This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by a Senate subcommittee. The committee recently held a hearing to discuss the proposal. It is considered active as it continues to move through the initial committee review phase.
Legislative Progress
Senate
House
President
Law
Unlikely to pass
While both Utah senators support the change, bills that loosen vehicle restrictions in national parks often face strong opposition from environmental groups and struggle to pass.
How we got here
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
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Reintroduced
Reintroduced from S. 4557 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
This bill would allow people to drive off-highway vehicles like ATVs and side-by-sides on twelve specific roads inside Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. It would change current rules to let these vehicles travel on popular routes like Burr Trail Road and Highway 24.
The plan works by applying Utah state traffic laws to these park roads. This means that if a vehicle is legal to drive on a state highway in Utah, it would also be allowed on the designated roads within the national park boundaries.
This change is designed to help tourists and local residents reach remote areas of the park more easily. It aims to make the rules for these roads consistent with the rules on the state lands that surround the park.
While this would provide more access for outdoor enthusiasts, it may lead to debates about noise and the protection of natural areas. National parks usually have stricter vehicle rules than state lands to protect the environment and quiet for visitors.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
3 milestones3 actions
Dec 9, 2025Senate
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
Oct 3, 2025Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Oct 3, 2025
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
A bill to authorize the use of off-highway vehicles in certain areas of the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.
Bill NumberS 2970
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
