S. 2887: Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act

This bill, titled the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act, aims to officially designate the Route 66 National Historic Trail as part of the National Trails System. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill entails:

Designation of Route 66 National Historic Trail

The bill specifies that the Route 66 National Historic Trail will encompass all alignments of U.S. Highway 66 that existed between 1926 and 1985, stretching approximately 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. The specific route is depicted on a designated map that will be kept available for public inspection at the Department of the Interior.

Administration and Management

The administration of this trail will be overseen by the Secretary of the Interior. The administration must ensure that the unique characteristics of the Route 66 National Historic Trail are preserved. Additionally, the Secretary is required to engage in active and meaningful consultation with affected Indian Tribes before undertaking activities that might significantly affect these tribes.

Land Acquisition Restrictions

The bill sets conditions on land acquisition for the trail:

• The federal government cannot acquire land outside federally managed areas without the owner’s consent.
• The federal government cannot acquire any land that extends more than an average of 1/4 mile on either side of the trail.

No Buffer Zones

There will be no buffer zones created by this designation. Activities occurring outside the trail will not be limited just because they can be seen or heard from the trail itself.

Impact on Energy Development

The bill explicitly states that it will not interfere with the development, production, transportation, or transmission of energy resources in the vicinity of the trail.

Prohibition of Eminent Domain

The Secretary of the Interior is not permitted to use eminent domain to acquire lands for the Route 66 National Historic Trail.

No Designation as National Park Lands

Designation of this trail does not classify it or any associated lands as part of the National Park System, which would have further implications under other laws regarding land use and management.

No New Permits Required

The designation will not alter the existing authority of federal, state, or local agencies to grant easements or rights-of-way over or under the trail. Additionally, it will not require any new federal permits for activities along the trail.

Relevant Companies

• XOM (Exxon Mobil Corporation): As a major energy company, Exxon Mobil may find its operations in the vicinity of the trail minimally affected, since the bill confirms that energy development will not be interrupted by the designation.
• CVX (Chevron Corporation): Similar to Exxon, Chevron's energy projects may navigate the legal landscape surrounding the designation of the trail while being assured that their energy operations will not be hindered by it.