Seedlings for Sustainable Habitat Restoration Act of 2025
Summary
The Seedlings for Sustainable Habitat Restoration Act of 2025 amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service Chief, to engage in contracts, grants, and agreements for ecosystem restoration activities. This includes native seed collection/maintenance and seedling production for revegetation, involving state forestry agencies, local entities, higher education institutions, Indian Tribes, and multistate coalitions.
Expected Effects
This act aims to enhance ecosystem restoration by providing resources for native seed and seedling production. It will likely increase the availability of native plants for revegetation projects. This could lead to improved habitat quality and resilience in areas affected by disturbances such as wildfires or deforestation.
Potential Benefits
- Increased availability of native seeds and seedlings for restoration projects.
- Potential for job creation in seed collection, seedling production, and related activities.
- Enhanced ecosystem resilience and biodiversity.
- Support for state forestry agencies, local entities, and tribal organizations.
- Improved habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of resources if contracts and grants are not properly managed.
- Possible delays in project implementation due to bureaucratic processes.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on seedling production and seed collection.
- Dependence on the effectiveness of the Forest Service and partner organizations.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Preamble) by promoting environmental sustainability and ecosystem health. Congress's power to legislate on matters related to public lands and natural resources is generally accepted. The Act delegates authority to the Secretary of Agriculture, which is a common practice and doesn't inherently violate constitutional principles.
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).