In a major victory for BRC supporters and public land access advocates, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 11-9 on February 4, 2026, to advance the Historic Roadways Protection Act (S.90).
This means the bill now moves to the Senate floor. While this is a huge win, there is still substantial work that needs to be done to see this legislation signed into law. First, we need the Senate Majority Leader, Senator John Thune, to understand the importance of this bill so it will be added to the legislative calendar. Senate leadership decides if and when this bill is heard on the Senate floor— as a stand alone bill or if it is packaged in a larger bill. We need everyone’s help to contact their U.S. Senators via the form below to let them know there is strong support for this legislation.
During the hearing this morning, Senator Lee, the sponsor of the Historic Roadways Protection Act, reiterated the significance of the historical value of the routes. But it’s important to understand this bill in and of itself does not decide whether these roads will be open or closed. The Act prohibits the BLM from finalizing or implementing certain travel management plans in Utah until ongoing R.S. 2477 lawsuits—disputes over public rights-of-way—are resolved by the courts. The Act would have influence on hundreds of miles of routes which were closed. It does not dictate whether roads stay open or closed but ensures agencies cannot preempt court decisions. We need to let the courts issue decisions before agencies unilaterally determine the status of historical routes. The process is currently backwards and this legislation rectifies that.
Community action is crucial: As this proves, your voice matters! Contact your U.S. Senators to express strong support and urge passage. Share this article with your network to amplify the pressure.
