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Adds the Deerfield River (including its main branches and tributaries) to the list of rivers protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and requires the Secretary of the Interior to study the river. The Secretary must complete the study and send a report to the appropriate congressional committees within 3 years after funds are made available for the work.
Amends Section 5 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276) by adding a new designated item numbered (147) for the Deerfield River, Massachusetts and Vermont. This addition expands the statutory list to include this river.
Defines the scope of the Deerfield River designation to include the entire river, specifically naming the North, South, East, and West Branches and the major tributaries: Green River, North River, South River, Clesson Brook, Chickley River, Cold River, Gulf Brook, Bog Brook, and Dunbar Brook.
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to complete the study described in subsection (a)(147) (the Deerfield River study).
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the results of the Deerfield River study.
Sets a time limit: the Secretary must complete the study and submit the report not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this paragraph.
Who is affected and how:
Net effect: The bill starts a federal review process that can lead to stronger protections and federal involvement in river management. Immediate effects are administrative (the study and report). Material changes for users and owners would depend on study results and later decisions, and the timing depends on when funds are made available.
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Introduced March 27, 2025 by Edward John Markey · Last progress March 27, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Introduced in Senate