Cornyn, Weber Introduce Bill to Establish a National Recreation Area Along Texas Coastline

Cornyn, Weber Introduce Bill to Establish a National Recreation Area Along Texas Coastline News Cornyn, Weber Introduce Bill to Establish a National Recreation Area Along Texas Coastline October 1, 2026 WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) along with U.S. Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act , which would establish the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area, a 168-mile unit of the National Park System along the Upper Texas Coast, to strengthen coastal resilience and conservation: “ The Texas Gulf Coast supports a thriving ecosystem, vital fisheries, and critical infrastructure that helps meet our nation’s energy needs, but it’s increasingly vulnerable to threats from flooding, hurricanes, and shoreline erosion, ” said Sen. Cornyn. “ By establishing a National Recreation Area along nearly 170 miles of the Upper Texas Coast, this legislation would strengthen coastal resilience, promote conservation efforts, and better protect the Lone Star State’s natural resources for generations to come. ” “ The Texas Gulf Coast is home to families who have spent generations fishing its bays, walking its beaches, and taking pride in every community on our corner of the map, ” said Rep. Weber. “ This bill will help more families enjoy this coast and bring more visitors to local businesses, all while protecting private property rights and keeping decisions in local hands. I’m grateful Senator Cornyn is joining me in leading this effort so the Texans who know this coast best can lead the way in sharing it with the next generation. ” U.S. Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives, and the legislation is also cosponsored by Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Troy Nehls (TX-22), and Beth Van Duyne (TX-24). Background: This legislation establishes the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area (LSCNRA), which would span nearly 170 miles of the Upper Texas Coast across portions of Jefferson, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda counties to enhance the coastal region’s recreational and natural assets, strengthen coastal resilience, and support local economies through Texas-led public-private partnerships. The Upper Texas Coast includes major ports, navigation channels, energy infrastructure, and other industrial facilities that are critical to Texas and the United States. Specifically, this coastal region manufactures 80% of the nation’s military-grade fuel, 60% of the nation’s aviation fuel, and 30% of the nation’s gasoline. The LSCNRA will support these thriving industries, recognize the importance of wetlands and coastal systems in protecting communities from flooding, and support wildlife, fisheries, and water quality. The Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act would: Establish the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area (LSCNRA) as part of the National Park System; Direct the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to administer the LSCNRA with Texas, local governments, private landowners, and other private partners; Establish the Lone Star Coastal Partnership to coordinate participation between public and private entities, including the U.S. Department of the Interior, to develop, submit, and implement a management plan; Preserve Texas and local governments’ civil, criminal, regulatory, taxation, and fish-and-wildlife authority; And authorize Congress to appropriate federal funds that would support the LSCNRA and Partnership. This legislation is endorsed by the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD), Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation, Bay City Community Development Corporation, National Parks Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, the Texas Conservation Alliance, Matagorda County Judge Bobby Seiferman, Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick, Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia, League City Mayor Nick Long, and Trust for Public Land.