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A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to permit removal of trees around electrical lines on National Forest System land without conducting a timber sale, and for other purposes.
1/31/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 349
The bill also includes provisions for the protection of forests and wildlife habitats, ensuring that the removal of trees is done in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner. Additionally, the bill addresses concerns related to public safety and the prevention of wildfires, as trees near electrical lines can pose a significant risk during dry and windy conditions.
Overall, Bill 119 s 349 seeks to streamline the process of tree removal around electrical lines on National Forest System land in order to enhance electricity reliability, protect forests and wildlife habitats, and promote public safety.
Congressional Summary of S 349
Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025
This bill allows the Forest Service to expedite the removal of trees or other vegetation near electrical lines on its lands under certain circumstances. Specifically, the Forest Service may include in special use permits or easements provided to electrical utilities permission to cut, remove, and sell trees or other vegetation near electrical lines on such lands without a separate timber sale if the cutting or removal is consistent with (1) the applicable land and resource management plan, and (2) other applicable environmental laws.
A special use permit or easement that includes permission for cutting and removal of trees or vegetation must include a requirement that, if the applicable electrical utility sells any portion of the material removed under the permit or easement, the utility must provide to the Forest Service any proceeds received from the sale, less any transportation costs incurred in the sale.
