Luján, Cornyn Bill to Expand, Preserve Big Bend National Park Passes Senate

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statements after their Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act, which would authorize the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) to acquire around 6,100 acres of land along the western boundary of the park, passed the Senate unanimously:

“Big Bend National Park is one of the many treasures in the Southwest, and I am proud to have worked with Senator Cornyn to pass our legislation through the Senate to preserve and expand this national park,” said Sen. Luján. “One step closer to becoming law, this bill will allow the National Parks Service to conserve the ecosystem along the Terlingua watershed.”

“Big Bend National Park exemplifies the natural beauty and vibrant wildlife of the Lone Star State,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This important legislation would help Texans and all Americans enjoy our national parks, and I’m pleased that the Senate has passed it unanimously.”

U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) introduced this legislation in the House of Representatives.

Background:

The Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act would authorize the limited expansion of Big Bend National Park by:

• Authorizing the NPS to acquire approximately 6,100 acres of land adjacent to Terlingua Creek along the western boundary of the park;
• Clarifying that the NPS may only acquire land within the expansion site through donation, purchase from willing property owners, or exchange;
• And explicitly prohibiting the use of eminent domain or condemnation, thereby protecting private property rights.

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