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Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025
5/17/2025, 2:53 AM
Summary of Bill HR 2492
The main goal of this bill is to improve the reliability of electricity transmission by reducing the risk of power outages caused by trees falling on electrical lines. By allowing for the removal of trees without the need for a timber sale, the process can be expedited and made more efficient.
In addition to addressing electricity reliability, the bill also aims to protect the environment by requiring that any trees removed under this authority must be done so in a manner that minimizes harm to the surrounding ecosystem. This includes taking steps to protect wildlife habitats and water quality. Overall, the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act seeks to balance the need for maintaining reliable electricity transmission with the importance of protecting our natural resources. It provides a streamlined process for tree removal near electrical lines on federal lands while ensuring that environmental considerations are taken into account.
Congressional Summary of HR 2492
Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025
This bill allows the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to expedite the removal of trees or other vegetation near electrical lines on their lands under certain circumstances. Specifically, the Forest Service and the BLM 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) any 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 or the BLM any proceeds received from the sale, less any transportation costs incurred in the sale.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 2492
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2492
Total Number of Sponsors
10Democrat Sponsors
10Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
3Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
2Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2492
Primary Policy Focus
Public Lands and Natural ResourcesAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2492
Comments
Wyatt Burton
6 months ago
I dunno bout this bill, seems like it could mess things up for me. How does this even help anyone in the long run? #confused
