Leveraging Aerial Systems for Stewardship Operations (LASSO) Act
Summary
The Leveraging Aerial Systems for Stewardship Operations (LASSO) Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a grant program supporting the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the humane management of wild horses and burros. The program allocates $100,000 annually from 2026-2030 for pilot projects. These projects will test the effectiveness of UAS in gathering and managing wild horses and burros.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased use of drone technology in managing wild horse and burro populations. It will also provide funding for research into humane methods of population control and herd health. The results of these pilot projects will be reported to Congress and the public.
Potential Benefits
- Improved humane treatment of wild horses and burros during roundups.
- Advancement in drone technology applications for animal management.
- Increased efficiency in managing wild horse and burro populations.
- Potential for reduced costs associated with traditional roundup methods.
- Enhanced data collection and monitoring of herd health and population dynamics.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse of drone technology, leading to harassment of animals.
- Limited funding may restrict the scope and impact of pilot projects.
- Concerns about the environmental impact of increased drone usage.
- Possible job displacement for individuals currently involved in traditional roundup methods.
- Risk of privacy violations if data collected by drones is not properly secured.
Constitutional Alignment
The LASSO Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the humane treatment and management of wild horses and burros, which can be considered a matter of public interest. The Act also falls under Congress's power to regulate federal lands and resources, as outlined in 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.
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).