Rep. Crank Introduces Bill to Reopen Thousands of Miles of Federal Trails to Motorized Vehicles
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by committees in the House. It recently had a hearing in a subcommittee, which shows that it is actively moving forward. There are no further actions scheduled at this time.
While this bill is popular with outdoor recreation groups, it faces strong opposition from environmental groups and would likely struggle to pass a divided Congress.
Forest Service and BLM staff would face a significant new administrative burden. They would need to review every existing motorized restriction under the new "clear and convincing evidence" standard, process unlimited public nominations for new routes on a 90-day timeline, maintain updated signage and maps, and conduct five-year reviews of every closure. This comes on top of already-stretched agency budgets with no new funding provided in the bill.
“reviewed by the Secretary concerned at least once every 5 years to determine if the restriction is still justified”
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
A House Natural Resources subcommittee will consider H.R. 7979, the 'Public Lands Access Restoration Act,' which would mandate any road or trail on lands overseen by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management is open to motorized vehicles unless otherwise posted.
ORBA has joined partners in support of the Public Lands Access Restoration Act (H.R. 7979), which aims to restore the 'open unless posted closed' policy for federal lands, reversing more restrictive access policies in place since 2005.
The Off-Road Business Association is backing the Public Lands Access Restoration Act to restore motorized access on public lands. The bill would establish a presumption that trails are open unless the government proves a need for closure based on safety or resource protection.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Public Lands Access Restoration Act
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