# Plain Language Summary of H.R. 2330

This bill prevents the Secretary of the Interior from using COVID-19 as a reason to close or limit access to national parks and public lands during 2021. In other words, it says that even if health officials are concerned about the pandemic, the government cannot restrict when and where people can visit national parks, hike on public trails, fish in public waters, or use other outdoor recreational areas managed by the National Park Service.

The practical effect is that national parks would have to stay open for outdoor recreation throughout 2021, regardless of COVID-19 case numbers or health concerns. This means you couldn't be prevented from visiting Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, or other national parks because of pandemic-related restrictions. The bill essentially ties the hands of park officials who might otherwise want to limit visitor numbers, close certain areas, or implement safety measures in response to the virus.

It's worth noting this bill only applies to 2021 and only to outdoor recreation on National Park Service lands—it doesn't affect state parks, private businesses, or indoor facilities. The bill doesn't prevent parks from closing for other reasons (like natural disasters or maintenance), and it doesn't stop the government from managing crowds or protecting natural resources through normal means. It's specifically about preventing COVID-19 from being used as the justification for recreational closures.

To provide that the Secretary of the Interior may not use COVID-19 as a basis for restricting or limiting outdoor recreational use of land or water administered by the National Park Service, and for other purposes.

McClain, Lisa C.

 <p>This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior, during 2021, from using the COVID-19 pandemic or any issue related to the pandemic as a basis for restricting or limiting outdoor recreational use of land or water administered by the National Park Service.</p>