Utah law would govern off-highway vehicles on 12 Capitol Reef roads
In markupS. 2970Latest action
Sponsor: Mike Lee · Senator · UT
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: A bill to authorize the use of off-highway vehicles in certain areas of the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
S 2970 would let off-highway vehicles use 12 listed roads in Capitol Reef National Park under Utah state law instead of federal park rules.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill would allow off-highway vehicles, such as ATVs and side-by-sides, on a dozen listed roads inside Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, including Burr Trail Road, Notom Bullfrog Road, Highway 24, and Sulphur Creek Road. Only the stretches within the park's boundaries are covered. Utah state law would define what counts as an off-highway vehicle.
Who does it affect?
The bill would most directly affect off-highway vehicle riders and drivers, visitors to Capitol Reef, and nearby residents and businesses in southern Utah that rely on park traffic. National Park Service staff who manage the park's roads would also be affected.
Why does it matter?
Utah state law, not National Park Service rules, would apply to motor vehicle use on these roads, including vehicle registration, equipment, and who can drive. National parks generally follow federal rules that often limit or ban off-highway vehicles on park roads. The bill creates no new roads or trails and does not cover areas outside the listed roads.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in Senate” text of Oct 3, 2025.
After that text, a committee agreed on Sep 30, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedOct 3, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Sep 30, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.