H.R.3361 - Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3361, the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. The bill reauthorizes and modifies the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP). It aims to enhance forest restoration efforts by incorporating standardized monitoring, federal staffing plans, and innovative implementation mechanisms.
Expected Effects
The reauthorization will likely lead to increased funding and expanded scope for forest restoration projects. This includes addressing pathogens, enhancing watershed health, and reducing wildfire risk across various land ownerships. The bill also extends the program's authorization through 2034 and increases the maximum annual funding per project.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced forest health and resilience to climate change.
- Reduced risk of catastrophic wildfires, protecting communities and ecosystems.
- Improved watershed health and drinking water sources.
- Increased collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and private entities.
- Potential for job creation in forestry and related sectors.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased federal spending, potentially impacting the national debt.
- Possible delays in project implementation due to increased administrative requirements.
- Potential for conflicts between different stakeholders involved in collaborative projects.
- Risk that some projects may not achieve their intended ecological or economic outcomes.
- The focus on specific areas might divert resources from other critical environmental needs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power to manage federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States. The general welfare clause (Article I, Section 8) also supports legislation aimed at environmental protection and resource management.
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).