AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Mar 10, 2025. Analysis updated: Sep 17, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The bill restricts environmental assessments (EA) and environmental impact statements (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act to only two alternatives: the proposed forest management activity or no action.
- The limitation applies to Forest Service and Department of the Interior reviews for timber-suitable public lands meeting specific criteria: insect and disease treatment areas, collaborative processes, resource advisory committee proposals, or community wildfire protection plan coverage.
- When evaluating 'no action,' agencies must consider effects on forest health, life and property losses, habitat diversity, wildfire potential, insect and disease potential, and timber production.
- The 'no action' evaluation must also address implications of forest health decline, habitat loss, wildfire, or pest infestation on life and property, water supply, wildlife habitat, and economic and social factors.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The bill narrows the range of alternatives agencies typically consider in environmental reviews, eliminating options beyond the proposed action or inaction.
- Agencies must assess specific consequences of no action, including impacts on forest health, wildfire risk, and economic factors—though the bill does not establish how these assessments affect decision-making.
- The scope limitation applies only to forest management activities on public lands meeting the specified conditions; other activities or lands are not affected by this bill.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- On September 15, 2026, the committee ordered the bill reported as a substitute by a 21-17 vote after markup.
- The bill was referred to both the Natural Resources Committee and Agriculture Committee on January 3, 2025, and subsequently to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- Subcommittee hearings were held on May 21, 2026.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 15, 2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 17.
- Sep 15, 2026 — Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Sep 15, 2026 — Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
- May 21, 2026 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- May 12, 2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- Feb 7, 2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
- Jan 3, 2025 — Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, 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.
- Jan 3, 2025 — Introduced in House