Expediting Forest Restoration and Recovery Act of 2025
Expediting Forest Restoration and Recovery Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Expediting Forest Restoration and Recovery Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would speed up forest management projects aimed at preventing wildfires and controlling insect outbreaks on federally managed lands. It would exempt certain restoration projects from the lengthy environmental review process that typically precedes forest work. The bill also would make permanent a program allowing states to keep money earned from selling timber harvested during these restoration projects, which they could use to fund additional restoration work. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects the U.S. Forest Service, states, and communities near National Forests.
Projects would be exempt from environmental review if they occur in areas prone to severe wildfires or where insects and disease are being treated—but with some limitations. The exemption wouldn't apply to wilderness areas or certain roadless regions, and environmental reviews would still be required if a project raises significant environmental concerns or exceeds a certain size threshold. Supporters argue this streamlines necessary forest health work; critics may worry it reduces environmental protections. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator John Thune (R-SD) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Expediting Forest Restoration and Recovery Act of 2025This bill excludes from environmental review certain projects that reduce the risk of damage to National Forests from wildfires or insect infestations. It also makes permanent the authority for states to retain and use revenues from good neighbor agreement timber sales for certain restoration services.The bill exempts such projects from federal environmental review requirements if the projects are carried out in (1) insect and disease treatment areas where timber harvest activities are allowed; or (2) areas in Fire Regime Group IV, which are areas that typically burn every 35-200 years with high severity. However, the exemption does not apply to National Wilderness Preservation System lands or certain roadless areas.The Forest Service must conduct an environmental review for such a project if it is carried out in (1) an area where significant resource concerns exist; or (2) an insect and disease treatment area larger than a certain size.In the case of environmental reviews of other projects addressing wildfires or insect infestations, the Forest Service only must describe (1) the proposed agency action, and (2) the alternative of no agency action. In insect and disease treatment areas, the Forest Service must prioritize reducing the risks of insect infestations and wildfires over other objectives in forest plans.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (text: CR S794)