H.R.775 - No Net Gain in Federal Lands Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.775, the "No Net Gain in Federal Lands Act of 2025," aims to prevent any net increase in federal land ownership within a fiscal year. It mandates that any land acquired by the federal government must be offset by an equivalent disposal of federal land within the same state. The bill requires annual inventories and reports on federal land holdings and mandates land disposal to comply with the 'no net gain' requirement.
Expected Effects
The bill would likely slow down or halt the expansion of federal land holdings. States could gain control over federal lands, potentially altering land management practices. The Act could also impact conservation efforts and resource management strategies.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially gives states more control over land within their borders.
- Could lead to reduced federal bureaucracy related to land management.
- May increase state revenue through land sales or resource extraction on transferred lands.
- Could streamline land management processes by reducing federal involvement.
- May lead to more localized decision-making regarding land use.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could hinder federal conservation efforts and protection of endangered species.
- May lead to increased resource extraction and environmental degradation.
- Could limit the federal government's ability to acquire land for national parks or other public uses.
- May negatively impact biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Could create administrative burdens associated with land inventories and disposal processes.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 grants Congress the power to dispose of and regulate territory belonging to the United States. The bill's mechanism for land disposal appears to fall within this power. However, the potential impact on environmental protection and resource management could raise questions related to the federal government's role in promoting the general welfare, as articulated in the Preamble.
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).