HOUSTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) released the following statements after the 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:

“There is no better example of Texas’ natural beauty and vibrant wildlife than Big Bend National Park, and I’m glad the Senate has passed our bill unanimously so that all Americans can continue to enjoy it,” said Sen. Cornyn.

“Big Bend National Park is one of the many treasures in the Southwest,” said Sen. Luján. “I’m proud that the Senate passed our bipartisan legislation to expand Big Bend National Park. This expansion will allow the National Parks Service to conserve the ecosystem along the Terlingua watershed for years to come.”

“Big Bend National Park is a natural treasure unlike any other,” said Rep. Gonzales. “With the Senate passage of the Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act, we are one step closer to improving the National Park Service’s ability to preserve and protect critical habitats, history, and geology at Big Bend for generations to come. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to move this legislation through the U.S. 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 or exchange;
• And explicitly prohibiting the use of eminent domain or condemnation, thereby protecting private property rights.