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119-s-670119th CongressWALLET

Protect the West Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]

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.

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  • 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.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]

CO • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 2/20/2025

  • Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 2/20/2025

  • Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 2/20/2025

  • Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 2/20/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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