Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3286
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-18: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-19T08:07:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to expand the boundaries of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky by authorizing the acquisition of additional land, while also updating an existing financial limit to account for inflation. This supports the preservation and enhancement of the park's natural resources.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is titled the "Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025."
- Boundary Modification: Amends Section 11 of the Act of June 5, 1942 (which established the park), to:
- Adjust a pre-existing $350,000 limit (likely for land acquisition or related costs) by tying it to inflation, using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI measures changes in the cost of living over time.
- Authorize the Secretary of the Interior to acquire approximately 551.14 acres of land, plus any related property interests (such as easements), as shown on a specific map titled "Mammoth Cave National Park Proposed Southern Boundary Expansion Edmonson and Barren Counties, Kentucky" (numbered 135/177,967, dated May 2025). This land, located in Edmonson and Barren Counties, would be added to the park.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces inflation adjustment to the $350,000 cap in the 1942 Act, ensuring the funding limit remains relevant in current economic terms rather than being fixed at a 1940s value.
- Adds new authority for land acquisition, expanding the park's boundaries southward for the first time in this manner under the referenced section. Previously, the law did not explicitly include this specific parcel or mechanism for its inclusion.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Park Service (NPS), under the Department of the Interior, gains expanded management responsibilities over the new land, potentially increasing operational costs for maintenance, visitor services, and conservation. Funding would come from federal appropriations, adjusted for inflation.
- Citizens: Local communities in Kentucky may see economic benefits from increased tourism and park-related jobs, but could face disruptions if land acquisition affects private property owners (e.g., through voluntary sales or eminent domain, though the bill specifies "acquire," implying purchase). Broader public access to enhanced natural areas could promote recreation and education.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic conservation measure focused on U.S. national parklands.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of the Interior and NPS: Responsible for acquiring and managing the new land.
- Landowners in Edmonson and Barren Counties, Kentucky: Those holding the 551.14 acres or interests in it may be approached for sales or transfers.
- Local Kentucky Residents and Businesses: Potential gains from park expansion, including tourism revenue, but possible concerns over land use changes.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Likely supporters, as the addition protects karst landscapes (unique cave and groundwater systems) integral to Mammoth Cave's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Park Visitors and the Public: Benefit from a larger protected area for hiking, caving, and wildlife viewing.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Provides clear federal authority for land acquisition under the Property Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Article IV, Section 3), which allows Congress to manage federal lands. The inflation adjustment modernizes outdated statutory language without requiring new funding mechanisms.
- Constitutional: No major challenges anticipated, as boundary adjustments for national parks are routine and align with Congress's enumerated powers over federal property. However, if acquisitions involve eminent domain (government taking of private land for public use), Fifth Amendment protections for just compensation would apply.
- Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for national parks conservation, potentially boosting local economies in rural Kentucky. It could set a precedent for similar inflation adjustments in older environmental laws, promoting fiscal efficiency, but might draw scrutiny from property rights advocates if acquisitions are seen as overreach.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6], Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2], Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-18: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-03-11: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 2025-05-08: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-05-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-05-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-08 — PDF (2 pages)