To provide for the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over certain Federal land in the State of California, and for other purposes.
Summary
S. 2881 proposes a transfer of administrative jurisdiction over approximately 160 acres of National Forest System land to the Department of Interior, to be managed as part of Yosemite National Park. Conversely, it transfers approximately 170 acres of National Park System land to the Department of Agriculture, to be managed as part of Stanislaus National Forest. The bill also addresses corrections, hazardous substances, and existing rights related to the land transfer.
Expected Effects
The bill will change which agency is responsible for managing specific parcels of land in Tuolumne County, California. This could lead to changes in land management practices and resource allocation. The bill ensures existing rights and authorizations remain valid during the transfer.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlines land management by consolidating areas under single jurisdictions.
- Allows for potential improvements in conservation efforts tailored to each area's specific needs.
- Facilitates minor corrections and adjustments to land boundaries for better management.
- Ensures that hazardous substance cleanup responsibilities remain with the original agencies.
- Maintains the validity of existing rights and authorizations on the transferred land.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for disruption during the transition period as management responsibilities shift.
- Possible inconsistencies in management practices between the two agencies involved.
- Risk of overlooking or mismanaging hazardous substances during the transfer.
- Could lead to disputes over land use or resource allocation in the future.
- May not fully address long-term conservation needs or climate change impacts.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and regulate federal territory. The transfer of administrative jurisdiction does not appear to infringe on any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments. The bill's provisions for maintaining existing rights and addressing hazardous substances further support its constitutional soundness.
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).