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Bill

Bill

HR 10307

To clarify surface transportation for subsistence users of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

119th Congress

Clarifies that surface transportation for subsistence use within Gates of the Arctic is allowable when consistent with conservation, safety, and regulations.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 10307

Bill overview

HR 10307, introduced in the 119th Congress, would clarify surface transportation for subsistence users of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). The bill’s stated aim is to ensure that subsistence activities by local Alaska residents—who rely on traditional means of travel across park lands—are recognized and accommodated within the framework of ANILCA.

Main purpose and intent

  • Provide explicit clarification that certain surface transportation activities related to subsistence use within Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve are permissible or to be prioritized under ANILCA provisions.
  • reduce ambiguity regarding what constitutes authorized surface transportation for subsistence users (e.g., traditional travel by foot, snow machine, ski, dog teams, boats on rivers, or other means) within park and preserve lands.
  • Support the ability of subsistence users to access caribou, moose, fish, berries, and other traditional resources necessary for daily living and cultural practices in rural Alaska.

Key provisions and changes

  • Clarification language under ANILCA: The bill would specify that surface transportation used for subsistence purposes within Gates of the Arctic is allowable, where such activity is consistent with conservation goals, safety, and applicable regulations.
  • Potential regulatory alignment: The bill may direct relevant federal agencies (primarily the National Park Service) to align management policies with the clarified interpretation, reducing conflicting restrictions on travel for subsistence.
  • Scope of applicability: Focused specifically on Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve; does not appear to extend to other units of ANILCA unless cross-referenced.

Note: The available description does not list exact statutory text or detailed operational standards (e.g., permitted vehicle types, seasonal restrictions, or enforcement mechanisms). The summary reflects the bill’s stated objective to clarify surface transportation for subsistence users under ANILCA within this park unit.

Who is affected

  • Subsistence users in Alaska, including rural residents who depend on Gates of the Arctic for traditional travel and resource access.
  • Local communities and Indigenous groups with customary practices in the park and preserve.
  • Federal land managers (National Park Service) responsible for implementing ANILCA policies and ensuring compatibility with conservation goals and safety regulations.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduction: HR 10307 was introduced in the House and assigned to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  • Referral: As of the action history, the bill has been referred to the Natural Resources Committee for consideration, which typically involves committee hearings, markups, and potential amendments before moving to the House floor.
  • No further timeline information is provided in the current summary; passage would require approval by the House, Senate, and signature by the President (as with standard bicameral legislation).

Practical implications

  • If enacted, the clarification could reduce regulatory uncertainty for subsistence travel and potentially streamline permission processes within Gates of the Arctic.
  • It may influence how park management balances subsistence rights with conservation objectives and safety standards.
  • The bill could have implications for enforcement priorities and resource use planning within the park unit.

Notes for readers

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose to clarify surface transportation for subsistence users under ANILCA and the limited action history provided (introduction and committee referral).
  • For a complete understanding, one would need to review the full text of HR 10307, any committee reports, and subsequent floor consideration.

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

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