Summary of Bill S 2881

Title: A bill to provide for the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over certain Federal land in the State of California, and for other purposes.

Bill Number: S 2881

Introduced: September 18, 2025

Status: Introduced in Senate

Primary Sponsor: Alex Padilla

Cosponsor: Adam B. Schiff

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2881 aims to facilitate the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over specific parcels of federal land in California. The intent is to enhance land management by transferring approximately 330 acres of land between the National Forest System and the National Park System, specifically involving Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest.

Key Provisions

1. Land Transfers:

   • Transfer to Secretary of the Interior:
     • Approximately 160 acres of National Forest System land in Tuolumne County will be transferred to the Secretary of the Interior to be managed as part of Yosemite National Park.
   • Transfer to Secretary of Agriculture:
     • Approximately 170 acres of National Park System land will be transferred to the Secretary of Agriculture to be managed as part of Stanislaus National Forest.

2. Minor Corrections and Adjustments:

   • The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior may make minor corrections to the transferred lands to facilitate management. These adjustments will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register.

3. Hazardous Substance Management:

   • Both Secretaries are required to identify any known hazardous substance sites on the transferred lands and notify the respective agency of any such sites.
   • Responsibilities for cleanup of hazardous substances will remain with the original agency prior to the transfer.

4. Protection of Existing Rights:

   • The bill ensures that existing rights, withdrawals, easements, leases, licenses, or permits on the land remain valid and that the new managing agency will administer these interests according to applicable law.

Impact

• Affected Areas:

  • The bill specifically impacts approximately 330 acres of federal land in Tuolumne County, California.

• Management Improvements:

  • The transfer aims to streamline land management practices by aligning jurisdiction with the respective agencies' missions, potentially improving conservation efforts and public access.

• Environmental Considerations:

  • The bill includes provisions for identifying and managing hazardous substances, ensuring that environmental safety is a priority during the transition.

Legislative Actions

• September 18, 2025: The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for further consideration.

Conclusion

Bill S 2881 represents a strategic effort to optimize federal land management in California by transferring jurisdiction over specific parcels of land between the National Park System and the National Forest System. The bill addresses environmental safety and existing rights, aiming to enhance the stewardship of these important natural resources.