Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6337) to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to develop long-distance bike trails on Federal land, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 6337
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Federal recreational lands.--The term ``Federal recreational lands'' has the meaning given the term ``Federal recreational lands and waters'' in section 802(5) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801(5)).
(2) Long-distance bike trail.--The term ``long-distance bike trail'' means a continuous route, consisting of 1 or more trails or rights-of-way, that--
(A) is not less than 80 miles in length;
(B) primarily makes use of dirt or natural surface trails;
(C) may require connections along paved or other improved roads;
(D) does not include Federal recreational lands where mountain biking or related activities are not consistent with management requirements for those Federal recreational lands; and
(E) to the maximum extent practicable, makes use of trails and roads that were on Federal recreational lands on or before the date of the enactment of this Act.
(3) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting jointly.
(4) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned'' means the following:
(A) The Secretary of the Interior, with respect to Federal recreational lands under the jurisdiction of that Secretary.
(B) The Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to Federal recreational lands under the jurisdiction of that Secretary. SEC. 3. LONG-DISTANCE BIKE TRAILS ON FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS.
(a) Identification of Long-distance Trails.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall identify--
(1) not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails that make use of trails and roads in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2) not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete a trail that would qualify as a long-distance bike trail.
(b) Public Comment.--The Secretaries shall--
(1) develop a process to allow members of the public to comment regarding the identification of trails and areas under subsection (a); and
(2) consider the identification, development, and completion of long-distance bike trails in a geographically equitable manner.
(c) Maps, Signage, and Promotional Materials.--For any long-distance bike trail identified under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may--
(1) publish and distribute maps, install signage, and issue promotional materials; and
(2) coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non- Federal resources necessary for the stewardship, development, or completion of trails.
(d) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in partnership with interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a report that lists the trails identified under subsection (a), including a summary of public comments received in accordance with the process developed under subsection (b).
(e) Conflict Avoidance With Other Uses.--The Secretary concerned shall ensure that each long-distance bike trail or area identified under subsection (a)--
(1) does not conflict with--
(A) the uses, before the date of the enactment of this Act, of any trail or road that is part of that long-distance bike trail;
(B) multiple-use areas where biking, hiking, horseback riding, or use by pack and saddle stock are existing uses on the date of the enactment of this Act;
(C) the purposes for which any trail was or is established under the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.); and
(D) any area managed under the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and
(2) complies with land use and management plans of the Federal recreational lands that are part of that long- distance bike trail.
I rise in strong support of H.R. 6337, the Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act.
This bill would expand outdoor recreational opportunities by developing and completing long-distance bike trails and expanding mapping resources for long-distance biking on Federal land.
The legislation would expand outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the country and boost local economies that rely on tourism and the outdoor industry.
Additionally, ensuring Americans have access to public lands is critical to the development of multiple-use management, which includes outdoor recreation, resource development, and grazing. This bill identifies long-distance bike trails on Federal lands, making them easier for the public to explore and use for personal enjoyment.
I thank my colleague, Representative Neguse, for introducing this important legislation and championing it on behalf of his constituents.
I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, July 15, 2022. Hon. David Scott, Chair, Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chair Scott: I write to you concerning H.R. 6337 the ``Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act.''
I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture. I acknowledge that your Committee will not formally consider H.R. 6337 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in the bill that fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction.
Additionally, the Committee on Natural Resources confirms our mutual understanding that the Committee on Agriculture will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that you may address any remaining issues within your jurisdiction. I am pleased to support the appointment of members of the Committee on Agriculture to any conference committee to consider such provisions.
I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Raul M. Grijalva, Chair, House Natural Resources Committee. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Agriculture, Washington, DC, July 15, 2022. Hon. Raul M. Grijalva, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Grijalva: This letter confirms our mutual understanding regarding H.R. 6337, the Biking on Long- Distance Trails Act. Thank you for collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture.
Our Committee will forgo consideration of this bill so that it can proceed expeditiously to the House floor. However, the Committee on Agriculture reserves the right to seek the appointment of conferees to any House-Senate conference and requests consultation on any remaining matters within our jurisdiction.
We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 6337, and request that a copy of our letters on this matter be published in the Congressional Record during Floor consideration. Sincerely, David Scott, Chairman.
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Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.
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