Bill Summary
The "Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act" aims to expand the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the Rim of the Valley Corridor. This legislation amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 by redefining the area's boundaries to incorporate new land and water resources, as outlined in specific maps dated April 14, 2023.
Key provisions include:
1. **Boundary Adjustment**: The Act specifically updates the boundary description of the National Recreation Area, allowing for the inclusion of the Rim of the Valley Corridor.
2. **Administration**: Lands acquired within the newly added Rim of the Valley Unit will be managed as part of the existing National Recreation Area, adhering to the same laws and regulations.
3. **Utilities and Water Resources**: The Act ensures that the addition of the new unit does not disrupt the operation of existing utilities or water resource facilities. However, it mandates that such activities minimize their impact on the natural resources of the area.
Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance conservation efforts in the region while balancing the needs of existing infrastructure.
Possible Impacts
The Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act, as outlined in the provided legislation, could affect people in various ways, including:
1. **Access to Recreational Opportunities**: The inclusion of the Rim of the Valley Corridor into the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area may enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. This could lead to increased access to hiking, biking, and nature activities, potentially promoting outdoor activities, tourism, and community engagement in these natural spaces.
2. **Environmental Protection**: The act aims to preserve and protect the natural resources and ecosystems within the newly included area. This could positively impact local wildlife and plant species, contribute to biodiversity, and promote conservation efforts. For communities nearby, this might mean cleaner air, water, and preserved natural landscapes, which can improve quality of life.
3. **Impact on Local Utilities and Resources**: While the act allows for the operation and maintenance of utilities and water resource facilities, it mandates that such activities minimize their impact on the newly designated area. This could affect local residents by potentially leading to adjustments in utility operations or infrastructure development in ways that might prioritize environmental preservation, which could result in higher costs or changes in service delivery for utility providers and their customers.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1870 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1870
To adjust the boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains National
Recreation Area to include the Rim of the Valley Corridor, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 22, 2025
Mr. Schiff (for himself and Mr. Padilla) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To adjust the boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains National
Recreation Area to include the Rim of the Valley Corridor, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor
Preservation Act''.
SEC. 2. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.
Section 507(c) of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (16
U.S.C. 460kk(c)) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) Boundary.--
``(A) In general.--The recreation area shall
consist of--
``(i) the land, water, and interests in
land and water generally depicted as the
recreation area on the map entitled `Santa
Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and
Santa Monica Mountains Zone, California,
Boundary Map', numbered 80,047-C, and dated
August 2001; and
``(ii) the land, water, and interests in
land and water, as generally depicted as `Rim
of the Valley Unit Proposed Addition' on the
map entitled `Proposed Addition - Rim of the
Valley Unit Santa Monica Mountains National
Recreation Area', numbered 638/179670x, and
dated April 14, 2023.
``(B) Availability of maps.--The maps described in
subparagraph (A) shall be on file and available for
public inspection in the appropriate offices of the
National Park Service.
``(C) Revisions.--After advising the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives, in writing, of the proposed revision,
the Secretary may make minor revisions to the
boundaries of the recreation area by publication of a
revised drawing or other boundary description in the
Federal Register.''.
SEC. 3. ADMINISTRATION.
Any land or interest in land acquired by the Secretary of the
Interior within the Rim of the Valley Unit shall be administered as
part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (referred
to in this Act as the ``National Recreation Area'') in accordance with
the laws (including regulations) applicable to the National Recreation
Area.
SEC. 4. UTILITIES AND WATER RESOURCE FACILITIES.
The addition of the Rim of the Valley Unit to the National
Recreation Area shall not affect the operation, maintenance, or
modification of water resource facilities or public utilities within
the Rim of the Valley Unit, except that any utility or water resource
facility activities in the Rim of the Valley Unit shall be conducted in
a manner that reasonably avoids or reduces the impact of the activities
on resources of the Rim of the Valley Unit.
<all>