A bill to designate the mountain at the Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, as Devils Tower, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- S. 31
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-08: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, S. 31, aims to officially designate a specific mountain and adjacent area within Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming as "Devils Tower," standardizing its name in official U.S. records.
Key Provisions
- Designation of Location: The mountain at coordinates 44°35'26"N, 104°42'55"W, and the nearby area at 44°35'21"N, 104°41'48"W, are explicitly named "Devils Tower."
- Updating References: Any mentions of these locations in U.S. laws, maps, regulations, documents, or records will automatically be interpreted as referring to "Devils Tower," ensuring consistency without needing individual revisions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces a formal, uniform naming convention for the site, potentially eliminating variations (such as those with an apostrophe, like "Devil's Tower") in official usage.
- It does not alter the monument's status or boundaries but mandates interpretive changes in federal references, streamlining administrative language without substantive legal overhauls.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Park Service (NPS) and other federal entities will need to update maps, signs, and documents to reflect the standardized name, though the change is minor and mostly clerical.
- Citizens: Local communities in Wyoming, tourists, and visitors to the monument may see clearer, consistent signage and references, improving accessibility and recognition of the site.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic naming adjustment for a U.S. national monument.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Primarily the NPS, which manages the monument, and agencies involved in mapping or documentation (e.g., U.S. Geological Survey).
- Local and State Interests: Residents of Wyoming, including tourism operators and cultural groups tied to the site.
- Indigenous Communities: Native American tribes, such as the Lakota, for whom the tower (known as Bear Lodge or similar sacred names) holds spiritual significance; the bill focuses on the English name but could influence broader discussions on site reverence.
- General Public: Hikers, climbers, and educators who interact with the monument.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces federal authority over naming public lands under the Antiquities Act of 1906 (which established the monument), with no challenges to property rights or environmental protections.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's plenary power over federal territories and does not raise First Amendment or equal protection issues, though it could intersect with tribal consultation requirements under laws like the National Historic Preservation Act.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan effort from Wyoming senators to honor a iconic landmark, potentially fostering goodwill with local constituents while avoiding controversy over indigenous naming preferences; it may set a precedent for minor administrative clarifications in national parks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-08: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-01-08: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- To designate the mountain at the Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, as Devils Tower, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-01-08 — PDF (2 pages)