Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025; Make State Wildlife Action Plans Efficient Act of 2025
Summary
The "Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025" amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. It mandates the Secretary of the Interior to approve state wildlife conservation and restoration programs within 180 days of submission. The Act aims to streamline the approval process for State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs).
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to faster approval of state wildlife conservation programs. This could result in quicker access to federal funding for these programs. It also requires the Secretary to report to Congress if a plan is not approved within the specified timeframe, increasing accountability.
Potential Benefits
- Timely Conservation Efforts: Expedited approval process allows states to implement conservation programs more quickly.
- Increased Funding Access: Faster approvals mean quicker access to federal funds for wildlife restoration.
- Enhanced Accountability: The Secretary must report to Congress on delayed approvals, promoting transparency.
- State Consultation: The Secretary must consult with states to develop an efficient review process.
- Prioritization of Reviews: Congress intends for the Secretary to prioritize timely review and approval of state plans.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Hasty Reviews: The 180-day deadline might lead to less thorough reviews.
- Resource Strain: The Department of Interior may face challenges in meeting the deadline with existing resources.
- Unintended Consequences: Prioritizing speed could inadvertently compromise the quality of conservation plans.
- Reporting Burden: The Secretary's reporting requirement adds an administrative burden.
- Limited Scope: The Act focuses solely on timing and doesn't address other potential barriers to conservation.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate property belonging to the United States. This includes wildlife and related conservation efforts. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).