H.R.168 - Targeted Operations to Remove Catastrophic Hazards Act; TORCH Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 168, the TORCH Act, aims to improve forest management activities to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. It focuses on streamlining processes for hazardous fuel reduction, utilizing timber sales and grazing for risk reduction, and modifying good neighbor agreements. The bill also addresses vegetation management near electrical utility lines and reforms certain administrative requirements, particularly concerning the Endangered Species Act.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the TORCH Act would likely expedite forest management projects aimed at wildfire prevention. This includes creating categorical exclusions for certain activities and increasing project size limits. It could also lead to changes in how revenue from timber sales under good neighbor agreements is handled.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced risk of catastrophic wildfires, protecting communities and ecosystems.
- Streamlined processes for hazardous fuel reduction, leading to quicker implementation of preventative measures.
- Increased utilization of timber sales and grazing for wildfire risk reduction.
- Improved vegetation management near electrical utility lines, enhancing grid reliability.
- Potential economic benefits from timber sales and related activities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for negative environmental impacts due to increased logging and grazing.
- Reduced environmental review requirements could lead to inadequate consideration of ecological consequences.
- Changes to Endangered Species Act consultation requirements could harm protected species.
- Increased project size limits may result in larger-scale disturbances to forest ecosystems.
- Possible conflicts with existing land and resource management plans.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The TORCH Act primarily relates to the management of federal lands and resources, which falls under the purview of Congress. Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to "dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States." The bill's provisions regarding environmental regulations and endangered species could potentially be subject to scrutiny under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) if they substantially affect interstate commerce. However, the Act does raise concerns regarding the balance of power between the federal government and the states, particularly concerning environmental regulations.
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).