Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025
Summary
The Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025 amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to implement emergency watershed protection measures on National Forest System land. This includes addressing runoff retardation, soil erosion prevention, and flood mitigation caused by natural disasters.
Expected Effects
The Act will allow the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service and in coordination with sponsors (state, local governments, Indian Tribes, and water districts), to undertake emergency measures. These measures aim to protect watersheds and restore forest health after natural disasters. It also waives matching requirements for payments, easing the financial burden on sponsors.
Potential Benefits
- Improved watershed protection and reduced flood risk.
- Restoration of forest health and related resources.
- Expedited project timelines for emergency measures.
- Waiver of matching requirements, encouraging participation from sponsors.
- Coordination between the Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for project delays due to bureaucratic processes.
- Risk of ineffective implementation if coordination is lacking.
- Limited scope, focusing only on National Forest System land.
- Possible disputes over the definition of 'natural disaster' or 'natural occurrence'.
- The act does not address the root causes of natural disasters, such as climate change.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) by promoting measures to protect natural resources and mitigate the impact of natural disasters. It also respects the role of states and tribes by including them as potential sponsors, reflecting principles of federalism. The Act delegates authority to the Secretary of Agriculture, which is a common practice and generally permissible under the Constitution.
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).