Us Congress House Bill HB841

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25

Caption

To amend title 54, United States Code, to prohibit the acquisition of land, water, or an interest in land or water from a private landowner using amounts made available under the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Impact

If enacted, HB841 would significantly affect state laws regarding land management and conservation funding. By restricting federal funds, it would encourage states to seek alternative funding or methods for conservation without engaging in private land acquisition. Supporters argue that this could create a more robust process for managing state parks and public lands without infringing on private property rights, thus promoting the preservation of existing public lands without new private land purchases.

Summary

House Bill 841 aims to amend title 54 of the United States Code to prohibit the acquisition of land, water, or any interest in land or water from private landowners using funds allocated under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This proposed legislation is designed to restrict the use of federal assistance for purchases from private entities, shifting the focus toward maintaining public lands without drawing from private resources. The bill suggests a significant change in how federal resources can interact with private land ownership concerning conservation efforts.

Contention

The main point of contention surrounding HB841 lies in the balance between conservation efforts and private landowner rights. Proponents of the bill argue that it is essential to protect private owners from potential overreach by the government that could occur through land acquisition efforts. Critics, however, may argue that restricting federal funding for land acquisition could hinder efforts to expand public access to natural resources and conservation areas, ultimately impacting the overall efficacy of environmental preservation initiatives.

Congress_id

119-HR-841

Introduced_date

2025-01-31