George Whitesides (D-CA)
Military Readiness Through Resilient Lands Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Military Readiness Through Resilient Lands Act'', seeks to amend the Sikes Act. It directs the Department of Defense to improve integrated natural resources management plans for military installations. The legislation focuses on developing standardized metrics and using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to monitor natural resources. These efforts aim to address factors such as biodiversity, water quality, and wildfire risk. The bill also requires the use of data to assess and project future conditions of ecosystem services. Finally, it mandates reports to Congress regarding progress and the streamlining of environmental processes.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +3
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill enhances natural resource management through advanced monitoring of biodiversity, water quality, and wildfire risk.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
It improves natural resource management on military lands through standardized metrics and advanced technology.
- Scored +2
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?
The bill addresses climate resilience factors like flood risk and wildfire risk to improve community safety.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Community Safety and Climate Resilience: The bill mandates the development of metrics for assessment relevant to climate resilience and community safety, specifically addressing flood risk and watershed conditions that may affect adjacent lands (Section 2, subsection (a)(1)(5)(F)).
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Enhanced Environmental Monitoring: The Secretary of Defense is directed to evaluate and use technologies such as remote sensing, automated environmental monitoring networks, and artificial intelligence to improve the management of natural resources (Section 2, subsection (a)(1)(6)).
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Better Resource Management: By establishing measurable objectives for maintaining or improving natural resources, the bill aims to improve the condition of ecosystem services, which are defined as direct and indirect benefits provided to people and communities (Section 2, subsection (a)(1)(8)(B) and subsection (h)).
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Streamlined Administrative Processes: The bill seeks to identify ways to accelerate, simplify, and streamline environmental permitting, environmental review, and other interagency processes (Section 2, subsection (a)(2)(B)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- National Security Considerations: The use of new technologies and methodologies for monitoring natural resources is subject to being implemented only to the extent that it is consistent with national security (Section 2, subsection (a)(1)(6)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill enhances natural resource management through advanced monitoring of biodiversity, water quality, and wildfire risk. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — It improves natural resource management on military lands through standardized metrics and advanced technology. Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill addresses climate resilience factors like flood risk and wildfire risk to improve community safety.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — It requires reports to Congress regarding progress in natural resource management and technology use. Does this give the federal government more power? — It expands the Department of Defense's mandate regarding natural resource management and technological assessment.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Improved watershed and wildfire management may benefit rural areas adjacent to military lands.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill promotes the use of advanced technologies like AI and remote sensing for environmental monitoring.
- 8/6/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Chrissy HoulahanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Mike HaridopolosRepublican · Florida