To amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Bay Area Ridge National Scenic Trail, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7254
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-01: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T17:28:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill (H.R. 7254) aims to amend the National Trails System Act to require a federal study on whether the Bay Area Ridge Trail in Northern California should be designated as a national scenic trail. The goal is to evaluate its potential inclusion in the national trails system, which protects and promotes significant trails for recreation, scenic value, and public access.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Congress outlines the trail's characteristics, including:
- It is a non-motorized, multi-use trail spanning about 550 miles, with 415 miles completed and 140 miles planned.
- Located near urban areas around the San Francisco Bay, it provides access to ridgelines, diverse landscapes (e.g., marshes, grasslands, mountains, forests), and notable features (e.g., Golden Gate Bridge, San Andreas Fault, wetlands).
- It supports outdoor recreation for diverse populations and visitors, connects to other trails (e.g., Bay Trail, Vine Trail), and links over 75 parks and open spaces.
- Feasibility Study Requirement: Adds a new subsection to the National Trails System Act (Section 5(c)):
- Describes the trail as a 550-mile route along ridgelines surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete and submit a feasibility study to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment.
- The study must assess the trail's suitability for national scenic trail designation (a federal status that recognizes trails for their scenic, historic, or recreational value).
- Requires consultation with interested groups, such as the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, and federal and state agencies managing lands along the route.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(c)) by adding a new paragraph (50), which introduces the Bay Area Ridge Trail as a candidate for study.
- This expands the list of potential national scenic trails under consideration, building on the Act's existing framework for designating and studying trails without immediately committing to full designation or funding.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior will need to allocate resources for the study, involving coordination with federal (e.g., National Park Service) and state land managers. If designated later, it could lead to federal support for trail maintenance and protection.
- Citizens: Enhances public access to outdoor recreation in the densely populated Bay Area, potentially benefiting local residents and tourists through improved trails for hiking, biking, and nature enjoyment. No direct costs to citizens are imposed.
- International Relations: None apparent, as the bill focuses on domestic land use and recreation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and agencies like the National Park Service, responsible for conducting the study.
- State and Local Entities: California state agencies and local park managers whose lands the trail crosses, involved in consultations.
- Non-Profit and Community Groups: Organizations like the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, which will provide input on the study.
- Public Users: Residents and visitors in the San Francisco Bay Area, who could gain from expanded trail access and preservation of scenic areas.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill aligns with the National Trails System Act's process for adding trails, ensuring studies precede designations to verify feasibility (e.g., land ownership, environmental impacts). It does not override private property rights but may influence future land-use decisions.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; it falls under Congress's authority to manage federal lands and promote public welfare (Article IV, Section 3).
- Political: Supports environmental and recreation priorities in urban-adjacent areas, potentially advancing bipartisan interests in conservation. The involvement of multiple California representatives signals regional focus, but the study-only approach minimizes controversy by deferring final decisions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-11], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Liccardo, Sam T. [D-CA-16], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-01: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 2026-01-27: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Bay Area Ridge National Scenic Trail, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (4 pages)