Green Tape Elimination Act of 2025
Green Tape Elimination Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Green Tape Elimination Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would exempt wildfire prevention activities on federal lands from certain environmental and historic preservation review requirements for 10 years. Specifically, it would allow the government to remove vegetation that could fuel wildfires—such as trees and grasses—through methods like prescribed burns and firebreaks without first conducting environmental impact reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The bill would also exempt these activities from reviews under the Endangered Species Act and National Historic Preservation Act. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects federal land management agencies, environmental organizations, and communities near federal lands. Supporters argue it would speed up wildfire prevention efforts at a time when wildfires pose increasing threats to homes and infrastructure.
Critics worry it could reduce environmental protections for endangered species and historic sites. The 10-year exemption period is a central feature—after that time, the current review requirements would presumably return. **Current Status** The bill (HR 731) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Republican Representative Darrell Issa of California and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Green Tape Elimination Act of 2025This bill exempts hazardous fuel reduction activities on federal lands from certain environmental and historic preservation regulations. Hazardous fuel means any vegetative material that is susceptible to burning, such as trees and grasses. Hazardous fuel reduction activities include installing firebreaks, using prescribed fire, and removing the hazardous fuels.First, the bill states that hazardous fuel reduction activities are not to be considered a major federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for 10 years. NEPA requires agencies to identify and evaluate the impacts of major federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment prior to finalizing certain decisions. Thus, the bill exempts such actions from environmental review under NEPA during that time period.Next, the bill exempts hazardous fuel reduction activities from the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Migratory Bird Conservation Act for 10 years.The bill also directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exclude certain air quality data when determining whether there are exceedances or violations of the national ambient air quality standard for air pollutants. In the event a hazardous fuel reduction activity has a significant impact on air quality, the EPA must exclude that data when making such determination.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.