Bill would mandate Wintergreen wildfire evacuation route across park land
Placed on the calendarS. 3313Latest action
Sponsor: Tim Kaine · Senator · VA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill would require, not just allow, a Wintergreen-area evacuation route across Blue Ridge Parkway land once key reviews are done.
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What does this do?
This bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to grant a right-of-way for an emergency evacuation route near Wintergreen, Virginia, at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 9.6. Currently this is optional; the bill makes it mandatory once the Secretary confirms alternative routes were studied, wildfire behavior was analyzed, and environmental and historic preservation reviews are complete, then reports this to Congress.
Who does it affect?
Residents of the Wintergreen mountain community, who have raised concerns about limited escape routes during wildfires, are the main group affected. The National Park Service, which manages the Blue Ridge Parkway, and environmental reviewers overseeing construction on park land are also involved.
Why does it matter?
The change removes the Secretary's discretion to deny the right-of-way once required studies and reviews are finished, though it does not waive any environmental or historic preservation requirements.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Reported to Senate” text of Sep 23, 2026.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedDec 2, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Sep 23, 2026
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 680.