Bill · H.R. 9325· House(119-HR-9325)
Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act
- Introduced
- 6/15/2026
- Last activity
- 6/15/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Randy Weber
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area as part of the National Park System to protect the Upper and Middle Texas Gulf Coast. It aims to promote outdoor recreation, like hunting and fishing, and support the local economy through heritage tourism. The area will be managed through a partnership of federal, state, local, and private entities. Land acquisition is limited to voluntary methods, and condemnation is strictly prohibited. The bill also protects existing private property rights and current economic activities.
Yes· 3 of 22
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+7
Supports rural economic development and protects local property rights.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+7
Establishes a new unit of the National Park System for conservation and recreation.
Would business owners be better off under this?+6
Benefits those in the tourism and recreation sectors.
The opposite
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?-3
Explicitly protects the continued use and maintenance of oil and gas pipelines and projects.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
Authorizes new appropriations for the establishment and management of the recreation area.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic Support for Local Communities: The bill aims to support the local economy and rural communities by promoting heritage tourism and outdoor recreation (Section 2).
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Increased Public Access: It promotes the expansion of opportunities for outdoor recreation, specifically mentioning hunting and fishing (Section 2).
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Environmental Protection: The bill focuses on protecting the long-term health of the natural coastal ecosystem and significant flora and fauna (Section 2).
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Financial Assistance for Projects: The Secretary can provide technical and financial assistance for projects involving resource protection, education, and outdoor recreation, covering up to 25 percent of the cost (Section 5).
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Protection of Private Property Rights: Landowners will not be subject to new regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, as a result of this designation (Section 8).
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Preservation of Energy Infrastructure: The bill ensures that the designation does not impede the use or maintenance of oil and gas pipelines and projects (Section 8).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Federal Reimbursement Requirements: If a project funded by the Secretary is later converted or used for purposes inconsistent with the Act, the U.S. government has the right to reimbursement for the funds provided or the increase in the project's value (Section 5).
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Strict Matching Fund Requirements: To receive federal funds under a cooperative agreement, there must be a match of at least three non-Federal dollars for every one Federal dollar (Section 5).
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Potential for Use Restrictions: While generally permitting hunting and fishing, the Secretary may temporarily restrict these uses for public safety and emergency situations (Section 8).
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+7Good For Business Owners+6Good For Gun Owners+6Good For Farmers+5Good For Children+2Good For High Income Households+2Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Middle Aged+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For Retirees+2Good For Seniors+2Good For Urban Residents+2Good For Young Adults+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Land Management+7Improves Environmental Protections+6Improves Rural Development+5Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+2Reduces Fossil Fuel Production-3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+4Improves Small Business Support+4Increases Job Creation+3Reduces Government Spending-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+4Increases Federal Power+2
- 10/6/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/15/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Brian BabinRepublican · Texas
Jake EllzeyRepublican · Texas
Lizzie FletcherDemocrat · Texas
Wesley HuntRepublican · Texas
Troy NehlsRepublican · Texas
Beth Van DuyneRepublican · Texas