H.R.3329 - Wildlife Corridors and USDA Conservation Programs Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3329, the Wildlife Corridors and USDA Conservation Programs Act of 2025, aims to conserve and designate habitat connectivity areas as American wildlife corridors. This will be achieved through voluntary conservation programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Directors of the United States Geological Survey and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to identify and map habitat connectivity areas.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to increased conservation efforts and improved habitat connectivity for wildlife. This would involve the creation of maps, reports to Congress, and the establishment of criteria for designating American wildlife corridors. The Secretary of Agriculture may also enter into cooperative agreements with various entities to carry out the provisions of the bill.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem health through habitat connectivity.
- Potential for increased tourism and recreation opportunities related to wildlife viewing.
- Support for agricultural producers who implement conservation practices.
- Improved resilience of wildlife populations to climate change.
- Collaboration between federal agencies, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential restrictions on land use for private landowners within designated wildlife corridors.
- Increased administrative burden and costs for the Department of Agriculture and other agencies.
- Possible conflicts between conservation goals and agricultural production.
- Uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness of the conservation programs.
- Potential for delays in project implementation due to regulatory requirements.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it promotes conservation and environmental protection. Specifically, the bill enables Congress to enact laws that they deem are for the betterment of the population. It also respects states' rights by focusing on voluntary conservation programs and cooperative agreements. No specific constitutional conflicts are immediately apparent.
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).