Camden National Battlefield Park Study Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5219
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-09: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T21:31:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "Camden National Battlefield Park Study Act," aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to perform a special resource study. The study will evaluate whether the Camden Battlefield area in South Carolina—site of a key Revolutionary War battle—should be designated as a new unit of the National Park System, called the "Camden National Battlefield Park." The goal is to assess historical importance, preservation options, and management feasibility without immediately creating the park.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Secretary" refers to the Secretary of the Interior, who oversees the National Park Service (NPS), a federal agency managing national parks and historic sites.
- "Study Area" includes the site of the Battle of Camden (fought on August 16, 1780, during the Revolutionary War) and related Revolutionary War resources, plus Historic Camden, South Carolina.
- Required Study:
- Evaluate the national significance of the Study Area.
- Assess suitability and feasibility of designating it as a National Park System unit.
- Identify ways to protect and interpret (explain to visitors) the site, involving the NPS, other federal agencies, state/local governments, or private/nonprofit groups.
- Examine partnership models for management, including adapting existing local structures.
- Estimate costs for any federal involvement in development, interpretation, operations, and maintenance.
- Consultation Process: The Secretary must consult with federal agencies, state and local governments, private and nonprofit organizations, and interested individuals during the study.
- Applicable Law: The study follows section 100507 of title 54, United States Code, which sets standard procedures for special resource studies to evaluate potential new national parks or historic sites.
- Reporting Requirement: Within 3 years of receiving funding, the Secretary must submit a report to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources. The report will include study results and the Secretary's recommendations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill does not amend or repeal any existing laws. Instead, it mandates a one-time study under an established federal process (section 100507 of title 54, U.S. Code) for this specific site. If the study recommends park designation, future legislation would be needed to create the park, potentially expanding the National Park System.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior and NPS would invest time and resources in the study (funded by Congress). A positive recommendation could lead to new federal responsibilities for site management, including funding for preservation and visitor facilities, but only if Congress approves park creation later.
- Citizens: Residents of South Carolina, particularly in the Camden area, could benefit from enhanced historical preservation, increased tourism, educational opportunities about the Revolutionary War, and potential economic boosts from visitors. Nationally, it supports public access to American history without immediate costs to taxpayers.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic historical preservation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior, NPS, and congressional committees (Senate Energy and Natural Resources; House Natural Resources) responsible for oversight and funding.
- State and Local Entities: South Carolina state government and local authorities in Camden, who may partner in preservation efforts.
- Private and Nonprofit Organizations: Groups involved in historical preservation, tourism, or Revolutionary War education that could collaborate on management.
- Public: Local communities, historians, tourists, and educators interested in U.S. Revolutionary War heritage.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill adheres to the National Park Service Organic Act framework (via title 54, U.S. Code), ensuring studies like this promote efficient use of federal lands for public benefit. It avoids automatic park creation, respecting congressional authority over spending and land use.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers under Article I to regulate federal property and promote general welfare through historical preservation, without infringing on states' rights (as it encourages partnerships).
- Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in preserving Revolutionary War sites, potentially fostering regional economic development in South Carolina. It could influence future NPS expansions amid debates on federal land management and budget priorities, but remains non-controversial as a preliminary study.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-09: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-09-09: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Camden National Battlefield Park Study Act — issued 2025-09-09 — PDF (3 pages)