Today, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing on eight bills on priorities that include park access for Gold Star next of kin family members, restoration activities around Lake Tahoe, support for hydroelectric projects and more. Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) issued the following statement in response:

“From designating a new national park and preserving the legacy of a Revolutionary War battlefield to honoring those who lost loved ones in active duty and strengthening public-private partnerships for trail maintenance, today’s Federal Lands Subcommittee hearing reflects a commitment to protecting history, fostering collaboration, and supporting Gold Star Families.”

Background

H.R. 1479, the Chiricahua National Park Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), will redesignate Chiricahua National Monument as Chiricahua National Park, making it the country’s 64th national park and the fourth national park located in Arizona.

H.R. 8931, introduced by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), will redesignate the Saratoga National Historic Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park to clarify its place in the heroic struggle for American independence. 

H.R. 9159, the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), will strengthen and leverage public-private partnerships by establishing designated partners to enter into agreements with the Department of the Interior to steward and maintain specific scenic and historic trails. 

H.R. 9492, introduced by U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.), will authorize the renewal of a special use permit in the Sequoia National Park for the ongoing operation of a hydroelectric project and ensure continued reliable and affordable power. 

H.R. 9516, the Military Families National Parks Access Enhancement Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), will expand access to free, lifetime America the Beautiful Passes to Gold Star Next of Kin family members to support families who lost loved ones selflessly serving our nation.

H.R. 1504, the Apex Area Technical Corrections Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Stephen Horsford (D-Nev.), will amend the Apex Project, Nevada Land Transfer and Authorization Act of 1989 to streamline the permitting process for the site and further incentivize growth and development in Clark County, Nev.

H.R. 8946, the Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), would resolve a conflict over a parcel of land in Sacramento and allow landowners to develop further without complications from the federal government. 

S.612, the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act, introduced by U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), will support restoration activities at Lake Tahoe by extending the authorization for cooperative authorities and the period of time funding can be spent on fuel reduction, erosion control and reforestation around Lake Tahoe. House companion legislation is led by U.S. Reps. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), John Duarte (R-Calif.) and Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.).

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