Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act
Summary
The Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act mandates the Secretary of the Interior to issue a right-of-way for an emergency exit on National Park Service land in Virginia, specifically near Wintergreen. This right-of-way is contingent upon the Secretary certifying the completion of evaluations of alternatives, fire ecology behavior analysis, and required reviews under NEPA and Title 54. The bill aims to improve emergency access for the Wintergreen community.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely result in the construction of an emergency exit route across National Park Service land. This will provide Wintergreen residents with an additional evacuation route. It could also set a precedent for similar requests in other areas near federal lands.
Potential Benefits
- Improved emergency evacuation capabilities for the Wintergreen community.
- Potential reduction in response times during emergencies.
- Increased property values due to enhanced safety.
- Clarification of the process for obtaining rights-of-way on federal land for emergency purposes.
- May spur further investment in community safety infrastructure.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential environmental impact from construction on National Park Service land.
- Possible disruption to wildlife and natural habitats.
- Increased traffic and noise pollution in the area.
- Potential for increased costs associated with maintaining the right-of-way.
- Risk of setting a precedent for similar requests that may not be as justified.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2), which grants Congress the power to dispose of and regulate territory or other property belonging to the United States. The Act also indirectly relates to the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) by aiming to improve public safety and emergency preparedness. The required environmental reviews also align with responsible stewardship of federal lands.
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).