Sponsor
James P. McGovern
Representative · D-MA
Representative · D-MA
The bill offers local environmental protection and potential tourism benefits for the Deerfield River region while creating the possibility of land‑use restrictions, added federal oversight for local decisions, and modest federal costs.
Residents and visitors near the Deerfield River (rural communities, recreational users, and local governments) would gain long-term protection for the river and its tributaries, preserving scenic and recreational values.
Communities along the river (rural communities and small businesses) could see increased recreation and tourism opportunities, benefiting local businesses and supporting the local economy.
State and local governments (and Congress) will get a required study and report within three years, providing a clear timeline and congressional oversight to inform any designation decisions.
Property owners and existing operations along the river (homeowners, small businesses, and certain recreational operators) could face restrictions on land or water uses if the study leads to designation, limiting development or specific river uses.
State and local governments and other stakeholders may incur new federal oversight and procedural burdens on land- and water-use decisions, complicating local planning and permitting processes.
Taxpayers would bear additional federal costs to prepare the required study and any subsequent management actions, increasing Department of the Interior spending.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Directs a federal study of the Deerfield River for possible inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and requires a report to Congress within three years after funding is available.
Official title: 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.
Introduced March 27, 2025 by James P. McGovern · Last progress March 27, 2025
Designates the Deerfield River (Massachusetts and Vermont), including its main branches and named tributaries, for study as a potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and directs the Interior Department to complete and report that study within three years after funding is available. The bill adds the river to the statutory list of rivers to be studied and sets a three‑year deadline for the Secretary of the Interior to finish the study and send a report to the appropriate congressional committees once funds are provided.