H.R.2235 - Habitat Connectivity on Working Lands Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2235, the Habitat Connectivity on Working Lands Act of 2025, amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to improve wildlife habitat connectivity and migration corridors. The bill focuses on enhancing conservation programs by defining 'habitat connectivity' and 'big game species,' and by prioritizing habitat connectivity in the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. It also modifies the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to include cost-share payments for grassland enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased funding and technical assistance for landowners to implement conservation practices that improve wildlife habitat connectivity. This includes the use of nonstructural methods like virtual fencing and the restoration of landscape corridors. Increased payments under EQIP and CSP, along with increased payment limitations for CRP, aim to incentivize participation in these programs.
Potential Benefits
- Improved wildlife habitat and migration corridors, benefiting biodiversity.
- Increased financial incentives for landowners to adopt conservation practices.
- Support for agricultural viability through sustainable land management.
- Promotion of research and development in virtual fencing technology.
- Enhanced conservation efforts on working lands.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending on conservation programs.
- Possible administrative burdens associated with implementing new program requirements.
- Risk that the focus on big game species may neglect other important wildlife.
- Uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness of virtual fencing.
- Potential for unintended consequences related to emergency grazing and haying access.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of both the environment and agricultural communities. Specifically, the bill's focus on conservation and sustainable land management practices can be seen as an effort to ensure the long-term health and productivity of the nation's natural resources, which directly contributes to the general welfare. The bill falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.
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).