Environment (Public Lands)

in committee · United States · Senate Jun 26, 2025

S 2179: Canyon’s Law

S 2179, "Canyon’s Law," bans the use of M-44 devices (sodium cyanide-based poisoners) on public lands managed by federal agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management. The bill prohibits placing, deploying, or using these devices on public land and requires all existing devices to be removed within 30 days of enactment. It directly affects federal land management agencies and any entity currently authorized to use M-44s, such as state wildlife or livestock control programs. The law aims to prevent further harm to people, non-target wildlife (including endangered species like eagles and bears), and pets, following documented incidents of poisoning and animal deaths.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans toxic M-44 devices on public lands, preventing wildlife harm and cyanide pollution, directly protecting ecosystems and natural resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation Public Lands Wildlife

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in committee · United States · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 3673: Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act

S 3673 amends the Roadside Pollinator Program to expand eligibility to include tax-exempt nonprofit organizations and increase annual funding. The bill requires state transportation agencies and federal land managers to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before developing pollinator plans, while raising the annual funding cap from $2 million to $5 million for fiscal years 2026-2031. These changes directly affect state highway departments, federal land agencies managing rights-of-way, and qualifying nonprofit groups implementing roadside habitat projects. The legislation focuses on concrete policy adjustments to broaden program participation and boost financial support for pollinator-friendly roadside practices.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state funding cap from $2M to $5M annually for pollinator program, directly advancing budget allocation for environmental initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands pollinator program funding, requires wildlife consultations, and increases conservation protections for ecosystems and species.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases annual funding for roadside pollinator programs managed by state highway departments, directly supporting transportation infrastructure maintenance and environmental compliance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Lands Wildlife Roads & Highways

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in committee · United States · Senate Dec 2, 2025

S 2042: Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025

The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 would maintain existing protections for designated roadless areas within the National Forest System by prohibiting new road construction, reconstruction, or logging in those areas. It directly affects National Forest lands managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, where the Roadless Rule already restricts such activities. The bill’s key mechanism requires the Secretary of Agriculture to enforce these current restrictions without adding new limitations. This policy change preserves existing protections for watersheds, wildlife habitats, recreation opportunities, and culturally significant sites within these roadless areas.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMaintains roadless area protections by prohibiting new roads/logging, directly conserving National Forest ecosystems per current regulations95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationProhibits new road construction in National Forests, restricting transportation infrastructure development per bill's core mechanism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Public Lands Roads & Highways

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in committee · United States · House Jun 25, 2025

HR 4134: Flood Resiliency and Land Stewardship Act

HR 4134 amends the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) under the Food Security Act of 1985 to expand its conservation goals. The bill updates the program's purpose to specifically prioritize regional conservation efforts focused on soil health, water protection (including drinking water sources), flood/drought mitigation, and wildlife/agricultural land conservation. This change directly affects farmers, ranchers, and landowners participating in the RCPP by broadening the types of projects eligible for program funding. The key mechanism is revising the statutory language to explicitly include these new conservation priorities within the existing RCPP framework.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands RCPP to prioritize soil health, water protection, flood mitigation, and wildlife conservation - directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Public Lands Tags Agriculture

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in committee · United States · House Apr 9, 2025

HR 2786: Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act of 2025

The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act of 2025 establishes a new Coastal and Estuarine Resilience and Restoration Program to protect and restore coastal areas with ecological, recreational, or community value. The program prioritizes lands threatened by development, that can be restored to enhance ecosystem function, or that benefit vulnerable communities facing coastal hazards like sea level rise. It requires the designation of at least five new National Estuarine Research Reserves within eight years and authorizes $47 million annually for 2025-2029 to support these efforts. The bill also creates new requirements for public access to protected lands and establishes a graduate research fellowship program focused on coastal management. This legislation directly affects coastal communities, conservation organizations, and federal agencies managing coastal zones under the Coastal Zone Management Act.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes program to protect/restore coastal ecosystems, enhance resilience against sea level rise, prioritizing ecological and community benefits per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Public Lands

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 10, 2026

S 3792: Water Project Navigators Act

This bill establishes the Water Project Navigators Program under the Department of the Interior to help communities develop multi-benefit water projects. It provides federal grants to eligible entities (such as states, tribes, rural communities, and nonprofits) to fund "navigators" who assist with planning, grant writing, and technical support for projects that address water supply challenges while benefiting ecosystems. The program prioritizes disadvantaged communities, Tribal nations, and rural areas with limited capacity, requiring navigators to focus on projects that enhance climate resilience, improve water access, and protect natural ecosystems. Funding of $15 million annually (2027-2032) supports these efforts, with a 75% federal cost share and flexibility to waive local contributions for qualifying entities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly funds water projects benefiting ecosystems via federal grants, prioritizing environmental outcomes in project goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Public Lands Water Quality Tags Tribal Nations

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in committee · United States · House Sep 18, 2025

HRES 734: Recognizing the importance of engagement with the Latino community to get into outdoor recreation and participate in activities to protect United States natural resources, and expressing support for the designation of the third week of September as "Latino Conservation Week".

HRES 734 is a symbolic resolution designating the third week of September as "Latino Conservation Week." It recognizes the Latino community's longstanding engagement in outdoor recreation and conservation activities, such as hiking, stewardship events, and environmental justice efforts on public lands. The resolution affirms that including Latino voices strengthens public lands protection and climate resilience, highlighting their role as a growing force in the outdoor economy. It does not create new laws or funding but formally supports the annual observance initiated by the Hispanic Access Foundation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentResolution explicitly states Latino community engagement strengthens public lands protection and climate resilience, affirming conservation role without opposing environmental efforts.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Public Lands

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in committee · United States · House Feb 27, 2025

HR 1728: Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act

This bill designates new wilderness areas and wildlife conservation areas across Colorado's national forests, protecting approximately 24,400 acres of land. It creates three Wildlife Conservation Areas (Porcupine Gulch, Williams Fork Mountains, and Spraddle Creek) totaling about 14,500 acres to conserve wildlife corridors while allowing limited recreational use and maintaining existing grazing rights. The bill also establishes the Thompson Divide Withdrawal and Protection Area to protect agricultural and ecological values, with a pilot program to capture methane emissions from coal mines. Additionally, it creates the Curecanti National Recreation Area (approximately 50,300 acres) to protect scenic and recreational resources along the Gunnison River, while maintaining existing management frameworks.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDesignates wilderness areas, creates wildlife conservation zones, and protects 24,400 acres to conserve corridors while allowing limited recreation and maintaining grazing rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Public Lands

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