HR 3555119th CongressIn Committee

Protect our Parks Act of 2025

Introduced: May 21, 2025

Environment & ClimateLabor & Employment

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

Protect our Parks Act of 2025 aims to quickly restore full staffing at the National Park Service (NPS) and ensure maintenance positions are filled, using funds already available to the Secretary of the Interior. It also requires the reinstatement of individuals who were involuntarily removed or terminated from NPS employment during a specified period in early 2025. Additionally, the bill guarantees that ongoing NPS projects funded under several existing laws (the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, the Great American Outdoors Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act) will continue without interruption. The overall goal is to improve visitor safety, enjoyment, and the protection of natural and cultural resources by addressing staffing gaps and preserving current projects.

Key Points

1Within 30 days after enactment, the Secretary must take actions to ensure National Park System units are fully staffed and that all maintenance staff positions are filled, using funds already appropriated for these purposes.
2The Secretary must reinstate any individuals who were involuntarily removed or terminated from NPS employment between January 20, 2025 and the enactment date.
3The Secretary must continue Service projects funded under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, the Great American Outdoors Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
4The bill defines “Secretary” as the Secretary of the Interior and “Service” as the National Park Service for clarity.
5The act is titled the “Protect our Parks Act of 2025.”

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected:- National Park Service workforce, particularly staffing and maintenance personnel; potentially benefiting current employees and new hires.- Park visitors and the public, who may experience improved safety, resource protection, and park experiences due to better staffing.Secondary group/area affected:- Federal, state, and local partners involved in park management and project funding, due to ongoing projects and staffing changes.- Contractors and vendors supporting NPS projects, who may be affected by maintained project continuity and staffing levels.Additional impacts:- No new money is authorized; the bill relies on funds already appropriated, which could influence how quickly vacancies are filled if existing funds are limited.- Reinstatement provisions could raise questions about personnel actions and compliance with federal personnel laws and union contracts.- By codifying continuation of projects from several laws, the bill reduces the risk of funding gaps for park infrastructure, recreation facilities, and conservation initiatives during the transition period.

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