Star-Spangled Summit Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 2417
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-12: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:41:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a special use permit for the placement and maintenance of a flagpole displaying the United States flag at Kyhv Peak Lookout Point in the Uinta National Forest, Utah. It aims to ensure ongoing maintenance of this specific flag display on federal land.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is named the "Star-Spangled Summit Act of 2025."
- Definitions:
- "Covered flagpole" refers to a flagpole bearing the U.S. flag.
- "Kyhv Peak Lookout Point" is a specific peak in Utah overlooking Utah Valley.
- "Qualified person" includes individuals residing in Utah County or nonprofits/volunteer groups operating there with relevant experience in flagpole care.
- Permit Issuance: The Secretary must issue a 10-year permit within 180 days of enactment, first to Robert S. Collins of Provo, Utah, or alternatively to a qualified person.
- Selection Process: Applications are required for qualified persons, with priority given to the prior permit holder, their nominee, or other suitable applicants.
- Terms: The Secretary may set conditions for maintenance, exempts the permit from land use fees, and must publish notices of availability.
- Renewal and Termination: Permits renew automatically every 10 years or upon request; early termination is possible for noncompliance.
- Limitations: Permit holders cannot accept value in exchange for nominating others.
- Exemptions: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) does not apply to permit issuance, renewal, or related activities.
- Access: Reasonable access to the site is authorized, subject to safety and resource protections.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill creates a targeted process for a single flagpole on national forest land, including a mandated initial recipient, fee exemption, and full NEPA waiver—elements not standard in general special use permit rules under the Forest Service. It establishes a recurring 10-year renewal cycle with specific priority rules and restricts certain exchanges of value.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires the Forest Service to issue and oversee the permit without standard environmental reviews or fees, potentially streamlining administration but adding a specific ongoing obligation.
- Citizens: Enables a private individual or local group to maintain the flag display, with priority access for Utah County residents or organizations.
- International Relations: No direct effects are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders
- Robert S. Collins of Provo, Utah (initial designated recipient).
- Qualified persons, including Utah County residents and nonprofits with flagpole maintenance experience.
- The U.S. Forest Service (as the issuing agency under the Department of Agriculture).
- Local residents and visitors to Kyhv Peak Lookout Point.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill introduces a legislative exemption from NEPA for this activity, which could set a precedent for bypassing environmental assessments on federal lands. It also prioritizes a named individual in the permitting process, raising questions about equal access under standard administrative procedures, though the legislation itself does not address constitutional matters.
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
- 2026-02-12: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
- 2025-07-23: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-07-23: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Star-Spangled Summit Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (6 pages)