MATCH Act of 2025 Making Access To Cleanup Happen Act of 2025
The MATCH Act mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a list of emergency watershed protection measures that could qualify for preagreement costs. This list and the subsequent procedures must be established within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The act allows sponsors to incur costs for protective measures even before formal agreements are signed, thereby expediting the response to natural disasters and reinforcing the importance of timely action in emergency scenarios.
SB1107, also known as the 'Making Access To Cleanup Happen Act of 2025' (MATCH Act), proposes amendments to the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 specifically regarding the costs associated with emergency watershed protection measures. This legislation is aimed at enhancing the capability of state and local governments, as well as Indian Tribes, to manage emergency situations caused by natural disasters. By identifying eligible preagreement costs, the MATCH Act seeks to streamline the process for sponsors to request funding and support for essential watershed protection initiatives without the delays typically associated with formal agreements.
However, the bill includes provisions that require sponsors to assume the risk associated with costs incurred prior to entering into an agreement with the Secretary. This stipulation could be a point of contention among stakeholders, as it places financial responsibility on local entities involved in emergency management. Furthermore, the ambiguity around the definition of 'emergency watershed protection measures' and the process by which they will be identified and approved may lead to debates regarding the adequacy of state resources and the potential influence of federal guidelines on local oversight.