Restoring America’s Floodplains Act
Summary
The "Restoring America's Floodplains Act" amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for floodplain easement restoration and management. This includes restoring vegetative cover and hydrological functions.
Expected Effects
The Act will allow the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into contracts with landowners, states, NGOs, and Indian Tribes for floodplain restoration. It also allows landowners to carry out compatible economic uses like hunting, fishing, and managed timber harvest, provided they are consistent with long-term floodplain protection.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced floodplain ecosystems and improved watershed health.
- Potential economic benefits for landowners through compatible land uses.
- Increased resilience to flooding events.
- Collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and non-governmental entities.
- Long-term protection of watershed functions and values.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending on easement restoration and management.
- Possible restrictions on land use for landowners participating in the program.
- Risk of ineffective restoration efforts if not properly managed.
- Potential conflicts between economic uses and ecological goals.
- Administrative burden on the Department of Agriculture.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Preamble) of the U.S. Constitution, as it aims to protect watersheds and mitigate flood damage, promoting the well-being of communities. Congress's authority to legislate on matters related to agriculture and land management is generally accepted. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).