Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB297

Introduced
2/7/23  

Caption

A bill to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to authorize certain construction activities on public lands, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, SB297 is expected to facilitate the development of nurseries that can serve regional conservation needs. The pilot programs outlined in the bill will operate in selected western states, with the intention of establishing a solid framework for tree production. This development is designed not just for aesthetic improvements but also to address issues like carbon sequestration, erosion prevention, and the enhancement of air and water quality.

Summary

SB297 seeks to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 by authorizing specific construction activities on public lands. The bill outlines the establishment of pilot programs to create and operate nurseries on federal and national forest lands, which aim to support conservation efforts through tree planting. This initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing the management and sustainability of public resources, particularly in the context of increasing environmental challenges.

Contention

Discussion around SB297 is likely to focus on the balance between developmental activities and environmental protections. Stakeholders might express concerns regarding the impact of construction activities on public lands—debating whether the benefits of improved management and conservation will outweigh potential risks to the ecosystem. The bill's provisions for cooperation with non-federal entities could also raise questions about the extent of privatization and management of public resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR53

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 471) to expedite under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and improve forest management activities on National Forest System lands, on public lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and on Tribal lands to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested lands, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 5) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes.

US HB1874

To amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to establish a conclusive presumption that a State concurs to certain activities, and for other purposes.

US HB2301

To promote the development of renewable energy on public land, and for other purposes.

US SB462

Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act

US HB676

To exempt Federal actions related to energy and mineral activities on certain Federal lands from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

US HB718

Public Lands in Public Hands Act

US SB277

A bill to release a Federal reversionary interest and convey mineral interests in Chester County, Tennessee, and for other purposes.

US HB1820

FLASH Act Federal Lands Amplified Security for the Homeland Act

US HB376

Historic Roadways Protection ActThis bill prohibits the Bureau for Land Management (BLM) from closing historical roads on public lands in certain areas of Utah until the Federal District Court for Utah makes a decision on each of the R.S. 2477 cases, which are cases brought by Utah and counties to keep historical roads on BLM land in Utah open for public use.By way of background, a provision of the Mining Law of 1866, commonly known as R.S. 2477, granted rights-of-way to states and counties across public lands for the construction of roads for public use in order to promote settlement of the American West. In 1976, Congress repealed R.S. 2477 when it enacted the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), but FLPMA preserved rights-of-way that had been established under R.S. 2477. After the BLM released travel management plans that closed some historical roads, Utah and 22 counties filed lawsuits about their rights-of-way across public lands for historical roads.Until the BLM certifies that those cases have been decided, the bill prohibits the BLM from obligating or expending federal funds to (1) finalize or implement a new travel management plan for certain travel management areas in Utah; or (2) implement, with respect to land within the boundary of Utah, the Indian Creek (Canyon Rims) Travel Management Plan, the San Rafael Desert Travel Management Plan, the San Rafael Swell Travel Management Plan, or the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan.

US HB4041

To exempt certain forest management activities in Yosemite National Park from requirements of section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.