Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2768
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-03: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 426.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:41:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation directs a study to evaluate whether the Benton MacKaye Trail should be added to the national scenic trails system under existing federal law.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 5(c) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(c)) by adding a new entry for the Benton MacKaye Trail.
- Describes the trail as a scenic, nonmotorized path roughly 287 miles long across Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
- Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to complete and submit a feasibility study to Congress within two years of enactment, after consulting interested organizations, including the Benton MacKaye Trail Association.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill adds one specific study requirement to the list of trails already under consideration in the National Trails System Act. It does not alter trail designation standards or procedures, only mandates this particular review.
Potential Impacts
- The Department of Agriculture (through the U.S. Forest Service) must allocate resources to prepare the study.
- Citizens and trail users in the affected states may see increased attention to trail maintenance and access if the study leads to further action.
- No direct effects on international relations are indicated.
Main Stakeholders
- Benton MacKaye Trail Association and other trail advocacy groups.
- Land managers and residents in Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
- The Secretary of Agriculture and relevant federal agencies.
- Congress, which will receive the completed study.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure is a routine feasibility study directive with no apparent constitutional concerns. It represents a legislative step toward potential future designation but does not itself create new trail status or regulatory authority.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-03: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 426.
- 2026-06-02: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-06-02: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3749-3750)
- 2026-06-02: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3749-3750)
- 2026-06-02: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2768.
- 2026-06-02: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3749-3751)
- 2026-06-02: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2026-04-02: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 502.
- 2026-04-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-582.
- 2026-04-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-582.
- 2026-03-05: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-03-05: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-04-09: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-04-09: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-02 — PDF (4 pages)
- Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-09 — PDF (4 pages)
- Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-03 — PDF (4 pages)
- Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-02 — PDF (4 pages)