H.R.2492 - Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2492, the "Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025," aims to reduce wildfire risks by allowing the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to permit the removal of trees and vegetation around electrical lines on National Forest System lands and Bureau of Land Management lands without requiring a separate timber sale. This is intended to improve the reliability of electrical service and reduce fire hazards. The Act also stipulates that if the removed material is sold, the proceeds, minus transportation costs, must be provided to the relevant Secretary.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to quicker and more efficient removal of vegetation around power lines on federal lands. This could reduce the risk of wildfires caused by vegetation interfering with electrical infrastructure. It may also generate some revenue for the government through the sale of removed materials.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced wildfire risk near power lines.
- Improved reliability of electrical service.
- Potential revenue generation for the government.
- Streamlined process for vegetation removal.
- Focus on maintaining compliance with existing land management plans and environmental laws.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for environmental damage if vegetation removal is not carefully managed.
- Possible conflicts with existing land and resource management plans if not properly implemented.
- Risk of unintended consequences if the definition of "vicinity" is too broad.
- Limited scope, focusing only on federal lands and electrical corridors.
- Potential for abuse if oversight is insufficient.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the constitutional authority of Congress to manage federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States. It also indirectly relates to the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), as it aims to protect public safety and infrastructure.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).