H.R.2492 - Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2492, the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025, aims to streamline the removal of trees and vegetation around electrical lines on National Forest System lands and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. It allows the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to permit such removal without requiring a separate timber sale. The bill also addresses the use of proceeds from the sale of removed material, requiring that utilities provide any proceeds (minus transportation costs) to the relevant Secretary.
Expected Effects
The Act is likely to expedite vegetation management around power lines on federal lands. This could reduce the risk of wildfires caused by trees interfering with electrical infrastructure. The revenue generated from the sale of removed vegetation could potentially be reinvested into land management activities.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced wildfire risk due to vegetation interference with power lines.
- Faster response times for vegetation management around electrical infrastructure.
- Potential revenue generation for land management through the sale of removed materials.
- Improved reliability of electrical service in areas adjacent to federal lands.
- Clarified process for electrical utilities to manage vegetation near power lines on federal lands.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for environmental damage if vegetation removal is not carefully managed.
- Possible conflicts with existing land and resource management plans if not properly integrated.
- Risk of insufficient oversight in vegetation removal practices.
- Potential for reduced timber sale revenue for the government if utilities do not sell the removed material.
- Possible impact on wildlife habitats and biodiversity if vegetation removal is not strategically planned.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate federal lands. The Act delegates authority to the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, which is a common practice and generally permissible under the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18). There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or liberties as defined in the Bill of Rights.
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).