H.R.187 - Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025; MAPWaters Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 187, the Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 (MAPWaters Act), aims to standardize, consolidate, and publish data relating to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways. This involves collaboration among Federal land and water management agencies to ensure data compatibility and interoperability. The bill mandates the digitization and online publication of geographic information system (GIS) data regarding waterway restrictions, access points, and fishing regulations.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is improved public access to information regarding recreational opportunities on Federal waterways. This includes details on waterway restrictions, access points, and fishing regulations. It also promotes better coordination among federal agencies and with external partners.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced public access to information about Federal waterways.
- Improved coordination among Federal agencies.
- Potential for increased recreational tourism and economic activity in areas with Federal waterways.
- Better informed decision-making by recreational users.
- Opportunities for partnerships with non-Federal entities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with digitizing and publishing data.
- Risk of disclosing sensitive information about historic, paleontological, or archaeological resources.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the complexity of data standardization.
- The exclusion of irrigation canals and flowage easements may limit the scope of the data.
- The reliance on existing data may perpetuate existing inaccuracies or biases.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce, including activities related to waterways. The focus on data standardization and public access also aligns with the principle of transparency and accountability in government. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or liberties.
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).