American Products in Parks Act
Summary
The American Products in Parks Act mandates that all products sold in National Park System gift shops and visitor centers must be produced in the United States. This includes final assembly, significant processing, and sourcing of ingredients or components. The Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish certification, audit, and enforcement procedures to ensure compliance within one year of enactment.
Expected Effects
This act will likely shift the supply chains for goods sold in national park gift shops towards domestic producers. It could increase demand for American-made products and potentially create new requirements for vendors. It may also impact the variety and pricing of goods available in these locations.
Potential Benefits
- Supports American manufacturing and jobs.
- Promotes domestically sourced materials and products.
- Potentially enhances the perceived value and authenticity of products sold in national parks.
- Could lead to greater transparency in product origins.
- May foster a stronger connection between national parks and local economies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase the cost of goods sold in national park gift shops.
- Could limit the variety of products available, especially those with unique foreign origins or craftsmanship.
- May create administrative burdens for the Department of the Interior in establishing and enforcing compliance procedures.
- Could negatively impact businesses that currently supply national park gift shops with foreign-made products.
- Potential for increased prices could disproportionately affect lower-income visitors.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to support domestic industries. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce, which could be interpreted to include setting requirements for goods sold on federal lands. However, the constitutionality could be challenged if the Act is deemed to unduly burden interstate commerce.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).