Legislation6 days ago
50
A bill to appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman and establish a Geothermal Permitting Task Force from within the Bureau of Land Management, and for other purposes.
S4383Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (D-NV)
introduced
S670119th CongressWALLET
Protect the West Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Michael Bennet
Introduced
Summary
A $60.0 billion Outdoor and Watershed Restoration Fund would be created to finance large-scale restoration, reduce wildfire risk, and expand equitable outdoor access through grants, partnerships, and pay-for-performance contracts.
Show full summary
- Families and local communities: Funds would support on-the-ground projects that improve watersheds, habitat, and safe access to outdoor areas, with an emphasis on underserved communities and local job creation.
- State, Tribal, and local governments plus nonprofits: Eligible entities could apply for capacity-building and implementation grants, enter pay-for-performance contracts, and receive flexible matching options including non-Federal contributions.
- Federal land managers and landscapes at risk: A Partnership Program would target designated areas on Federal and non-Federal land, prioritize high wildfire potential and habitat needs, and limit activities in wilderness, inventoried roadless areas, old growth, and permanent road creation.
*Would authorize $60.0 billion for the Fund, including $20.0 billion for grants and $40.0 billion for partnerships, increasing federal spending.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Partnership Program for landscapes
If enacted, the Secretary would set up a Restoration and Resilience Partnership Program funded from the Fund. The Secretary must name partnership areas within 60 days; Governors or Tribal reps can request areas. Projects would target high wildfire risk, urgent habitat or watershed needs, and jobs. Partnership funds could pay staff and workforce costs. Partnership projects could not operate in wilderness or roadless areas, build permanent new roads or trails, or remove protected old-growth stands.
Create $60 billion restoration fund
If enacted, the bill would create a new Outdoor and Watershed Restoration Fund with $60 billion. $20 billion would go to a grant program. $40 billion would go to a Partnership Program. At least $20 billion of the $40 billion must be used on Federal land. The Treasury could accept non-Federal contributions that would be available without more approval.
Grants, pay‑for‑performance, and matches
If enacted, the Secretary would run a Restoration and Resilience Grant Program with $20 billion for grants and pay-for-performance contracts. Eligible applicants would be State agencies, local governments, Tribal governments, regional or quasi-governmental orgs, special districts, and nonprofits. The program would emphasize job creation, collaborative planning, and help for underserved or lower-capacity applicants. The Secretary could waive matching rules for qualifying applicants. Fund money must add to, not replace, other Federal, State, or local funds.
60-day forestry funding report
If enacted, the Secretary would report to Congress within 60 days about how past forestry funds from IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act were prioritized, measured, and allocated to States, forests, and Tribes.
Advisory council and annual oversight
If enacted, the Secretary would create a Restoration Fund Advisory Council with appointed members to advise on priorities and evaluation. The Secretary and Council must report to Congress within one year and annually. The USDA Inspector General must also report annually on Fund use and any misuse.
Use and flexibility of existing authorities
If enacted, the bill would define a list of "covered authorities"—existing programs the Fund can pair with. The Secretary could change eligibility and verification rules for those authorities to speed up projects and make Federal funds more flexible.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Michael Bennet
CO • D
Cosponsors
Ron Wyden
OR • D
Sponsored 2/20/2025
John Hickenlooper
CO • D
Sponsored 2/20/2025
Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]
AZ • D
Sponsored 2/20/2025
Jacky Rosen
NV • D
Sponsored 2/20/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.govLive Policy Activity
LiveSurfaced from PRIA's policy knowledge graph — ranked by signal strength, connected by evidence.
Live · 18m ago15,853Bills1,439Wiki4 signals surfaced
Now TrackingHR8495
Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2027
Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14] (R-OH)
IntroducedApr 24
Cmte Reported—
Passed Origin Chbr—
Passed Second Chbr—
Resolving Diffs—
Enrolled—
Became Law—
Current StageIntroduced· 5d
Appropriations package that would fund Treasury and IRS while imposing rulemaking limits and detailed DC policy constraints, affecting taxpayers, community lenders, and DC residents.
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S4381Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO] (D-CO)
introduced
Legislation6 days ago
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HRES1215Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1] (D-NV)
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Resolution praises and urges preserving the Vatican-Taiwan diplomatic bond, highlights Taiwan's religious freedom work and calls for more Vatican engagement.
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Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 20273 U.S.C. § 106 — Assistance and services for the Vice President
“vernment, $8,000,000, to remain available until expended. Special Assistance to the President salaries and expenses For necessary expenses to enable the Vice President to provide assistance to the President in connection with specially assigned functions; services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 and 3 U.S.C. 106, including subsistence expenses as authorized by 3 U.S.C. 106, which shall be expended and accounted for as provided in that section; and hire of passenger motor vehicles, $6,015,000.”
Graph Connectionextracted100% confidence
A bill to appoint a Geothermal Ombudsman and establish a Geothermal Permitting Task Force from within the Bureau of Land Management, and for other purposes.30 U.S.C. § 1002 — Lands subject to geothermal leasing
“.--The term ``geothermal energy project'' means a project wholly or partially located on public land that uses geothermal energy to generate heat or electricity. (3) Public land.--The term ``public land'' means lands subject to geothermal leasing under section 3 of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1002). (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (5) Task force.--The term ``Task Force'' means the Geothermal Permitting Task Force established under subsection (c). (b) Geothermal Ombudsman.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of ena”
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