H.R.2420 - Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2420, the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act of 2025, aims to designate specific National Forest System land and public land in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, wildland recovery areas, and biological connecting corridors. The bill outlines findings related to the ecological significance of the Northern Rockies Bioregion, emphasizing the need for conservation and protection of its natural resources. It includes provisions for wilderness designation, biological connecting corridors, wild and scenic river designations, and wildland restoration and recovery efforts.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would lead to increased protection of specific areas within the Northern Rockies Bioregion. This includes restricting development, resource extraction, and road construction in designated wilderness areas and biological connecting corridors. The bill also aims to restore damaged wildlands and promote interagency cooperation in managing these resources.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of biodiversity and wildlife habitats in the Northern Rockies Bioregion.
- Protection of water quality and watersheds.
- Promotion of recreation and tourism opportunities.
- Potential for increased employment in outdoor trades through restoration projects.
- Recognition and protection of tribal rights and cultural resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- Restrictions on resource extraction (timber, mining, oil, and gas) could negatively impact local economies dependent on these industries.
- Potential limitations on access for certain recreational activities, such as motorized vehicle use, in designated wilderness areas.
- Increased land-use regulations could affect private landowners adjacent to public lands.
- The cost of implementing and monitoring the Act could strain federal resources.
- Potential for conflicts between different user groups (e.g., conservationists, ranchers, and industry) over land management practices.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power to manage and regulate federal lands, as outlined in Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution (the Property Clause). The designation of wilderness areas and the regulation of land use are within the scope of this power. The bill also addresses tribal rights, which are subject to federal treaty obligations and the trust responsibility, aligning with the federal government's recognized relationship with Native American tribes.
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).