Mullica River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4595
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-20: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-05T15:35:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to authorize a federal study of the Mullica River watershed in New Jersey. The goal is to evaluate whether specific river segments qualify for potential future designation as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Key Provisions
- Adds the Mullica River watershed to the list of rivers to be studied under Section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
- Identifies 23 specific segments for study, including:
- The main Mullica River from its headwaters to Great Bay.
- Tributaries such as the Wading River, Batsto River, Oswego River, and numerous branches and creeks (for example, Alquatka Branch, Nescochague Creek, Bass River, and others listed in detail).
- Directs 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.
- Sets a deadline of no later than 3 years after funds become available to finish the study and deliver the report.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill expands the study list in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by inserting a new paragraph (147) that covers the Mullica River watershed. It does not designate any rivers as wild and scenic; it only requires further evaluation. A corresponding update is made to the study and reporting requirements in Section 5(b) of the Act.
Potential Impacts
- Federal agencies, primarily the Department of the Interior, would conduct the study and prepare the required report.
- Local communities and landowners in the watershed area in New Jersey could see future land-use considerations if the study leads to a designation recommendation.
- No immediate effects on international relations are outlined in the bill.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Residents and property owners within the Mullica River watershed in New Jersey.
- New Jersey state and local governments.
- Federal agencies responsible for river studies and conservation.
- Organizations focused on environmental protection and river management.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill follows standard procedures under existing federal law for river studies and does not create new regulatory authority at this stage. Any future designation would require separate congressional action. The measure is introduced by Senators from New Jersey and remains subject to the legislative process in both chambers of Congress.
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
- 2026-05-20: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2026-05-20: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Mullica River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (5 pages)