Bill Summary
This legislation, titled the "Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2023," aims to amend the existing Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to include the Deerfield River in the national wild and scenic rivers system. The Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the river, including its branches and major tributaries, and submit a report to Congress within three years. This legislation highlights the importance of protecting and preserving natural waterways for their scenic and recreational value.
Possible Impacts
1. This legislation could potentially affect people living near the Deerfield River in Massachusetts and Vermont, as it would designate the entire river and its major tributaries for study and potential addition to the national wild and scenic rivers system. This could impact their access and use of the river for recreational activities, fishing, and other purposes.
2. The legislation could also affect the budget and resources of the Secretary of the Interior, as they would be responsible for conducting the study and submitting a report to Congress within a specific timeframe. This could potentially divert funds and attention away from other projects or priorities.
3. If the Deerfield River is ultimately designated as a national wild and scenic river, it could bring economic benefits to the local communities and businesses, as it would attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it could also bring potential restrictions and regulations for landowners and industries operating near the river, which could impact their livelihoods and operations.
[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 608 Reported in Senate (RS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 303
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 608
[Report No. 118-151]
To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to direct the Secretary of the
Interior to conduct a study of the Deerfield River for potential
addition to the national wild and scenic rivers system, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 1, 2023
Mr. Markey (for himself, Ms. Warren, Mr. Sanders, and Mr. Welch)
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
January 9, 2024
Reported by Mr. Manchin, without amendment
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to direct the Secretary of the
Interior to conduct a study of the Deerfield River for potential
addition to the national wild and scenic rivers system, 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 ``Deerfield River Wild and Scenic
River Study Act of 2023''.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION FOR STUDY; REPORT.
Section 5 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
``(147) Deerfield river, massachusetts and vermont.--The
entire river, including--
``(A) the North, South, East, and West Branches of
the Deerfield River; and
``(B) the major tributaries of the Deerfield River,
including the Green River, North River, South River,
Clesson Brook, Chickley River, Cold River, Gulf Brook,
Bog Brook, and Dunbar Brook.''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:
``(24) Deerfield river, massachusetts and vermont.--Not
later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made
available to carry out this paragraph, the Secretary of the
Interior shall--
``(A) complete the study described in subsection
(a)(147); and
``(B) submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report describing the results of such
study.''.
Calendar No. 303
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 608
[Report No. 118-151]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to direct the Secretary of the
Interior to conduct a study of the Deerfield River for potential
addition to the national wild and scenic rivers system, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
January 9, 2024
Reported without amendment