Our Parks Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 10, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to increase public access to national parks and wildlife refuges by eliminating entrance fees on all federal holidays, potentially impacting park revenue and visitor numbers.
What it actually does
The bill, titled the "Our Parks Act," amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to mandate that the Secretary of the Interior waive all entrance fees for units of the National Park System and National Wildlife Refuge System on all Federal holidays. This means that on days like New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving Day, visitors would be able to enter these federal lands without paying the standard entrance fee.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that waiving entrance fees on federal holidays will make national parks and wildlife refuges more accessible to all Americans, particularly those who might be deterred by cost. They contend that this initiative promotes public engagement with natural spaces, encourages outdoor recreation, and allows more families to experience the nation's natural heritage on days when many have time off from work or school.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that waiving fees on federal holidays would lead to a significant loss of revenue for the National Park System and National Wildlife Refuge System, which often rely on these fees for maintenance, operations, and visitor services. They could contend that increased visitation on already busy holidays might strain park resources, lead to overcrowding, and potentially degrade natural environments without adequate funding to manage the influx.
The bill text is exceptionally short and clear, making it very easy for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 2, amending Section 803(e) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6802(e))
Waiver of Entrance Fees on Federal Holidays
This provision mandates that for any unit of the National Park System or National Wildlife Refuge System that charges an entrance fee, the fee must be waived on all Federal holidays. These holidays are defined by section 6103 of title 5, United States Code, ensuring a consistent application across all designated federal holidays throughout the year. The goal is to make these natural spaces more accessible to the public on days when many people have leisure time.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this waiver directly addresses a barrier to entry for many Americans, especially those with limited disposable income, allowing them to enjoy national treasures. They believe it aligns with the public service mission of these federal lands and encourages a deeper connection between citizens and their natural heritage.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that while increased access is desirable, the loss of fee revenue could negatively impact the very parks and refuges the bill aims to benefit. They argue that these fees are crucial for funding essential maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and visitor services, and that a reduction in this funding stream could lead to degraded visitor experiences or deferred maintenance.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the goal of increasing public access and enjoyment of federal lands against the potential loss of revenue that supports the maintenance and operation of these vital natural resources. There's a tension between making parks free on holidays and ensuring they have adequate funding to handle increased visitation and ongoing preservation needs.