H.R.2376 - To nullify the Henry Mountains and Fremont Gorge Travel Management Plan. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2376 aims to nullify the Henry Mountains and Fremont Gorge Travel Management Plan, a decision record published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in January 2025. The bill, introduced in the House of Representatives, seeks to prevent the Secretary of the Interior from implementing, administering, or enforcing this plan. If enacted, the decision record would have no legal force or effect.
The bill reflects a congressional effort to override an executive agency's decision regarding land management. This action could stem from concerns about the plan's impact on various stakeholders or disagreement with the BLM's approach.
The nullification of the travel management plan could have implications for land use, conservation, and recreational activities in the Henry Mountains and Fremont Gorge areas.
Expected Effects
If H.R. 2376 is enacted, the Henry Mountains and Fremont Gorge Travel Management Plan would be nullified. The Bureau of Land Management would be prohibited from implementing or enforcing the plan.
This would likely result in the continuation of existing land management practices in the affected areas, pending alternative plans or actions. The specific effects would depend on the content of the original travel management plan and the reasons for its nullification.
Potential Benefits
- Could address concerns raised by local communities or stakeholders regarding the original travel management plan.
- May prevent potential negative impacts on specific industries or recreational activities.
- Could allow for a re-evaluation of land management strategies in the Henry Mountains and Fremont Gorge areas.
- Might lead to the development of a more balanced or widely supported travel management plan in the future.
- Could ensure continued access to the area for certain user groups, depending on the specifics of the nullified plan.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could delay or prevent improvements in environmental protection or resource management in the affected areas.
- May perpetuate existing conflicts or unsustainable practices related to land use.
- Could undermine the authority of the Bureau of Land Management and its ability to implement land management plans.
- Might create uncertainty for stakeholders who had relied on the original travel management plan.
- Could potentially lead to increased environmental degradation if the existing management practices are inadequate.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment hinges on the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution vests all legislative powers in Congress, implying the power to enact laws that shape or even nullify executive actions.
However, the executive branch, through agencies like the BLM, is typically delegated authority to manage public lands. The constitutionality of H.R. 2376 would depend on whether Congress is legitimately exercising its legislative power or unduly infringing upon the executive branch's delegated authority.
Furthermore, the bill must not violate any other constitutional provisions, such as the Fifth Amendment's protection against taking private property without just compensation.
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).