Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB188

Introduced
1/9/23  
Refer
1/9/23  
Refer
2/21/23  
Refer
6/1/23  

Caption

Proven Forest Management Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA), when conducting a forest management activity on National Forest System land, to coordinate with impacted parties to increase efficiency and maximize the compatibility of management practices across such land. USDA shall conduct such an activity on National Forest System land in a manner that attains multiple ecosystem benefits, including reducing forest fuels and maintaining biological diversity. However, a forest management activity shall not be conducted if the costs associated with attaining such benefits are excessive. Additionally, the USDA shall (1) establish any post-program ground condition criteria for a ground disturbance caused by a forest management activity required by the applicable forest plan, and (2) provide for monitoring to ascertain the attainment of relevant post-program conditions. The bill categorically excludes certain forest management activities for reducing forest fuels from certain environmental impact requirements. USDA or the Department of the Interior, as appropriate, in conjunction with land adjustment programs, may enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with a qualified entity to provide for fuel reduction, erosion control, reforestation, Stream Environment Zone restoration, and similar management activities on federal lands and nonfederal lands within such programs.

Impact

The bill intends to lessen the risks of wildfires and promote healthier forest ecosystems. By establishing a framework for monitoring ground conditions and requiring post-program assessments, HB188 emphasizes responsible forest management that aligns with existing forest plans. One key aspect of the bill is its provision for categorically excluding certain forest management activities intended for fuel reduction from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, streamlining processes that could otherwise delay essential management efforts.

Summary

House Bill 188, also known as the Proven Forest Management Act of 2022, seeks to enhance forest management practices across National Forest System land by promoting coordination among impacted parties. The bill mandates that the Department of Agriculture (USDA) engage with local governments and other stakeholders when executing forest management activities. This aims to increase efficiency and compatibility in managing these lands, ensuring that multiple ecosystem benefits are attained, such as reducing forest fuels and maintaining biological diversity.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HB188 lies in its categorical exemptions from NEPA for specific activities aimed at reducing forest fuels. Critics may argue that bypassing environmental reviews could lead to insufficient consideration of ecological impacts and community concerns. Supporters, however, contend that the exemptions are necessary to facilitate timely and effective actions to combat the growing threat of wildfires and ecological degradation. The balance between efficient management and environmental protection embodies a significant debate as the bill progresses through legislative channels.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US AB1958

Forestry: timberlands: restoration and conservation forest management activities.

US HB189

Action Versus No Action Act This bill limits the scope of certain environmental assessments or impact statements related to forest management activities on National Forest System lands or public lands suitable for timber production to a consideration only of the effects of the forest management activity and the alternative of no action. Specifically, the bill applies to assessments or impact statements prepared by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), with respect to National Forest System lands, or the Department of the Interior, with respect to public lands, for forest management activities that meet at least one of the criteria specified. In the case of the alternative of no action, USDA or Interior shall consider whether to evaluate the effect of no action on, among other things, forest health, wildfire potential, insect and disease potential, and timber production; and the implications of a resulting decline in forest health, loss of habitat diversity, wildfire, or insect or disease infestation on potential losses of life and property, domestic water supply in the project area, and wildlife habitat loss.

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 AB952

Income taxes: passive activities: forest management costs.

US HB5519

Relating to authorizing the director of the Division of Forestry to contract for the management of state-owned and leased forests and wooded lands for purposes of preventing forest fires

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.

US SB3929

A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from taking certain proposed actions relating to a land management plan direction for old-growth forest conditions across the National Forest System.

US HB3444

Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025

US AB497

Forestry and fire protection: local assistance grant program: fire prevention activities: street and road vegetation management.

US AB19

Forestry and fire protection: local assistance grant program: fire prevention activities: street and road vegetation management.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.