S.85 - Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2025 (S.85) aims to address the Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) fungus in Hawaii by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate with the Secretary of Agriculture and the State of Hawaii. The bill authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2036 to support research, prevention, and restoration efforts related to ROD. It also directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the US Geological Survey and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, to conduct research on ROD transmission and manage ungulates in control areas.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would provide sustained funding and inter-agency collaboration to combat Rapid Ohia Death in Hawaii. This would likely lead to increased research, improved prevention strategies, and restoration of native Ohia forests. The collaborative approach should enhance the effectiveness of the response efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of native Hawaiian forests and biodiversity.
- Enhanced research into the causes and transmission of Rapid Ohia Death.
- Improved management of ungulates to protect vulnerable Ohia trees.
- Financial assistance for restoration efforts.
- Support for the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill's impact is geographically limited to Hawaii, so the benefits are not nationally distributed.
- The authorized appropriations may not be sufficient to fully address the problem.
- Potential for bureaucratic delays or inefficiencies in inter-agency collaboration.
- Dependence on continued funding through 2036, which is subject to future congressional decisions.
- Limited direct economic benefits beyond the forestry and research sectors.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to protect the environment and natural resources within a state. Congress has the power to enact legislation necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers, including those related to federal lands and interstate commerce (though the connection to interstate commerce is less direct here). The bill does not appear to infringe on 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).