To amend the Act of December 19, 1913 (38 Stat. 242), to expand access to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Lake Eleanor Basin areas for recreational purposes, and for other purposes.

1/8/2025, 1:40 PM
Congress
119

Number
HR - 177

Introduced on
2025-01-03

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
Tom McClintock

Cosponsors
+5

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Yosemite National Park Equal Access and Fairness Act

This bill modifies the Raker Act, which allowed San Francisco to dam the Hetch Hetchy Valley within Yosemite National Park, to (1) increase the annual rent San Francisco pays to the National Park Service (NPS), and (2) direct the NPS to expand public access to the reservoir and lake created by the dam.

Specifically, the bill increases rent paid by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission for the use of the park from $30,000 to $2 million per year. That amount must be adjusted annually to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The commission may not recoup such sums from wholesale water or power customers. The bill allows collected rent to be used by the Department of the Interior for wildfire mitigation activities in the park and other national parks in California.

The bill also requires the NPS to administer the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Lake Eleanor Basin areas for public recreation, benefit, and use in a manner that will preserve scenic, historic, scientific, or otherwise important features.

Bill 119 hr 177 aims to amend the Act of December 19, 1913, in order to increase access to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Lake Eleanor Basin areas for recreational activities. The bill seeks to provide more opportunities for individuals to enjoy these natural areas for leisure and outdoor activities.

The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Lake Eleanor Basin areas are known for their scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. By expanding access to these areas, the bill aims to promote tourism and outdoor recreation, which can have positive economic impacts on the surrounding communities.

In addition to expanding access for recreational purposes, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes. These additional provisions may include measures to protect the natural environment, preserve wildlife habitats, or improve infrastructure in the area. Overall, Bill 119 hr 177 seeks to enhance the recreational opportunities available in the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Lake Eleanor Basin areas while also addressing other important considerations related to the conservation and management of these natural resources.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Act of December 19, 1913 (38 Stat. 242), to expand access to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Lake Eleanor Basin areas for recreational purposes, and for other purposes.

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/18/2025

Yosemite National Park Equal Access and Fairness Act

This bill modifies the Raker Act, which allowed San Francisco to dam the Hetch Hetchy Valley within Yosemite National Park, to (1) increase the annual rent ...


Latest Action1/3/2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.