H.R. 4937: Expanding Quality and Universal Access to Lands and Parks Act

This bill, titled the "Expanding Quality and Universal Access to Lands and Parks Act," aims to establish legal backing for a Presidential Memorandum that promotes diversity and inclusion within national parks, national forests, and other public lands and waters. The key components of the bill are as follows:

Short Title

The act may be referred to either as the "Expanding Quality and Universal Access to Lands and Parks Act" or the "EQUAL Parks Act."

Codification of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

This legislation seeks to codify a Presidential Memorandum issued on January 12, 2017, which focuses on:

• Encouraging broader participation in and access to national parks and public lands.
• Fostering inclusion efforts aimed at underrepresented groups in various outdoor and recreational activities.
• Enhancing opportunities for diverse populations to engage with and benefit from national parks and public lands.

By codifying this memo, the bill will ensure that the principles of diversity and inclusion in public lands management are firmly established in law.

Impact on Public Lands Management

The implementation of this legislation may lead to new policies and initiatives that aim at increasing representation and participation of diverse communities in land use activities. This could manifest through:

• Outreach and educational programs targeting diverse demographic groups.
• Support for partnerships with organizations that promote inclusivity in outdoor experiences.
• Encouraging workforce diversity within agencies that manage these lands.

Conclusion on Legislative Process

The bill has been introduced to the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, as well as other relevant committees, for further consideration.

Relevant Companies

None found