H.R.745 - Abundant American Resources Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 745, the "Abundant American Resources Act of 2025," directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the United States Forest Service, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to conduct studies on the dollar value of onshore and offshore mineral resources. These studies would assess the value of liquid, gaseous, locatable, leasable, and salable minerals within areas under their respective jurisdictions. The Act specifies which areas are included and excluded from these studies, focusing on national monuments, areas of critical environmental concern, and areas withdrawn from mineral development.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be the completion of comprehensive studies to determine the economic value of mineral resources on federal lands and offshore areas. This information could then be used to inform future decisions regarding resource management, land use, and potential mineral development. The studies could also influence policy debates related to energy production and environmental conservation.
Potential Benefits
- Provides data for informed decision-making regarding resource management.
- Identifies potential economic opportunities related to mineral extraction.
- Could lead to increased domestic energy production.
- May generate revenue through mineral leasing and development.
- Offers a comprehensive valuation of resources on federal lands.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential environmental impacts from increased mineral exploration and extraction.
- Possible conflicts with existing land use designations and conservation efforts.
- The cost of conducting the studies could be significant.
- The studies may not fully account for non-economic values, such as ecosystem services.
- Risk of prioritizing mineral development over other public land uses.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which grants it the power to regulate federal lands and resources. The Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) also gives 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 bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).