Bill Summary
The "Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act" aims to amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 and the EXPLORE Act to enhance collaborative efforts in land management. It allows the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into long-term agreements (up to 20 years) with state governors, Indian tribes, and counties for restoration and recreational services.
Key provisions include expanding the definitions to include Indian tribes, thereby fostering partnerships that can address local environmental and land management issues effectively. This legislation is designed to support sustainable practices and improve the health of public lands by encouraging local involvement in conservation and recreation activities.
Possible Impacts
The "Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act" may affect people in various ways, including:
1. **Increased Collaboration with Indian Tribes**: By including "Indian tribe" in the definitions and agreements, the legislation fosters collaboration between federal authorities and Indigenous communities. This inclusion can lead to enhanced stewardship of natural resources, addressing cultural preservation, and providing opportunities for economic development within these communities.
2. **Enhanced Restoration Services**: The act allows for long-term agreements (up to 20 years) between the Secretary of Agriculture and various local entities, including counties and Indian tribes. This could lead to more consistent and effective management of forest restoration and other environmental services, potentially improving local ecosystems and benefiting residents through enhanced recreational opportunities and improved air and water quality.
3. **Economic Benefits through Recreation Services**: The amendment to the EXPLORE Act to allow for authorized recreation services could result in expanded recreational opportunities in public lands. Communities may benefit economically from increased tourism and outdoor activities, which can lead to job creation and support for local businesses that cater to visitors seeking recreational experiences.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7951 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7951
To amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 and the EXPLORE Act to provide
for long-term Good Neighbor Authority, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 16, 2026
Mr. Valadao (for himself and Mr. Panetta) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in
addition to the Committee on Agriculture, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 and the EXPLORE Act to provide
for long-term Good Neighbor Authority, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority
Act''.
SEC. 2. GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY.
(a) Agricultural Act of 2014.--
(1) Definitions.--Section 8206(a) of the Agricultural Act
of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``Governor''
and inserting ``Governor, Indian tribe,'';
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``Governor'' and
inserting ``Governor, Indian tribe,''; and
(C) in paragraph (6), by striking ``or Indian
tribe''.
(2) GNA.--Section 8206(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014
(16 U.S.C. 2113a(b)(1)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by amending subparagraph (A)
to read as follows:
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may enter into a
good neighbor agreement with a Governor, Indian tribe,
or county--
``(i) to carry out authorized restoration
services in accordance with this section; and
``(ii) for a term not to exceed 20
years.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Governor'' and
inserting ``Governor, Indian tribe,''.
(3) Technical amendment.--Section 8206(b)(2)(C)(i) of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(b)(2)(C)(i)) is
amended--
(A) in subclause (I), by striking ``on''; and
(B) in subclause (II)--
(i) by striking ``clause (i)'' and
inserting ``subclause (I)''; and
(ii) in item (bb), by striking ``the Good
Neighbor Authority for Recreation Act'' and
inserting ``section 351 of the EXPLORE Act (16
U.S.C. 8571)''.
(b) EXPLORE Act.--Section 351(b)(1) of the EXPLORE Act (16 U.S.C.
8571(b)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``county'' and inserting ``county--''; and
(2) by striking ``to carry out authorized recreation
services in accordance with this title.'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) to carry out authorized recreation services
in accordance with this title; and
``(B) for a term not to exceed 20 years.''.
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