S.349 - Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.349, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025, aims to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the removal of trees around electrical lines on National Forest System land without requiring a timber sale. This is intended to reduce fire risks associated with vegetation near power lines. The bill directs that any proceeds from the sale of removed material, minus transportation costs, be provided to the Forest Service.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely streamline the process of clearing vegetation around power lines on federal lands, potentially reducing wildfire risks and improving electrical service reliability. Electrical utilities will be able to more easily manage vegetation near their infrastructure. The Forest Service will receive funds from any sales of removed vegetation, which could be used for further forest management activities.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced risk of wildfires caused by trees interfering with electrical lines.
- Improved reliability of electrical service due to fewer outages caused by vegetation.
- Streamlined process for electrical utilities to maintain vegetation around power lines.
- Potential revenue for the Forest Service from the sale of removed timber.
- Enhanced safety for communities located near National Forest System land.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for environmental damage if tree removal is not carefully managed.
- Possible conflicts with existing land and resource management plans.
- Concerns about the impact on wildlife habitats.
- Risk of unintended consequences if the process is not properly overseen.
- Potential for the Forest Service to prioritize timber removal over other environmental considerations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional authority of Congress to manage federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments. The delegation of authority to the Secretary of Agriculture is a common practice and does not raise significant constitutional concerns as long as it is accompanied by clear guidelines and standards.
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).