Plum Island Preservation Study Act
- Bill Number
- S. 413
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-06T12:33:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Plum Island Preservation Study Act (S. 413) aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate options for preserving Plum Island, a federal property in New York, by studying its potential inclusion in the National Park System (a network of protected public lands managed for recreation and preservation) or the National Wildlife Refuge System (areas focused on wildlife conservation). It also considers alternative protection methods to safeguard the island's resources.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Secretary" refers to the Secretary of the Interior, who oversees federal lands and conservation efforts.
- "Study area" includes the entire Plum Island federal property, its facilities (like the Orient Point facility), and supporting infrastructure such as property, transportation, and access routes tied to island operations.
- Study Requirements:
- The Secretary must assess whether all or part of the study area should be designated as a unit of the National Park System, a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System, or protected through other means (e.g., partnerships or easements).
- The study must:
- Evaluate the area's national significance (its historical, cultural, natural, or recreational value on a nationwide scale).
- Involve consultations with federal agencies, New York state or local governments, private and nonprofit organizations, and other interested parties.
- Provide cost estimates for federal involvement in acquisition (buying land), development, interpretation (public education), operations, and maintenance under the considered options.
- Reporting:
- Within 3 years of receiving initial funding, the Secretary must submit a report to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- The report will include the study's findings, conclusions, and the Secretary's recommendations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new mandate for a specific feasibility study on Plum Island, which is not addressed in prior legislation. It does not amend existing laws but creates a one-time study obligation, potentially paving the way for future designations or protections if recommendations are acted upon by Congress.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior will bear the initial costs and workload of conducting the study and consultations. If recommendations lead to designation, it could result in long-term federal responsibilities for management, funding, and maintenance of the site, possibly involving coordination with other agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (current overseer of Plum Island operations).
- Citizens: Residents of New York and visitors could gain access to preserved natural or historical areas for recreation, education, or wildlife viewing, enhancing local tourism and environmental quality. However, restrictions on access (common in national parks or refuges) might limit certain uses if implemented.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on a domestic federal asset with no mentioned foreign ties.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Primarily the Department of the Interior; secondarily, other agencies involved in Plum Island's current operations (e.g., research facilities).
- State and Local Entities: New York state government, Suffolk County officials, and local communities near Orient Point, who may influence or benefit from preservation efforts.
- Private and Nonprofit Groups: Environmental organizations, historical societies, and tourism operators interested in the island's ecological or cultural resources.
- General Public: Individuals concerned with conservation, including nearby residents potentially affected by changes in land use or access.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill aligns with the Antiquities Act and other laws enabling federal land studies for protection, ensuring consultations to meet requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (which mandates public input for federal actions affecting the environment). It poses no direct challenges to property rights, as the study area is already federal land.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; it involves standard congressional authority over federal properties and public lands under Article IV (managing territories).
- Political: Sponsored by New York senators (Blumenthal, Schumer, Gillibrand, Murphy), it reflects regional priorities for preserving a site with historical significance (e.g., past animal disease research lab) amid ongoing federal decisions about the island's future use. Recommendations could spark debates on federal spending or land management priorities in Congress.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Plum Island Preservation Study Act — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (3 pages)