Upper Price River Watershed Project Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 3004
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-04: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Upper Price River Watershed Project Act of 2025 aims to transfer approximately 124.23 acres of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the city of Price, Utah, for public use. This transfer supports local community needs, potentially related to watershed management or other public projects in the Upper Price River area.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "City" refers to Price, Utah.
- "Federal land" is the specified 124.23 acres of BLM land shown on a map titled "Land Conveyance near Price, Utah" dated May 8, 2025.
- "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the BLM Director.
- Land Conveyance:
- The Secretary must convey full ownership (right, title, and interest) of the federal land to the City upon the City's request.
- The land must be used for "public purposes" as determined by the City (e.g., community infrastructure, parks, or environmental projects).
- Existing legal rights on the land (such as mining claims or easements) remain protected.
- Map Handling:
- The map is available for public viewing at BLM offices.
- The Secretary can fix minor errors on the map without altering the overall intent.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill overrides sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), which normally require land use planning, environmental assessments, and public input before federal land transfers. Instead, it mandates a direct conveyance, streamlining the process for this specific parcel.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The BLM loses control over the 124.23 acres, reducing federal land holdings in Utah and potentially simplifying local management. No ongoing federal oversight is required post-transfer.
- On Citizens: Residents of Price, Utah, gain access to land for local public benefits, such as water resource protection or recreation, which could improve community services without federal restrictions.
- On International Relations: None apparent, as this is a domestic land transfer with no cross-border elements.
- Overall, the transfer could enhance local economic or environmental initiatives in the Price River watershed, though it might limit broader public access if the City restricts use.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- City of Price, Utah: Primary beneficiary, gaining ownership for public projects.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Secretary of the Interior: Responsible for executing the transfer and managing the map; they relinquish federal control.
- Local Residents and Businesses: Indirectly affected through potential improvements in public infrastructure or land use in the area.
- Existing Rights Holders: Protected under the bill, such as any permittees or claimants on the land.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: By bypassing FLPMA's planning requirements, the bill accelerates the transfer but could raise questions about environmental reviews (e.g., under the National Environmental Policy Act, though not addressed here). The conveyance is conditional on the City's request, ensuring voluntary local involvement.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; it aligns with Congress's authority over federal lands under the Property Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Article IV, Section 3), which allows disposal of public lands.
- Political: Introduced by Utah Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis, this reflects bipartisan support for state and local control over federal lands in Western states, a common issue in resource-dependent areas. It may set a precedent for targeted land transfers to municipalities, potentially influencing future bills on public land management.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-04: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2026-02-12: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
- 2025-10-14: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-10-14: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Upper Price River Watershed Project Act of 2025 — issued 2025-10-14 — PDF (3 pages)