To release a Federal reversionary interest and convey mineral interests in Chester County, Tennessee, and for other purposes.
Summary
This bill, S. 277, addresses a land encroachment issue involving Bethel Baptist Church and State-owned land within Chickasaw State Forest in Chester County, Tennessee. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release a Federal reversionary interest and convey mineral interests to the State of Tennessee. This aims to resolve the encroachment by the church and clarify land ownership.
Expected Effects
The bill will transfer control of approximately 0.62 acres of land, including mineral rights, from the Federal government to the State of Tennessee. This transfer will occur without requiring appraisals, reports, or environmental reviews, streamlining the process. The state will be responsible for covering the administrative costs associated with the release and conveyance.
Potential Benefits
- Resolves a land encroachment issue, providing clarity for Bethel Baptist Church and the State of Tennessee.
- Simplifies land management by consolidating ownership with the State.
- Reduces potential administrative burdens and costs associated with Federal oversight of the land.
- Allows the State to manage the land and its resources more effectively.
- Avoids unnecessary appraisals and environmental reviews, expediting the transfer process.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential loss of Federal oversight on land use and resource management.
- Possible environmental impacts due to the lack of environmental review before the conveyance of mineral rights.
- The transfer occurs without consideration, potentially foregoing revenue for the Federal government.
- Limited transparency due to the waiver of standard appraisal and reporting requirements.
- Potential for the state to exploit mineral resources without federal oversight.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Property Clause of the US Constitution (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2), which grants Congress the power to dispose of and regulate territory or other property belonging to the United States. The bill outlines specific conditions for the release of reversionary interest and conveyance of mineral rights, suggesting a considered approach to property disposal. However, the lack of required appraisals or environmental reviews could be viewed as a departure from responsible resource management.
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).