’s more work to be done. Other shortcomings described in H.R. 8288 that could be addressed are fairness and parity for eastern states, strengthening commitments to urban recreation, establishing logic in funding priorities, transparency in funding allocation, appropriate consequences regarding funding sources, and ensuring availability of funds for maintenance backlogs (5). Want to advocate? Although this bill has become law, advocacy is still important. Sending “thank you” notes or emails to your legislators who support a bill, an Executive Order, or other legislative efforts are powerful tools in forming relationships, and tells your legislator that they are representing their constituents’ needs. We encourage people to reach out to their legislators with appreciation, questions, or concerns. Footnotes:
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