Action Versus No Action Act

Action Versus No Action Act

This bill limits the scope of certain environmental assessments or impact statements related to forest management activities on National Forest System lands or public lands suitable for timber production to a consideration only of the effects of the forest management activity and the alternative of no action.

Specifically, the bill applies to assessments or impact statements prepared by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), with respect to National Forest System lands, or the Department of the Interior, with respect to public lands, for forest management activities that meet at least one of the criteria specified.

In the case of the alternative of no action, USDA or Interior shall consider whether to evaluate

• the effect of no action on, among other things, forest health, wildfire potential, insect and disease potential, and timber production; and
• the implications of a resulting decline in forest health, loss of habitat diversity, wildfire, or insect or disease infestation on potential losses of life and property, domestic water supply in the project area, and wildlife habitat loss.

Bill 117 HR 4569, also known as the Action Versus No Action Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to address the issue of government inaction in response to pressing national issues.

The bill outlines specific guidelines for government agencies and officials to follow when faced with a decision to take action or do nothing in response to a problem. It requires agencies to conduct thorough research and analysis before making a decision, and to provide clear justifications for their actions or lack thereof.

Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of government actions, in order to ensure that decisions are based on evidence and data rather than political considerations. Overall, the Action Versus No Action Act aims to promote transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in government decision-making processes. It seeks to prevent government inaction from hindering progress on important issues facing the country, and to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the American people.