Us Code § 100902 - Rights of way for public utilities and power and communication facilities

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 100902 — Rights of way for public utilities and power and communication facilities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 100902. Rights of way for public utilities and power and communication facilities

(a) Public Utilities.—

(1) In general.—Under regulations the Secretary prescribes, the Secretary may grant a right of way through a System unit to a citizen, association, or corporation of the United States that intends to use the right of way for—

(A) electrical plants, poles, and lines for the generation and distribution of electrical power;

(B) telephone and telegraph purposes; and

(C) canals, ditches, pipes and pipe lines, flumes, tunnels, or other water conduits and water plants, dams, and reservoirs used to promote irrigation or mining or quarrying, or the manufacturing or cutting of timber or lumber, or the supplying of water for domestic, public, or any other beneficial uses.


(2) Extent of right of way.—A right of way under this subsection shall be for—

(A) the ground occupied by the canals, ditches, flumes, tunnels, reservoirs, or other water conduits or water plants, or electrical or other works permitted under paragraph (1); and

(B) not more than 50 feet—

(i) on each side of the marginal limits of the ground; or

(ii) on each side of the center line of the pipes and pipe lines, electrical, telegraph, and telephone lines and poles.


(3) Approval.—A right of way under this subsection shall be allowed within or through a System unit only on the approval of the Secretary and on a finding that the right of way is not incompatible with the public interest.

(4) Revocation.—The Secretary may revoke a right of way under this subsection.

(5) Right, easement, or interest not conferred.—A right of way under this subsection does not confer any right, easement, or interest in, to, or over a System unit.


(b) Power and Communication Facilities.—

(1) In general.—Under regulations the Secretary prescribes, the Secretary may grant a right of way over, across, and on through a System unit to a citizen, association, or corporation of the United States that intends to use the right of way for—

(A) electrical poles and lines for the transmission and distribution of electrical power;

(B) poles and lines for communication purposes; and

(C) radio, television, and other forms of communication transmitting, relay, and receiving structures and facilities.


(2) Extent of right of way.—A right of way under this subsection—

(A) shall be for not more than 50 years from the date the right of way is granted; and

(B) for—

(i) lines and poles shall be for 200 feet on each side of the center line of the lines and poles; and

(ii) radio, television, and other forms of communication transmitting, relay, and receiving structures and facilities shall be for not more than 400 feet by 400 feet.


(3) Approval.—A right of way under this subsection shall be allowed within or through a System unit only on the approval of the Secretary and on a finding that the right of way is not incompatible with the public interest.

(4) Forfeiture and annulment.—The Secretary may forfeit and annul any part of a right of way under this subsection for—

(A) nonuse for a period of 2 years; or

(B) abandonment.

(Pub. L. 113–287, §3, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3113.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
100902(a) 16 U.S.C. 79. Feb. 15, 1901, ch.372 (relating to System units), 31 Stat. 790.
100902(b) 16 U.S.C. 5. Mar. 4, 1911, ch. 238 (4th and last paragraphs (relating to System units) under heading "Improvement of the National Forest" under heading "Forest Service"), 36 Stat. 1253; May 27, 1952, ch. 338, 66 Stat. 95.

In subsection (a), the text of 16 U.S.C. 79 (2d proviso) is omitted as obsolete because title 65 of the Revised States of the United States was repealed by section 1 of the Act of July 16, 1947 (ch. 256, 61 Stat. 327).

In subsection (a)(1), the words "and the Yosemite, Sequoia, and General Grant national parks, California" are omitted as unnecessary because "other reservations" encompasses all System units.

The inclusion of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection (a) do not have any effect on rights of way under subsection (b).

In subsection (a)(4), the words "or his successor in his discretion" are omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (b), the text of 16 U.S.C. 5 (last paragraph) is omitted as obsolete. The word "Secretary" is substituted for "the head of the department having jurisdiction over the lands" and "chief officer of the department under whose supervision or control such reservation falls" because the portion of the Act of March 4, 1911 (ch. 238, 36 Stat. 1253) classified to 16 U.S.C. 5 relates only to System units.

About This Section

54 U.S.C. § 100902 is part of Title 54 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 54 U.S.C. § 100902. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 100902

What does United States Code § 100902 cover?

Section 100902 ("Rights of way for public utilities and power and communication facilities") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 100902?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 100902" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 100902 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.