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 authorize the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to permit the removal of trees around electrical lines on National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management lands without requiring a timber sale. This is intended to reduce the risk of wildfires caused by trees interfering with power lines. The bill directs that any proceeds from the sale of removed material, minus transportation costs, be returned to the relevant Secretary.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely expedite the process of clearing vegetation around power lines on federal lands. This could lead to a reduction in wildfire risk and improved reliability of electrical service. It also establishes a mechanism for the government to recoup some costs associated with the removal of vegetation if the removed material is sold.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced wildfire risk due to vegetation interference with power lines.
- Improved reliability of electrical service in affected areas.
- Potential revenue generation for the government through the sale of removed materials.
- Streamlined process for vegetation removal, reducing bureaucratic delays.
- Enhanced safety for communities located near National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management lands.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential negative impacts on local ecosystems due to tree removal.
- Possible reduction in timber sale revenue for the government if timber sales are bypassed.
- Risk of inconsistent application or enforcement of environmental regulations.
- Concerns about the scale and scope of tree removal activities.
- Possible conflicts with existing land and resource management plans.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
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 manage and dispose of federal lands. The bill also indirectly relates to the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) by promoting public safety through wildfire prevention. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
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).