Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act

Bill Number

H.R. 528

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2026-03-17: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2026-03-24T12:48:03Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act (H.R. 528) aims to establish a structured program within the Department of the Interior to identify and address reforestation (replanting trees) and restoration (helping ecosystems recover from damage) needs on specific federal and tribal lands following unexpected events like wildfires, insect outbreaks, or severe weather. The goal is to assist areas unlikely to recover naturally, promoting faster environmental recovery.

Key Provisions

• Program Establishment: Within one year of enactment and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior, working with specified federal agencies, must identify "covered lands" (federal lands managed by certain agencies or tribal forest/rangelands) that need reforestation or restoration after "unplanned disturbances" (events like fires or storms that disrupt ecosystems).
• Priority Projects: The Secretary, in consultation with agency heads, will create an annual list of high-priority projects. These can be implemented through:
• Competitive grants.
• Contracts.
• Agreements under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (which allows tribes to manage federal programs).
• Cooperative agreements.

Support may also include ensuring availability of seeds and seedlings for these projects.

• Outreach Requirements: Federal agencies must engage with a wide range of groups, including Indian Tribes, states, territories, local governments, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian organizations, universities, and other relevant stakeholders or nearby federal land managers.
• Reporting: Starting two years after enactment and annually, the Secretary must report to Congress on:
• Lands needing work.
• Priority projects and progress.
• Grants, contracts, and agreements used.
• Outreach activities.
• Gaps in seeds, seedlings, or funding, with recommendations to address backlogs.
• Duration and Definitions: The program sunsets (ends) after seven years. Key terms include "covered agencies" (National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Indian Affairs), "Indian forest land or rangeland" (tribal lands held in trust by the U.S. with forest or grass/brush cover, or restorable former cover), and "natural regeneration" (ecosystem recovery without human help, as defined in existing forest laws).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This act introduces a new, dedicated program not previously mandated by law, requiring proactive annual identification, prioritization, and funding mechanisms for post-disaster recovery on federal and tribal lands. It builds on existing statutes like the National Indian Forest Resources Management Act and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act by adding coordination, outreach, and reporting requirements specifically for unplanned disturbances. It does not amend those laws directly but creates complementary authorities, including tribal self-determination contracts and temporary funding flexibility.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Increases workload for the Department of the Interior and covered agencies to coordinate assessments, projects, and reports; may strain resources initially but could streamline disaster response over time.
• On Citizens and Communities: Benefits areas affected by disasters (e.g., through restored ecosystems that prevent erosion, improve water quality, and support wildlife), potentially aiding rural communities, farmers, and recreation users on public lands.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as it focuses on domestic lands; however, restored forests could indirectly support U.S. climate goals in global environmental agreements.
• Broader Environmental Effects: Accelerates recovery from disasters, reducing long-term ecological damage and backlog of untreated areas, though the seven-year limit may leave ongoing needs unaddressed post-sunset.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and covered agencies (e.g., Bureau of Land Management for public lands management).
• Tribal Nations: Indian Tribes, Alaska Native organizations, and Native Hawaiian groups, whose trust lands are explicitly included and who can participate via self-determination contracts.
• State and Local Entities: States, territories, and local governments, involved in outreach and potential project collaboration.
• Other Groups: Universities (for expertise), adjacent federal land managers, and stakeholders like environmental nonprofits or local businesses benefiting from restored lands.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Enhances tribal sovereignty by incorporating self-determination authorities, ensuring compliance with trust responsibilities to tribes. The sunset clause provides a temporary framework, potentially requiring future legislation for permanence. Reports to Congress promote accountability without new enforcement mechanisms.
• Constitutional: Aligns with federal plenary power over public lands and treaty obligations to tribes; no apparent conflicts with property rights or states' rights, as it focuses on federal/tribal lands.
• Political: Represents a bipartisan environmental priority (passed House in 2026), emphasizing disaster resilience amid rising wildfire and climate risks. The outreach mandate fosters inclusive decision-making, but funding gaps highlighted in reports could spark debates on budget allocations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-17: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
• 2026-03-16: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2026-03-16: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2524)
• 2026-03-16: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2524)
• 2026-03-16: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 528.
• 2026-03-16: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2524-2525)
• 2026-03-16: Mr. Wittman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
• 2025-09-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 232.
• 2025-09-15: Committee on Agriculture discharged.
• 2025-09-15: Committee on Agriculture discharged.
• 2025-09-15: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-276, Part I.
• 2025-09-15: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-276, Part I.
• 2025-07-23: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
• 2025-07-23: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-07-23: Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged

Bill Versions

• Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (8 pages)
• Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025 — issued 2025-01-16 — PDF (6 pages)
• Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act — issued 2026-03-17 — PDF (7 pages)
• Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (8 pages)