Today, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Republican Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) introduced the bipartisan H.R. 1225 Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act. Almost a quarter of all House members,  92 members of both parties, joined as original cosponsors of the bill.   

Watch Introduction Video HERE

“Today is Valentine’s Day and one thing Americans love most are our National Parks. Our parks are treasures, the perfect backdrop to a great love story. Unfortunately, they are in need of some serious TLC. This bipartisan bill will put us on the path to improving our parks for future generations,” – Ranking Republican Rob Bishop

“The Olympic National Park is the crown jewel of our region – but our crown jewel is getting a little rusty. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to provide dedicated funding to address the much-needed repairs at Olympic National Park and throughout our National Park system so these assets can continue to provide amazing visitor experiences and serve as economic drivers for rural communities for future generations.”
- Representative Derek Kilmer

“Big Bend, the San Antonio Missions and all of the parks and historical areas I represent provide immeasurable cultural, environmental and economic benefits. We have a responsibility as a nation to care for these natural treasures. Yet in 2017 alone, national parks in Texas had a backlog of over $167 million in deferred maintenance – nearly 75 percent of projects are in the 23rd District of Texas.  This bill provides more flexible financing options and revenue sources to jump start these overdue maintenance projects, so that our parks can remain beautiful and accessible for future generations of park goers to enjoy.” – Representative Will Hurd

Background:

The Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act would address the deferred maintenance backlog by utilizing federal energy development revenue not otherwise allocated for other purposes. It also protects payments to states, GOMESA, LWCF, Reclamation Fund, and all other existing uses of onshore and offshore revenues.

Similar legislation is forthcoming by U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Mark Warner (D-Va.).  

Link to H.R. 1225 Bill Text HERE