Hatchie River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 949
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-15T16:00:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Hatchie River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025 aims to direct a federal study of a specific segment of the Hatchie River in Tennessee to evaluate its suitability for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This system, established by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, protects certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational values from harmful development while allowing for compatible uses.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is titled the "Hatchie River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025."
- Designation for Study: Amends Section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)) by adding a new entry (147) designating approximately 163 miles of the Hatchie River—from the Mississippi-Tennessee state line to its confluence with the Mississippi River—for potential study.
- Study Requirements: Amends Section 5(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(b)) by adding a new entry (24), requiring the Secretary of the Interior to:
- Complete the study within 3 years after funds are made available.
- Submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing the study's findings.
- Identify ways to manage the river segment through partnerships with state, regional, local, and community stakeholders if it qualifies for designation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the list of rivers eligible for study under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by adding the specified Hatchie River segment, which was not previously included.
- Introduces a timeline (3 years post-funding) and a partnership focus for the study, emphasizing collaboration with non-federal entities, which builds on but does not fundamentally alter the Act's existing study framework.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (via agencies like the National Park Service) would conduct the study, potentially leading to increased administrative responsibilities if the river is later designated. No immediate funding is appropriated; the study depends on available funds.
- Citizens and Local Communities: Could enhance conservation efforts, recreation opportunities (e.g., boating, fishing), and tourism along the river, benefiting Tennessee residents. However, future designation might impose restrictions on development, affecting property owners or businesses near the river.
- International Relations: None, as the bill focuses on a domestic U.S. river segment.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and congressional committees (e.g., House and Senate Natural Resources committees).
- State and Local Entities: Tennessee state government, regional authorities, and local communities along the Hatchie River, who may participate in partnerships.
- Community and Private Interests: Landowners, environmental groups, recreation users, and businesses in the river's vicinity, who could influence or be impacted by study outcomes and any future protections.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill initiates a non-binding study process under existing federal law, preserving congressional authority over final designation decisions. It promotes cooperative federalism by requiring stakeholder partnerships, potentially reducing conflicts over land use.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's enumerated powers under the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3) to regulate federal lands and waters, without infringing on state sovereignty during the study phase.
- Political: Signals bipartisan interest in environmental protection (introduced by Rep. Kustoff, R-TN), potentially fostering local support for conservation while highlighting debates over federal versus state control of natural resources. No immediate enforceable changes occur, minimizing short-term controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-02-04: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Hatchie River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-04 — PDF (3 pages)