H.R.2959 - Hudson River Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2959, the Hudson River Protection Act, amends the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. It aims to prohibit anchoring in specific locations of the Hudson River unless within pre-established anchorage grounds. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Ryan and Mr. Lawler and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to restrict where vessels can anchor on a specific reach of the Hudson River. This restriction is intended to protect the river's environment and potentially improve navigation safety. It reinforces existing regulations by further limiting anchoring to designated areas.
Potential Benefits
- Environmental Protection: Reduced risk of damage to the riverbed and aquatic ecosystems.
- Improved Navigation: Clearer navigation channels due to fewer anchored vessels outside designated areas.
- Preservation of Scenic Views: Limiting anchoring may help preserve the aesthetic appeal of the Hudson River.
- Reduced Risk of Accidents: Concentrating anchored vessels in designated areas could reduce the risk of collisions.
- Support for Local Economies: Protection of the river can benefit tourism and recreation-based businesses.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Restriction on Vessel Operators: Limits the freedom of vessel operators to anchor in certain areas.
- Potential Economic Impact on Boaters: May increase costs or inconvenience for recreational boaters and commercial vessels.
- Enforcement Challenges: Requires monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance.
- Possible Displacement of Anchoring: Could lead to overcrowding in designated anchorage areas.
- Limited Scope: The bill only addresses anchoring and may not address other sources of pollution or environmental damage.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate navigable waterways. By regulating anchoring, the bill affects interstate commerce and navigation. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual liberties or rights 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).