Bill · H.R. 5134· House(119-HR-5134)
Appalachian Trail Centennial Act
- Introduced
- 9/4/2025
- Last activity
- 9/4/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Donald Beyer
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act aims to improve the preservation, maintenance, and management of national historic and scenic trails. It establishes a system for "Designated Operational Partners" to work alongside federal agencies through cooperative management. The bill specifically mandates the designation of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as a partner for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It provides frameworks for land and resource protection through proposed priority lists. Additionally, the Act directs federal agencies to assess the economic impact of these trails on gateway communities.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill enhances the preservation, maintenance, and management of national historic and scenic trails through cooperative partnerships.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically targets support for gateway communities and their economic impacts.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+3
The bill mandates consultation with federally recognized Indian Tribes during report preparation.
The opposite
Does this make housing cost less?-1
The bill focuses on land acquisition for trails which could potentially compete with land available for housing.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Trail Stewardship: By designating entities like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as a Designated Operational Partner, the bill strengthens the ability of expert organizations to handle the day-sday operation, maintenance, and preservation of trails (Section 4(b)(1)).
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Protection of Property Rights: The bill allows Designated Operational Partners to submit written requests to investigate and seek redress for allegations of trespass or other violations that harm the natural or historical resources of a covered trail (Section 4(b)(2)).
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Improved Land Conservation: The creation of "proposed priority lists" allows partners to identify specific parcels of land for protection, helping to preserve the scenic, recreational, and cultural values of the trails (Section 4(b)(3)).
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Economic Insights for Local Areas: The requirement for federal agencies to identify methods for assessing the economic impact of covered trails could provide valuable data for "gateway communities" (Section 5(b)).
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Empowerment of Volunteers: The policy encourages the Federal Government to support the roles of volunteer organizations and individuals rather than assuming absolute control (Section 4(d)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential for Uncompetitive Designations: The bill allows for the designation of Designated Operational Partners without a competitive process, meaning certain entities may become direct beneficiaries of appropriated funds without competition (Section 4(b)(1)(ii)(iii)).
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Administrative Burden on Partners: Designated Operational Partners are tasked with several responsibilities, such as developing priority lists, soliciting input from various partners, and providing detailed information regarding property right violations (Section 4(b)(3) and Section 4(b)(2)).
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Restrictions on Surplus Property: While federal agencies may transfer surplus personal property to partners, these entities are prohibited from using the property for anything other than their specific duties or transferring it to non-partners (Section 4(b)(5)(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Native Americans+3Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Urban Residents+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6Improves Public Transit+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing-1
- 5/14/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/7/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 12/19/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Robert BresnahanRepublican · Pennsylvania
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina
Suhas SubramanyamDemocrat · Virginia
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia