Us Congress Senate Bill SB719

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/25
• Refer: 2/25/25
• Report Pass: 3/5/25

Caption

Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025

Impact

If enacted, SB719 is expected to primarily impact Indian tribes and Alaska Native Corporations by facilitating better management and restoration practices for their lands. This could potentially lead to improved environmental health and sustainability in these regions, promoting ecological balance. Additionally, this bill provides federal support through authorized funding of $15 million per year from 2026 to 2031, which would allow tribes to undertake necessary projects to protect and restore their lands.

Summary

SB719, titled the 'Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025', seeks to enhance the provisions of the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004. This bill focuses on improving land management practices for Indian forest lands and rangelands by expanding definitions and including the restoration of these lands. The legislation is particularly significant as it aims to not only protect but also proactively restore Indian forest land, thus addressing both current and historical environmental issues faced by these areas.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intentions to protect and restore tribal lands, there are points of contention regarding its implementation. Some stakeholders might argue about the adequacy of the appropriations and whether the defined federal oversight might limit local control or the ability of tribes to manage their land as they see fit. Additionally, the inclusion of land within the jurisdiction of Alaska Native Corporations raises questions about the applicability of the act and the federal government’s role in overseeing these lands.

Congress_id

119-S-719

Introduced_date

2025-02-25