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Bill

S 5222

DRIVE Across America Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Michael Bennet and 5 co-sponsors

Establishes Cleaner TRAILS to deploy and manage zero-emission vehicle fueling infrastructure on national parks/forests and nearby lands, with targets, funding, and reporting.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5222

Summary of Bill S.5222: DRIVE Across America Act of 2026

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes the Cleaner Transportation at Recreational Areas to Improve our Landmarks and Sites Initiative (Cleaner TRAILS) to facilitate zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fueling infrastructure at National Forest System lands, National Park System lands, and related sites.
  • Aims to expand use of zero-emission vehicles and emerging mobility options for Federal fleets, visitors, and the general public on covered lands, while coordinating across federal agencies and external partners.
  • Creates a framework to guide interagency planning, funding, and reporting on ZEV deployment near parks, forests, and related sites, with an emphasis on accessibility for travelers and outdoor recreation users.

Key provisions and changes

Section 2 – Definitions

  • clarifies terms such as:
    • Appropriate Agency and Agency Heads (Forest Service, National Park Service)
    • Covered Land (National Forest System land, National Park System land, certain affiliated sites, and land within 25 miles of these sites, including land owned by local governments or Indian Tribes under certain agreements)
    • Covered Use Case (fleet use, law enforcement, transit, and public or agency-related use of ZEVs and fueling infrastructure)
    • Emerging Mobility Option (various new mobility technologies and services)
    • Zero-Emission Vehicle and related fueling infrastructure (including necessary grid, storage, and capacity considerations)

Section 3 – Establishment of Cleaner TRAILS Initiative

  • Creates a formal interagency initiative to install ZEV fueling infrastructure and expand ZEV use on covered land.
  • Requires a comprehensive interagency strategy, including:
    • Phased transition analysis for each park/site
    • Collaboration with Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and GSA
    • Consideration of incentives for concessionaires and shuttle providers
    • Development of policies, guidance, and partnerships across agencies, regions, and with States/Tribes
    • Plans for ownership, maintenance, and reporting
    • Public availability of the strategy and mandatory congressional reporting
    • Annual updates every 2 years and initial public release within 90 days of completing the initial strategy
  • Mandates that ZEV installations comply with existing land management rules and laws, and prioritize alignment with utility needs, grid capacity, and future infrastructure needs.
  • Requires locations of new fueling infrastructure to be shared on registries/maps and publicly accessible.

Section 3(d) – ZEV Fueling Infrastructure Considerations and Location

  • Locations must support Federal fleets and public users, complement other fueling networks, meet federal standards, and consider utility upgrades, energy storage, microgrids, and smart charging.
  • Emphasizes shared use and public/private partnerships, with clear responsibilities for ownership and operation.

Section 3(e) – Fleet Electrification Targets

  • Sets a fleet electrification goal for the Forest Service and National Park Service:
    • By 2030: the greater of 125% of the current ZEV fleet/shuttle count or 25% of all vehicles in the fleet
    • If barriers exist (model availability, supply chain, charging infrastructure), a written certification allowing delay with continued progress toward the target

Section 3(f) – Fees and Funding Management

  • Allows collection and use of fees to support staffing, operations, and maintenance of the Cleaner TRAILS Initiative.
  • Establishes potential funds/accounts to manage fees.

Section 3(h) – Funding

  • Authorizes appropriations for 2027-2031:
    • $100 million to the National Park Service (Interior)
    • $100 million to the Forest Service (Agriculture)
  • Specifies limitations:
    • No more than 20% of funds for acquiring ZEVs for Federal fleets
    • No more than 30% of funds for ZEV infrastructure in urbanized areas
    • Administrative costs capped at 4%

Section 4 – Shuttle/Transportation Agreements

  • When entering agreements for shuttle or transportation services on covered land, priority is given to entities providing zero-emission services.

Section 5 – Reporting to Congress

  • Requires annual reports (initial within 120 days of establishment, then annually) detailing:
    • Locations and status of ZEVs and infrastructure
    • Compliance with Section 4 and funding use
    • Costs, cost allocations, and justifications
    • Challenges and workforce needs
    • Financial implications and plans for future phases

Section 6 – Cleaner Transportation for Travelers

  • Expands Joint Office of Energy and Transportation duties to promote ZEV adoption around airports, Federal sites, and in tourism/outdoor recreation sectors.
  • Involves coordination with the Federal Highway Administration and DOT funding mechanisms, including leveraging the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program and traveler-focused grants for charging around airports and travel corridors.
  • Encourages guidance to support travel/tourism sectors and to inform the public about available ZEV infrastructure.

Section 7 – HOV Facility Access

  • Updates to extend cleaner transportation provisions to High-Occupancy Vehicle facilities, aligning with broader ZEV and travel considerations.

Who and what would be affected

  • Federal lands and sites: National Park Service and Forest Service lands and related sites, including affiliated properties within 25 miles.
  • Federal fleets: Agencies would purchase and deploy more zero-emission vehicles (with specific 2030 targets).
  • Public and travelers: Visitors, tourists, and users of recreational areas would gain access to ZEV fueling and charging infrastructure.
  • Concessionaires, shuttle operators, and transportation services: Eligible for incentives and prioritized in shuttle agreements if they use ZEVs.
  • Local governments, Tribes, and private partners: Could participate via agreements for infrastructure ownership, maintenance, and operation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Establishment: Cleaner TRAILS Initiative created; strategy to be developed and updated at least every 2 years; initial public strategy due within 90 days of completion of the initial plan.
  • Reporting: Annual reports to Congress starting within 120 days of establishment and then annually.
  • Funding windows: Authorization covers fiscal years 2027-2031.
  • Compliance: Installations must align with land management plans and applicable laws; locations must be public and registries/maps updated.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with existing programs (e.g., other federal ZEV initiatives) or a one-page plain-language fact sheet for public distribution.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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