Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB3929

Introduced
3/12/24  

Caption

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.

Impact

The implications of SB3929 could significantly affect state laws concerning environmental regulation and land use. With respect to old-growth forests, the bill serves to uphold existing regulations against any future modifications proposed by federal agencies, thereby ensuring a level of continuity in forest management practices. Proponents of the bill may argue that it is essential to protect these ecologically important areas from changes that could degrade their health and biodiversity, while also allowing local authorities to continue their current management practices without federal interference.

Summary

SB3929 is designed to prevent the Secretary of Agriculture from undertaking certain proposed actions related to the management of old-growth forest conditions throughout the National Forest System. The bill specifically targets a notice issued by the Forest Service that outlines potential directions for land management plans aimed at old-growth forests. By prohibiting these actions, the bill aims to maintain the current state of management regarding old-growth forests and prevent any changes proposed by federal authorities that could impact these vital ecosystems.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding SB3929 are likely to arise from differing views on federal versus local control over land management practices. Supporters may contend that this bill is necessary to conserve old-growth forests, which are important for environmental stability and heritage. Conversely, critics could argue that such prohibitions may undermine efforts to respond to new scientific assessments regarding forest conditions or adaptive management strategies that could enhance ecological resilience. This clash between preservation and adaptability will be at the forefront of discussions regarding the bill's passage.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB8790

Fix Our Forests Act

US HB8865

To nullify Executive Order 14072 and prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior from implementing, administering, or enforcing such Executive Order or any substantially similar executive order.

US HB10533

To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to administratively transfer covered parcels of National Forest System land to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust for the benefit of Indian Tribes.

US SB2867

Promoting Effective Forest Management Act of 2024

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 HB471

Fix Our Forests Act

US HB3444

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

US HB9602

Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act

US HB188

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.

US HR1173

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 615) to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain Federal land or water under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2925) to amend the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to provide for security of tenure for use of mining claims for ancillary activities, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3195) to rescind Public Land Order 7917, to reinstate mineral leases and permits in the Superior National Forest, to ensure timely review of Mine Plans of Operations, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 764) to require the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3397) to require the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to conservation and landscape health; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6285) to ratify and approve all authorizations, permits, verifications, extensions, biological opinions, incidental take statements, and any other approvals or orders issued pursuant to Federal law necessary for the establishment and administration of the Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6090) to provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.