S.1114 - Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025 (S.1114) amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service, to carry out emergency watershed protection measures on National Forest System land. This bill aims to address runoff retardation, soil erosion prevention, and flood mitigation caused by natural disasters. It also outlines agreements and payments to sponsors (State, local governments, Indian Tribes, and water districts) for implementing these measures.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to improved watershed management and forest health on National Forest System lands. It will provide funding and a framework for rapid response to natural disasters affecting these areas. This includes empowering local and state entities to take action with federal support.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced protection of water resources and reduced risk of flooding for communities downstream of National Forest System lands.
- Improved forest health and resilience to natural disasters.
- Streamlined processes for emergency watershed protection measures, enabling quicker response times.
- Increased collaboration between the federal government, state and local governments, and Indian Tribes.
- Waiver of matching requirements reduces the financial burden on local sponsors.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in executing agreements and disbursing payments.
- Risk of mismanagement or ineffective implementation of emergency watershed protection measures by sponsors.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on National Forest System lands, potentially neglecting other critical watersheds.
- Possible conflicts between different stakeholders regarding the selection and implementation of protection measures.
- The Act does not address the root causes of natural disasters, such as climate change, focusing instead on reactive measures.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) by promoting measures to protect natural resources and mitigate the impact of natural disasters, thereby benefiting the health and safety of the population. It also respects the role of states and tribes, potentially implicating the Tenth Amendment by not commandeering state resources and respecting tribal sovereignty.
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).