S 5222: DRIVE Across America Act of 2026

S 5222 in plain English: This bill would provide funding to the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service to support activities along scenic and recreational driving routes across America for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Stated purpose

The bill aims to establish the Cleaner TRAILS Initiative to support installing zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) charging and fueling infrastructure on National Forest and National Park lands, as well as nearby lands, so that people can access these public lands using zero-emission vehicles.

Key points

• Provides $100,000,000 per year to the National Park Service for fiscal years 2027–2031
• Provides $100,000,000 per year to the U.S. Forest Service for fiscal years 2027–2031

Arguments supporters make

• Installing EV charging at national parks and forests removes a practical barrier for people who own electric vehicles and want to visit these destinations, expanding access for more Americans.
• Reducing vehicle emissions in and around national parks and forests helps protect the natural environments, air quality, and wildlife that these lands are meant to preserve.
• Partnering with local governments and tribal nations to place infrastructure within 25 miles of federal lands spreads the benefits to surrounding communities and supports broader ZEV adoption.

Arguments opponents make

• Building charging infrastructure in or near protected natural areas could disturb sensitive ecosystems, alter the character of wilderness spaces, and set a precedent for further commercial development on public lands.
• The initiative focuses exclusively on zero-emission vehicles, which may exclude or disadvantage lower-income visitors who cannot afford EVs and rely on conventional gas-powered vehicles to reach remote parks and forests.
• Extending the program to private land and tribal land up to 25 miles away raises questions about the appropriate use of federal agency authority and resources beyond the boundaries of federally managed public lands.

Tradeoffs

Expanding ZEV infrastructure may make these public lands more accessible to electric vehicle owners and reduce emissions, but could also require physical changes to protected lands and may primarily benefit those who already own zero-emission vehicles rather than all visitors equally.

Current status in Congress: In committee.

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