A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-305.
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
The "Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California Lands Act" aims to protect and invest in certain Federal lands within the State of California. It establishes a South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area to improve ecological integrity and reduce wildfire threats. The legislation creates a California Public Land Remediation Partnership to address land degradation caused by illegal activities. Additionally, the bill provides for various recreational trails, studies, and the establishment of visitor centers. It designates numerous areas as wilderness or potential wilderness and establishes several scenic and special management areas. Finally, the bill addresses water facility maintenance and ensures access for Indian Tribes for traditional purposes.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +8
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
It establishes several management areas and restoration partnerships to improve the care of Federal lands.
- Scored +8
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill enhances tribal authority through collaborative partnerships and cultural access protections.
- Scored +7
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill mandates road decommissioning to restore natural drainage and ecological processes while emphasizing habitat restoration.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Fire Resilience and Safety: The establishment of the South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area aims to maintain fire-resilient forests and reduce the threat of wildfires to neighboring communities (Section 101(c)).
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Environmental Protection: The bill includes purposes to protect and restore aquatic habitats, anadromous fisheries, and water quality (Section 101(c)).
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Land Remediation: The California Public Land Remediation Partnership is established to facilitate the recovery of land and water degraded by illegal marijuana cultivation or other illegal activities (Section 102(a)).
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Expanded Recreational Opportunities: The bill provides for the creation of various trails, such as the Bigfoot National Recreation Trail and the Elk Camp Ridge Recreation Trail, as well as studies for more trails (Sections 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, and 206).
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Visitor Services: The bill authorizes the establishment of visitor centers in Weaverville (Trinity Lake) and Del Norte County to serve visitors and interpret natural and cultural resources (Sections 208 and 209).
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Land Conservation: The bill designates numerous areas as wilderness, potential wilderness, scenic areas, or special management areas to conserve and protect ecological, scenic, and cultural resources (Sections 301, 303, 306, and 307).
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Community Involvement: The Secretary is required to solicit input from collaborative groups including State and local government representatives and multiple interested persons when developing restoration and fire management plans (Section 101(e)).
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Water Facility Continuity: Facilities that were in existence at the time of designation, have been used continuously for water delivery, and hold valid water rights can continue to operate, maintain, or be reconstructed (Section 405, subsection a).
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Cultural and Religious Access: The Secretary must ensure that Indian Tribes have access to the South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area, wilderness areas, scenic areas, special management areas, and potential wilderness areas for traditional cultural and religious purposes (Section 405, subsection a).
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Privacy Protection for Tribes: Indian Tribes can request temporary closures of specific portions of designated areas to protect their privacy while conducting traditional cultural and religious activities (Section 405, subsection b, paragraph 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Land Use: The designation of wilderness areas and scenic areas involves withdrawing land from various forms of entry, appropriation, disposal, and mineral/geothermal leasing (Sections 101(h), 301, and 306(e)).
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Limitations on Motorized Access: Within scenic areas, the use of motorized vehicles and the establishment of temporary roads are generally prohibited unless necessary for administration or public health and safety (Section 306(f)).
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Management Restrictions: Special management areas and wilderness areas come with specific management rules that may restrict certain activities (Sections 302 and 307).
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Restricted Public Access: Specific portions of wilderness, scenic, or potential wilderness areas may be temporarily closed to the general public at the request of an Indian Tribe (Section 405, subsection b, paragraph 1).
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 public land such as parks and forests? — It establishes several management areas and restoration partnerships to improve the care of Federal lands. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill mandates road decommissioning to restore natural drainage and ecological processes while emphasizing habitat restoration. Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — The bill withdraws federal lands from mineral and geothermal leasing. Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill aims to reduce the threat of wildfires to neighboring communities.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill enhances tribal authority through collaborative partnerships and cultural access protections. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill provides for recreation, trails, and local partnerships within rural California landscapes.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the Secretary's authority over land acquisition and management in specific areas. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires maps and legal descriptions to be available for public inspection.
- 2/12/2026
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-305.
- 12/17/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S8836)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California