Energy and Natural Resources Committee lawmakers will vet a bundle of legislation this week on national parks, trails and forests, including efforts to accelerate cleanup of Grand Canyon National Park following a devastating fire last year.
H.R. 5729, from Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), would allow the National Park Service to bypass contracting red tape to clear and rebuild areas affected by last year’s Dragon Bravo Fire. The fire destroyed a historic lodge and closed down the park’s North Rim for months.
Similarly, S. 3785, from Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), would approve emergency cleanup work for the NPS and the Forest Service to address damage at the Grand Canyon and the nearby Kaibab National Forest from both Dragon Bravo and the White Sage Fire of 2025.
Other bills before the National Parks Subcommittee include S. 2969, from full committee Chair Mike Lee (R-Utah), to align national park rules on the use of motor vehicles with state mandates.
