S.412 - Plum Island Preservation Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Plum Island Preservation Act aims to permanently protect Plum Island, New York, for ecological conservation, historical and cultural heritage preservation, and public access. It mandates the Administrator of General Services to initiate visioning sessions with various stakeholders to develop an ecological management plan. The act also requires regular reports to Congress on the progress and outcomes of these visioning sessions.
Expected Effects
The act will likely result in the long-term preservation of Plum Island as a natural and cultural resource. This includes restricting development and promoting ecological conservation efforts. The visioning sessions will guide future management decisions, ensuring stakeholder input.
Potential Benefits
- Ecological Conservation: Protects the island's biodiversity and natural habitats.
- Historical Preservation: Recognizes and celebrates the island's historical and cultural significance.
- Public Access: Maintains access to the island for recreational and educational purposes.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Involves various federal, state, tribal, and local entities in the planning process.
- Transparency: Requires regular reports to Congress, ensuring accountability.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Restrictions on Development: May limit future economic development opportunities on the island.
- Bureaucratic Process: The visioning sessions and reporting requirements could be time-consuming and costly.
- Conflicting Stakeholder Interests: Balancing the interests of different stakeholders (e.g., conservation groups, developers) may be challenging.
- Uncertainty in Long-Term Management: The specific details of the ecological management plan are yet to be determined.
- Potential for Inadequate Funding: The act does not guarantee sufficient funding for the long-term management and preservation of the island.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the US Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the nation. The preservation of natural and cultural resources can be seen as contributing to the general welfare. Additionally, the act's provisions for stakeholder engagement and transparency align with principles of good governance and accountability.
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).