S.291 - Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025 (S.291) aims to establish an interest-bearing account within the Treasury for non-federal contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program. This account will hold unexpended contributions and future contributions from state parties, along with any interest earned. The funds will be available to the Secretary of the Interior for expenditure as outlined in the Program Documents, without further appropriation.
Expected Effects
This act will centralize and manage non-federal funding for the conservation program more efficiently. It ensures that these funds are invested and that the interest earned is also used for the program's goals. State parties will no longer be responsible for investment losses once funds are deposited.
Potential Benefits
- Improved management of non-federal funds for conservation efforts.
- Increased funding availability through interest earned on contributions.
- Reduced financial risk for state parties involved in the program.
- Streamlined expenditure process for the Secretary of the Interior.
- Enhanced conservation outcomes for the Lower Colorado River ecosystem.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in accessing and utilizing the funds.
- Limited control for state parties over how the funds are invested.
- Possible administrative costs associated with managing the interest-bearing account.
- Dependence on the Secretary of Treasury's investment decisions.
- Could create additional layers of oversight and reporting.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Preamble) by promoting conservation and responsible resource management. Congress's power to manage federal lands and resources (Article IV, Section 3) supports the establishment of this fund. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).