Mullica River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8924
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-20: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-26T08:07:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to require a federal study of the Mullica River watershed in New Jersey for potential future designation as a wild and scenic river.
Key Provisions
- Adds the Mullica River watershed to the list of rivers eligible for study under Section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)), specifically including the following segments:
- Mullica River from its headwaters to Great Bay.
- Wading River, Batsto River, and numerous tributaries such as Alquatka Branch, Albertson Brook, Great Swamp Branch, Nescochague Creek, Pine Creek, Landing Creek, Nacote Creek, Bass River, Ballinger Creek, Roberts Branch, Skit Branch, Springers Brook, Deep Run, Penn Swamp Branch, Tulpehocken Creek, West Branch Wading River, Hospitality Brook, Little Hauken Run, Oswego River, Beaver Run, and related segments.
- Requires the Secretary of the Interior to complete the study and submit a report to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources within three years after funds are made available.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces a new entry (paragraph 147) to the study list in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, expanding the scope of rivers under consideration without immediately designating any segments as wild and scenic.
- It adds a specific timeline and reporting requirement in Section 5(b) of the Act for this watershed study.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Directs the Department of the Interior to conduct and report on the study, potentially requiring resource allocation for environmental assessments.
- Citizens: May affect landowners, residents, and users in the Mullica River watershed area in New Jersey by initiating evaluations that could lead to future land-use considerations if designation occurs.
- International relations: No direct impacts identified.
Main Stakeholders
- Federal agencies, particularly the Department of the Interior.
- State and local governments in New Jersey.
- Landowners, residents, and businesses within the Mullica River watershed.
- Environmental organizations and recreational groups interested in river conservation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill follows standard procedures for river studies under existing environmental law, with no evident constitutional issues.
- It represents a preliminary step that could influence future congressional decisions on river protections, but it does not alter property rights or impose immediate restrictions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-20: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-05-20: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Mullica River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (5 pages)