A bill to authorize the use of off-highway vehicles in certain areas of the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. | ChamberLight
Bills · S 2970
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2970Motor vehiclesUtah
A bill to authorize the use of off-highway vehicles in certain areas of the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.
INTRO OCT 3· LAST ACTION DEC 9
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it shifts control over vehicle access in a national park from federal to state authority for specific areas. If it becomes law, it could lead to more off-highway vehicle access on these designated roads, potentially changing the character of the park experience for all visitors.
Voters should care because it impacts how federal lands, particularly national parks, are managed. It could affect environmental protection within the park due to increased or changed vehicle use, and it sets a precedent for state-level management of specific activities on federal lands. If it doesn't become law, the National Park Service would retain full authority over vehicle use on all roads within Capitol Reef National Park, maintaining current federal regulations.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Authorizes Utah state law to govern the use of motor vehicles, including off-highway vehicles, on specific roads within Capitol Reef National Park.
This provision shifts regulatory authority from federal to state control for vehicle use on designated park roads.
PROVISION 02
Defines "covered roads" as 12 specific roads or portions of roads located within the boundaries of Capitol Reef National Park.
This clearly identifies the exact areas within the national park where state law would apply.
PROVISION 03
States that the term "off-highway vehicle" will be defined according to Utah state law.
This ensures consistency with Utah's existing vehicle classifications and avoids potential conflicts with federal definitions.
This bill matters because it shifts control over vehicle access in a national park from federal to state authority for specific areas. If it becomes law, it could lead to more off-highway vehicle access on these designated roads, potentially changing the character of the park experience for all visitors.
Voters should care because it impacts how federal lands, particularly national parks, are managed. It could affect environmental protection within the park due to increased or changed vehicle use, and it sets a precedent for state-level management of specific activities on federal lands. If it doesn't become law, the National Park Service would retain full authority over vehicle use on all roads within Capitol Reef National Park, maintaining current federal regulations.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Authorizes Utah state law to govern the use of motor vehicles, including off-highway vehicles, on specific roads within Capitol Reef National Park.
This provision shifts regulatory authority from federal to state control for vehicle use on designated park roads.
med
Defines "covered roads" as 12 specific roads or portions of roads located within the boundaries of Capitol Reef National Park.
This clearly identifies the exact areas within the national park where state law would apply.
med
States that the term "off-highway vehicle" will be defined according to Utah state law.
This ensures consistency with Utah's existing vehicle classifications and avoids potential conflicts with federal definitions.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Off-highway vehicle (OHV)
A motorized vehicle designed for use off paved roads, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), utility terrain vehicle (UTV), or dirt bike.
Capitol Reef National Park
A protected area in south-central Utah known for its canyons, domes, and bridges, managed by the National Park Service.
State law
The laws and regulations created and enforced by a specific state government, as opposed to federal laws.
Covered road
Specific roads within Capitol Reef National Park, as listed in the bill, where Utah state law for vehicle use would apply.
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTS
DEC 9, 25
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-238.
COMMITTEE
OCT 3, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
OCT 3, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.