H.R. 3433
119th CONGRESS 1st Session
To amend the Wilderness Act to allow certain entities to use unmanned aircraft systems within wilderness areas, potential wilderness areas, and wilderness study areas.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · May 15, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Donalds · Committee: Committee on Natural Resources
Table of contents
SEC. 1. Short title
- This Act may be cited as the or the .
SEC. 2. Use of unmanned aircraft systems within wilderness
- Section 4(d) of the Wilderness Act () is amended by adding at the end the following: 16 U.S.C. 1133(d)
- (8)
- A Federal, State, local, or Tribal agency may use and operate an unmanned aircraft system within a wilderness area designated by this Act, potential wilderness area, or wilderness study area identified pursuant to section 603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 () to— 43 U.S.C. 1782
- (i) carry out environmental monitoring and research activities, including with respect to harmful algal blooms and invasive species;
- (ii) carry out law enforcement and search and rescue activities, including such activities carried out by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and
- (iii) monitor the effects of a natural disaster.
- In this paragraph:
- (i) The term has the meaning given the term in section 602(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ().
natural disaster42 U.S.C. 5195a(a) - (ii) The term has the meaning given the term in section 44801(12) of title 49, United States Code.
unmanned aircraft system
- (i) The term has the meaning given the term in section 602(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ().
- A Federal, State, local, or Tribal agency may use and operate an unmanned aircraft system within a wilderness area designated by this Act, potential wilderness area, or wilderness study area identified pursuant to section 603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 () to— 43 U.S.C. 1782
- (8)