Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1112
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-23: Held at the desk.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to expand the boundaries of Big Bend National Park in Texas by incorporating approximately 6,100 acres of land, enhancing the park's protected area through voluntary means.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is titled the "Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act."
- Definitions:
- "Map": Refers to a specific map entitled "Big Bend National Park, Proposed Boundary Adjustment," numbered 155/167,296, dated November 2022.
- "Park": Big Bend National Park, originally established in 1935.
- "Secretary": The Secretary of the Interior, who oversees the National Park Service.
- Land Acquisition: The Secretary may acquire about 6,100 acres of land or interests in land (as shown on the map as "Tracts to Include in Boundary") solely through donation or exchange—no purchase with federal funds is mentioned.
- Map Availability: The map will be kept on file and open for public review at relevant National Park Service offices.
- Boundary Revision and Administration: Once land is acquired, the Secretary must update the park's boundaries to include it and manage the new areas as part of the park under existing federal laws and regulations.
- Prohibition on Forced Acquisition: The Secretary cannot use eminent domain (government seizure of private property for public use) or condemnation (a legal process to take property with compensation) to obtain the land.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This Act modifies the boundaries of Big Bend National Park, originally set by the 1935 law (16 U.S.C. 156), by adding new tracts without altering core park management rules.
- It introduces a voluntary-only acquisition process, emphasizing donations and exchanges over other methods, which differs from some past park expansions that allowed broader acquisition tools.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Park Service (under the Department of the Interior) will gain responsibility for administering additional land, potentially increasing operational costs for maintenance, conservation, and visitor services, but without new funding specified.
- Citizens: Local Texas residents and park visitors may benefit from expanded protected natural areas for recreation and wildlife preservation; however, nearby landowners could be affected if they choose to donate or exchange property, potentially altering private land use.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the park is entirely within U.S. borders along the Texas-Mexico boundary, though it could indirectly support cross-border conservation efforts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Park Service and Department of the Interior: Primary administrators responsible for acquisition, boundary updates, and ongoing management.
- Landowners in the Targeted Tracts: Individuals or entities owning the ~6,100 acres, who must voluntarily participate via donation or exchange.
- Local Communities and Visitors in Texas: Residents near Big Bend may experience changes in land access and economic opportunities tied to park tourism; broader public benefits from enhanced national park resources.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Likely supportive stakeholders interested in expanding protected habitats.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces voluntary land conservation by explicitly banning eminent domain, aligning with property rights protections under the Fifth Amendment (which requires just compensation for takings but is not triggered here). The Act integrates seamlessly with the National Park Service Organic Act, ensuring new lands follow standard park regulations without creating new legal frameworks.
- Constitutional: No major challenges anticipated, as it avoids compelled property transfers and stays within Congress's authority over federal lands (Article IV, Section 3).
- Political: Represents a bipartisan effort to bolster national parks amid growing emphasis on conservation; passed by the Senate in 2025, it could set a precedent for future expansions relying on private donations, potentially reducing federal spending while advancing environmental goals.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-23: Held at the desk.
- 2025-06-23: Received in the House.
- 2025-06-23: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-06-18: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (text: CR S3460)
- 2025-06-18: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
- 2025-06-18: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3458)
- 2025-06-18: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-03-25: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-25: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act — issued 2025-06-18 — PDF (4 pages)
- Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act — issued 2025-03-25 — PDF (3 pages)