Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025
Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would modernize how the U.S. Forest Service tracks and reports on the condition of America's forests. Currently, the Forest Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program collects data on forest health, wildfires, and management issues. This bill would expand that program to specifically include tracking forest carbon levels and changes in land use and forest cover—information that would be useful for understanding forests' role in climate change. **Who It Affects and Key Changes:** The bill primarily affects the Forest Service and forest management agencies.
If passed, they would need to update their data collection methods to be consistent across the country, incorporate new remote sensing technology (like satellite imagery), and create detailed plans for measuring carbon in forests. The Forest Service would be required to update its strategic plan within six months and then every five years after that. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S. 517) is in committee in the Senate, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full chamber. It was introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025This bill directs the Forest Service to expand and update its Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. Under the existing program, the Forest Service collects, analyzes, and reports on information about the condition of forest resources in the United States, such as data concerning wildfires or other forest management issues.The bill directs FIA to include forest carbon in its inventory. The bill also requires FIA's strategic plan to include a detailed description of the organization and procedures necessary to (1) understand and report on changes in land cover and use, and (2) evaluate carbon-related data variables.FIA must update the strategic plan within six months and every five years thereafter. Among other items, the first update must include (1) a plan to implement nationally consistent data collection protocols and procedures; and (2) a plan to expand current data collection, further integrate remote sensing technology, or both. FIA must also prepare and publish a compilation of certain forest statistics every two years.Additionally, the bill requires FIA to continue (1) the Timber Products Output survey, and (2) the National Woodland Owner Survey.To provide data consistency, FIA must include a clear definition of forest when reporting data.Finally, FIA (1) must also establish an office, a data platform, or both to process and respond to complex data requests submitted by external organizations; and (2) may impose fees on the organizations submitting the requests.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.