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Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act

1/25/2024, 6:15 PM

Summary of Bill S 1531

Bill 118 s 1531, also known as the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. The purpose of this bill is to protect and preserve the natural environment and wildlife in the Northern Rockies region, which includes parts of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington.

The bill aims to designate certain areas within the Northern Rockies region as wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, and biological connecting corridors. These designations would provide additional protections for the land, waterways, and wildlife in these areas, ensuring that they are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Additionally, the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act seeks to promote sustainable recreation and tourism in the region, while also safeguarding important habitats for endangered species. The bill also includes provisions for managing and restoring forests in the Northern Rockies, with an emphasis on promoting healthy ecosystems and reducing the risk of wildfires. Overall, the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to balance the needs of conservation and recreation in the Northern Rockies region. It has garnered support from environmental groups, outdoor enthusiasts, and wildlife advocates who see the value in protecting this unique and ecologically diverse area.

Congressional Summary of S 1531

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act

This bill designates specified public lands in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, wildland recovery areas, and biological connecting corridors.

The Department of the Interior and the Forest Service must jointly establish an interagency team, containing an equal number of participants from the public and private sectors, to monitor, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding the results of the bill. The team must also develop a geographic information system for monitoring the Northern Rockies Bioregion and assess the potential for facilitating wildlife movement across or under major highways and rail lines within the biological corridors established by the bill.

The bill provides for the temporary closure to the general public of specific portions of protected areas, at the request of an Indian tribe, to protect the privacy of a religious activity or cultural use by an Indian.

Current Status of Bill S 1531

Bill S 1531 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 10, 2023. Bill S 1531 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on May 10, 2023.  Bill S 1531's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. as of May 10, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1531

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
22
Democrat Cosponsors
20
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
2

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1531

Primary Policy Focus

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Potential Impact Areas

- Advisory bodies
- Air quality
- Climate change and greenhouse gases
- Ecology
- Federal-Indian relations
- Fishes
- Forests, forestry, trees
- Freedom of information
- Government information and archives
- Historical and cultural resources
- Idaho
- Indian lands and resources rights
- Land transfers
- Land use and conservation
- Licensing and registrations
- Livestock
- Montana
- Oregon
- Parks, recreation areas, trails
- Roads and highways
- Washington State
- Water quality
- Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats
- Wildlife conservation and habitat protection
- Wyoming

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1531

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act
Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act
A bill to designate certain National Forest System land and certain public land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture in the States of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, wildland recovery areas, and biological connecting corridors, and for other purposes.

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