Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act
Impact
If passed, the bill will require a comprehensive analysis of how special recreation permits serve environmental justice communities, focusing on their accessibility and the challenges faced by recreation service providers. Specifically, it calls for identifying national, regional, state, and local policies that facilitate access, as well as any case studies demonstrating successful partnerships between land managers and these communities. Furthermore, the bill aims to uncover any barriers that hinder access to public lands, proposing recommendations for improved policies at an agency level or potential Congressional actions aimed at easing these restrictions.
Summary
House Bill 3756, titled the 'Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act', mandates the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to prepare an interagency report examining the impact of special recreation permits on environmental justice communities. The bill defines environmental justice communities as those disproportionately affected by environmental harms, including low-income, Tribal, and communities of color. The purpose of the bill is to highlight how recreation permits can be beneficial to these communities, who often face barriers to legal land access for recreation services.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB 3756 may arise from differing opinions on the effectiveness of federal oversight in addressing local environmental justice issues. Proponents argue that the report will provide necessary visibility and data that can help enhance protections and access for disadvantaged communities. Conversely, critics could raise concerns about the feasibility of gathering such data, potential bureaucratic inefficiencies, or whether federal mandates appropriately respond to the nuanced needs of specific communities. The debate may also touch on broader conversations regarding the role of federal versus local governance in managing public land.
A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to complete an interagency report on the effects of special recreation permits on environmental justice communities, and for other purposes.