H.R.204 - Accurately Counting Risk Elimination Solutions Act; ACRES Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 204, the Accurately Counting Risk Elimination Solutions Act (ACRES Act), aims to improve the accuracy and transparency of reporting on hazardous fuels reduction activities conducted by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior. It mandates detailed reporting on acres treated, wildfire risk levels, types of activities, costs, and effectiveness. The bill also requires standardized data collection procedures and a GAO study to assess implementation.
Expected Effects
The ACRES Act will likely lead to more informed decision-making regarding wildfire management by providing better data on the effectiveness and cost of hazardous fuels reduction activities. This could result in more efficient allocation of resources and improved wildfire risk mitigation. The increased transparency may also enhance public trust and accountability in government actions related to wildfire management.
Potential Benefits
- Improved data-driven decision-making in wildfire management.
- Increased transparency and accountability in government spending on hazardous fuels reduction.
- Enhanced understanding of the effectiveness of different hazardous fuels reduction techniques.
- Better allocation of resources to the most effective wildfire mitigation strategies.
- Potential reduction in wildfire risk, especially in the wildland-urban interface.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill does not authorize additional funds, potentially limiting its implementation if existing appropriations are insufficient.
- The reporting requirements could create an additional administrative burden for the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior.
- The effectiveness of the Act depends on the accuracy and consistency of data collection and reporting by the agencies involved.
- There is a risk that the focus on reporting may divert resources from actual hazardous fuels reduction activities.
- The GAO study may identify limitations in the Act's implementation, requiring further legislative action.
Constitutional Alignment
The ACRES Act aligns with the constitutional principle of promoting the general welfare by aiming to reduce wildfire risk and protect communities and natural resources. Congress has the power to enact legislation related to federal lands under Article I, Section 8, which grants it the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. 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).