Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act
Summary
The Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act aims to enhance access to public lands for individuals with disabilities by prioritizing updates to travel management plans and motor vehicle use maps. It focuses on maintaining or improving road access for motorized and off-road vehicles, particularly in areas designated as "disability-accessible land." The bill also outlines procedures for road closures, emphasizing public input and the establishment of new roads to offset any closures.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased accessibility to public lands for people with disabilities who rely on motorized vehicles. It could also lead to changes in how land management agencies prioritize road maintenance and development. The act may also impact environmental conservation efforts depending on how road closures and new road constructions are managed.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to recreational opportunities on public lands for individuals with disabilities.
- Prioritization of road maintenance and improvements on public lands.
- Requirement for public input and hearings regarding road closures.
- Potential for new road development to enhance access to recreational areas.
- Coordination among federal, state, local, and tribal entities to identify desirable recreational routes.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased environmental impact due to increased motorized vehicle access.
- Possible conflicts between recreational access and conservation efforts.
- Administrative burden on land management agencies to update travel management plans and motor vehicle use maps.
- Potential for litigation regarding road closures and access rights.
- The definition of 'disability-accessible land' may not fully address the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve access to public lands for a specific group of citizens. Congress has the power to manage federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2, also known as the Property Clause. The Act's provisions for public notice and hearings related to road closures align with due process considerations, although no specific individual rights are directly impacted.
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).