Ryan Zinke (R-MT)
Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
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 "Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act," seeks to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. It proposes to designate several segments of the Madison River, Gallatin River, Hyalite Creek, Cabin Creek, and Middle Fork of Cabin Creek in Montana as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. These segments would be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as either recreational or scenic rivers. The Act aims to preserve the natural values of these water sources for future generations. It also includes specific provisions regarding water rights, existing dam operations, and land ownership.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill designates several river segments as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to protect their natural values.
- Scored +5
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill preserves streams used by Indian Tribes for hunting, fishing, and cultural purposes.
- Scored +5
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The bill includes provisions that respect private property rights within the designated areas.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Preservation of Natural Resources: The bill seeks to protect the "outstandingly remarkable values" of the streams, which include clean water, fish, wildlife, and natural settings (Section 2(a)(1) and (6)).
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Economic Support: Protecting these streams supports recreational activities like fishing, hunting, and hiking that "generate billions of dollars annually for the economy of the State of Montana" (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Protection of Agricultural Interests: The Act recognizes that the Montana agricultural industry relies on the "availability of clean water that originates in headwaters streams on Federal public land" (Section 2(a)(4)).
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Maintenance of Infrastructure and Rights: The designation is intended to allow for the "appropriate maintenance of existing infrastructure," such as roads and bridges, while "respecting private property rights" (Section 2(a)(7)(B) and (C)).
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Water Rights Security: The bill ensures that the designation does not affect "valid existing rights," including Federal, Tribal, and interstate water compacts, as well as water rights in the State of Montana (Section 3(c)).
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Hydropower Continuity: The Act ensures that existing dam operations and hydropower generation at the Hebgen and Madison Dams are not impacted or altered by this designation (Section 3(d)(2)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Development Expansion: While the bill protects existing facilities, it explicitly states that the "Hebgen and Madison Developments shall not be expanded to the area within the covered segments" (Section 3(d)(4)).
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 designates several river segments as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to protect their natural values. Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — The act allows for the appropriate maintenance and safety improvements of existing infrastructure like roads and bridges. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill acknowledges the existence of 12 MW of carbon free hydropower generated by existing dam facilities.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill preserves streams used by Indian Tribes for hunting, fishing, and cultural purposes. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill supports the recreation-based economy of the State of Montana. Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill protects the clean water sources essential to the Montana agricultural industry.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill protects river segments that support recreational activities generating billions of dollars for the Montana economy. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The preservation of natural settings supports the recreation and tourism-based economy.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill includes provisions that respect private property rights within the designated areas.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill explicitly recognizes and protects the historical use of these streams by Indian Tribes for cultural purposes.
- 8/1/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.