§200402 National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund

Summary

Creates a special federal account called the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund in the U.S. Treasury. For each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, half (50%) of energy development revenues from oil, gas, coal, or renewable projects on federal land and water from the prior year go into the fund, but no more than $1,900,000,000 in any one year. This does not change how other designated energy or land funds are handled. The Interior Secretary and the Agriculture Secretary can use the money without further approval from Congress and there is no yearly time limit. Unneeded money may be invested by the Treasury in government bonds and any interest earned goes back into the fund. The fund pays for top deferred maintenance projects on national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, Bureau of Land Management lands, and Bureau of Indian Education schools. Each year the money is split: 70% to the National Park Service, 15% to the Forest Service, and 5% each to Fish and Wildlife, BLM, and Bureau of Indian Education. At least 65% of each agency’s share must go to non-transportation work; leftover amounts can pay for roads, bridges, tunnels, and parking tied to agency plans. Money cannot buy land, replace regular annual operating money, or pay employee bonuses. Officials must send Congress lists of ready projects (first list within 90 days for FY2021 and then yearly with the President’s budget). Public donations are allowed and credited to the fund for the agency named, and projects must include accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.