Bill · S. 1376· Senate(119-S-1376)
Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 4/9/2025
- Last activity
- 10/27/2025 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 211.
- Sponsored by
- Thomas Tillis
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 2
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the ``Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025'', aims to amend the National Trails System Act. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a feasibility study regarding the designation of the Benton MacKaye Trail as a national scenic trail. The trail covers approximately 287 miles through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. The study must be completed and submitted to Congress within one year of the paragraph's enactment. This process involves consultation with interested organizations, such as the Benton MacKaye Trail Association.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+2
The bill focuses on preserving and recognizing a scenic wilderness area.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+2
The trail supports economic opportunities for numerous rural communities.
Does this invest in rural communities?+1
The trail supports economic opportunities for numerous rural communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Economic Opportunities: The bill notes that the trail supports economic opportunities for numerous rural communities through visitor spending on food, accommodations, and outdoor supplies (Section 2, Paragraph 6).
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Recreation and Accessibility: The trail provides a wide array of hikes for novice, intermediate, and experienced backpackers and is described as physically accessible (Section s 2, Paragraphs 5 and 8).
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Scenic and Natural Value: The trail traverses renowned forests and mountains, offering scenic views like high-elevation peaks and waterfalls, while passing through wilderness rich with biodiversity (Section 2, Paragraphs 1, 2, and 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+2Improves Public Land Management+1Improves Rural Development+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Business Owners+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+1Improves Small Business Support+1Increases Job Creation+1
- 3/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/27/2025
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Reported by Senator Boozman without amendment. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 211.
- 10/21/2025
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 9/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/9/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
Jon OssoffDemocrat · Georgia
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia