HR 2420 IH: Protecting America's Natural Resources (Direct Link)

Protecting America's Natural Resources Act of 2023

This bill aims to protect America's natural resources, promote conservation, and preserve the country's rich biodiversity.

Section 1. Short title

Short title;

Section 1. Short title

(a) This Act may be cited as the "Protecting America's Natural Resources Act of 2023"."

(b) Any reference in this Act to a section or other element of law shall be considered to refer to such section or element of law as amended by this Act.

Section 2. Findings and purpose

(a) Congress finds that:

• the natural resources of the United States are a national treasure;
• the management of those resources is essential to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public;
• conservation efforts have been successful in preserving certain natural resources; and
• there is a growing need for enhanced conservation measures.

Section 2. Findings and purpose

(b) The purpose of this Act is to:

1. enhance the conservation and management of natural resources;
2. protect threatened and endangered species;
3. improve public lands management; and
4. provide for the long-term sustainability of natural resources.

Section 3. Definitions

(a) In this Act:

• the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior;
• the term "wilderness area" has the meaning given that term in section 1002(a)(3) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.);
• the term "recovery area" has the meaning given that term in section 6(5) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (80 Stat. 1029);
• the term "wild or scenic river" has the meaning given that term in section 2(7) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.');

Section 3. Definitions

(b) In this Act, "land management plan" means a plan developed by the appropriate federal agency for the management of public lands.

Section 4. Wilderness areas and recovery areas

(a) The Secretary shall:

• designate, in consultation with States and local communities, new wilderness areas;
• expand existing wilderness areas;
• re designate wilderness areas;
• revise the boundaries of a wilderness area under section 4(c);

Section 4. Wilderness areas and recovery areas

(b) The Secretary shall:

1. consider the request of a State or local community for the designation, expansion, re-designation, or revision of a wilderness area under section 4(a);
2. consult with the affected State and local communities in developing a land management plan;
3. take into account the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the proposal.

Section 5. Wild or scenic rivers

(a) The Secretary shall:

• designate, in consultation with States and local communities, new wild or scenic rivers;
• expand existing wild or scenic rivers;
• re designate wild or scenic rivers;
• revise the boundaries of a wild or scenic river under section 6(a);

Section 5. Wild or scenic rivers

(b) The Secretary shall:

1. consider the request of a State or local community for the designation, expansion, re-designation, or revision of a wild or scenic river under section 5(a);
2. consult with the affected State and local communities in developing a land management plan;
3. take into account the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the proposal.

Section 6. Public lands management

(a) The Secretary shall:

• prepare a land management plan for each public land unit;
• consider the request of a State or local community for the designation, expansion, re-designation, or revision of a public land unit under section 6(a);
• consult with the affected State and local communities in developing a land management plan.

Section 6. Public lands management

(b) The Secretary shall:

1. consider the request of a State or local community for the designation, expansion, re-designation, or revision of a public land unit under section 6(a);
2. consult with the affected State and local communities in developing a land management plan.