U.S. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) on Oct. 3 cosponsored legislation to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the nation’s public lands, much of which is inaccessible to them due to prohibitions on motorized vehicles and a lack of routes on federal lands.
The Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act, S. 2968, which Sen. Curtis introduced alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), would address the problem directly by tying accessibility to the availability of open roads.
“For generations, Utahns have cared for these lands and know them better than any federal agency in Washington. Access, especially for those with disabilities, shouldn’t come with unnecessary barriers,” Sen. Curtis said. “This bill is common sense: trusting local communities, honoring our public lands, and making sure more Americans can experience the beauty and freedom that define the West.”
Specifically, S. 2968 would define “disability-accessible land” as one square mile of public land with at least 2.5 miles of authorized roads accessible to motorized vehicles, and would direct the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to update travel management plans with this standard in mind.
Additionally, the bill would require land managers to coordinate with state, county, local, and tribal governments to identify which roads provide the best opportunities for recreation, and would restrict road closures that would reduce accessibility, except in emergencies or safety cases.
Among several other provisions, the bill also would require public notice, comment, and hearings before closures, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Among the many supporters of S. 2968 are the BlueRibbon Coalition, the Utah Public Lands Alliance, 4 Wheel to Heal, UTV Utah, Red Rock 4-Wheelers Inc., the Specialty Equipment Market Association, the Arizona State Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, the Tri-State ATV Association, the Utah ATV Association, and Tucson Rough Riders.
The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.