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 hazardous fuels reduction activities conducted by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior on federal lands. The bill mandates detailed reporting on acres treated, wildfire risk levels, types of activities, costs, location, and effectiveness. It 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 land management practices.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Wildfire Management: Enhanced data collection and reporting can lead to more effective strategies for reducing wildfire risk.
- Increased Transparency: Publicly available reports will provide greater transparency into government activities related to hazardous fuels reduction.
- Better Resource Allocation: Detailed cost and effectiveness data can help optimize the allocation of resources for wildfire prevention.
- Enhanced Accountability: Standardized procedures and GAO studies will increase accountability for the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The Act promotes data-driven decision-making in wildfire management, leading to better outcomes.
Potential Disadvantages
- No Additional Funding: The Act explicitly states that no additional funds are authorized, potentially straining existing resources.
- Administrative Burden: Implementing standardized procedures and generating detailed reports may create an administrative burden for the agencies involved.
- Potential for Data Manipulation: While the Act aims for accuracy, there is always a potential for data manipulation or misinterpretation.
- Limited Scope: The Act focuses primarily on reporting and data collection, and does not address other critical aspects of wildfire management, such as prevention and suppression.
- Delayed Impact: The GAO study and implementation of standardized procedures will take time, so the full benefits of the Act may not be realized immediately.
Constitutional Alignment
The ACRES Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the management of federal lands and reduce the risk of wildfires, which can have significant economic and environmental impacts. Congress has the authority to legislate on matters related to federal lands under Article I, Section 8, which grants it the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the enumerated powers. The Act does not appear to infringe upon 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).