Donald Beyer (D-VA)
Appalachian Trail Centennial Act
A Democratic bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 6 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act aims to improve the preservation, maintenance, and management of national historic and scenic trails. It establishes a system for "Designated Operational Partners" to work alongside federal agencies through cooperative management. The bill specifically mandates the designation of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as a partner for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It provides frameworks for land and resource protection through proposed priority lists. Additionally, the Act directs federal agencies to assess the economic impact of these trails on gateway communities.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill enhances the preservation, maintenance, and management of national historic and scenic trails through cooperative partnerships.
- Scored +5
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets support for gateway communities and their economic impacts.
- Scored +3
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill mandates consultation with federally recognized Indian Tribes during report preparation.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this make housing cost less?
The bill focuses on land acquisition for trails which could potentially compete with land available for housing.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Trail Stewardship: By designating entities like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as a Designated Operational Partner, the bill strengthens the ability of expert organizations to handle the day-sday operation, maintenance, and preservation of trails (Section 4(b)(1)).
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Protection of Property Rights: The bill allows Designated Operational Partners to submit written requests to investigate and seek redress for allegations of trespass or other violations that harm the natural or historical resources of a covered trail (Section 4(b)(2)).
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Improved Land Conservation: The creation of "proposed priority lists" allows partners to identify specific parcels of land for protection, helping to preserve the scenic, recreational, and cultural values of the trails (Section 4(b)(3)).
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Economic Insights for Local Areas: The requirement for federal agencies to identify methods for assessing the economic impact of covered trails could provide valuable data for "gateway communities" (Section 5(b)).
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Empowerment of Volunteers: The policy encourages the Federal Government to support the roles of volunteer organizations and individuals rather than assuming absolute control (Section 4(d)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential for Uncompetitive Designations: The bill allows for the designation of Designated Operational Partners without a competitive process, meaning certain entities may become direct beneficiaries of appropriated funds without competition (Section 4(b)(1)(ii)(iii)).
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Administrative Burden on Partners: Designated Operational Partners are tasked with several responsibilities, such as developing priority lists, soliciting input from various partners, and providing detailed information regarding property right violations (Section 4(b)(3) and Section 4(b)(2)).
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Restrictions on Surplus Property: While federal agencies may transfer surplus personal property to partners, these entities are prohibited from using the property for anything other than their specific duties or transferring it to non-partners (Section 4(b)(5)(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets support for gateway communities and their economic impacts. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill mandates consultation with federally recognized Indian Tribes during report preparation. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill enhances public access to natural resources through maintained trail systems. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The bill enhances public access to natural resources through maintained trail systems. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill promotes the accessibility of national scenic trails for all visitors.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill enhances the preservation, maintenance, and management of national historic and scenic trails through cooperative partnerships. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill supports the development and maintenance of recreational trail infrastructure.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates regular reports to Congress regarding the progress and challenges of covered trails.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill requires agencies to assess the economic impact of trails on gateway communities, which includes local businesses.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — The bill focuses on land acquisition for trails which could potentially compete with land available for housing.
- 5/14/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/7/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 12/19/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
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.
Robert BresnahanRepublican · Pennsylvania
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina
Suhas SubramanyamDemocrat · Virginia
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia