Analyst Brief March 10, 2026

H.R. 528 — Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025

Current Status
Reported from the Committee on Natural Resources

Executive Summary

H.R. 528 directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Program. This program aims to address the increasing need for reforestation following unplanned disturbances like wildfires and infestations. The bill mandates the identification of lands needing restoration, prioritization of projects, and outreach to various stakeholders. It was reported from the Committee on Natural Resources.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor
Ms. Pettersen (D-CO)
Bill Number
H. R. 528
View on Congress.gov →
Co-Sponsors
Mr. Edwards

Arguments For

  • Argument 1: This bill addresses a critical need for post-disaster reforestation, enhancing ecosystem resilience and long-term economic stability in affected regions.
  • Argument 2: By prioritizing projects and streamlining processes, the bill can create jobs in rural communities and stimulate economic growth through restoration activities.
  • Argument 3: The bill provides political cover by demonstrating a proactive approach to environmental stewardship and disaster recovery, appealing to a broad constituency.
  • Argument 4: The bill fosters collaboration between federal agencies, tribal governments, and local communities, leading to more effective and sustainable restoration outcomes.
Likely Supporters
DemocratsEnvironmental advocacy groupsTribal organizationsForestry industry stakeholders

Arguments Against

  • Argument 1: The bill's implementation may face challenges due to bureaucratic hurdles and potential conflicts between federal and local priorities.
  • Argument 2: Opponents may criticize the bill for its potential costs and question the effectiveness of the proposed restoration efforts.
  • Argument 3: The bill's reliance on federal agencies could lead to concerns about overreach and potential impacts on private property rights.
  • Argument 4: The bill's success depends on securing adequate funding and resources, which may be difficult in a constrained budget environment.
Likely Opponents
RepublicansProperty rights advocacy groupsConservative think tanks skeptical of government intervention

📋 Key Provisions

  • Requires the Secretary of the Interior to identify lands needing reforestation and restoration after unplanned disturbances.
  • Mandates the Secretary to propose a list of priority projects for reforestation and restoration each fiscal year.
  • Authorizes the Secretary to carry out priority projects through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.
  • Requires outreach to Indian Tribes, States, territories, local governments, Native organizations, and other stakeholders.
  • Mandates the Secretary to submit a report to Congress including an accounting of covered lands, priority projects, and outreach efforts.

🔍 Verification Guide

BETA
Claim Analysis Page 4, Line 24

The bill requires a report to Congress within 2 years of enactment.

Verify Text

"Not later than 2 years after"

Claim Analysis Page 6, Line 2

The bill defines 'covered lands' as any Federal land administered by a covered agency.

Verify Text

"means any Federal land or interest"

Claim Analysis Page 7, Line 4

The bill defines 'unplanned disturbance' as any disturbance that disrupts ecosystem structure.

Verify Text

"any unplanned disturbance that disrupts"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 20

The bill allows for projects to be carried out through competitively awarded grants.

Verify Text

"(A) competitively awarded grants"

Claim Analysis Page 5, Line 25

The bill includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a 'covered agency'.

Verify Text

"(B) the Bureau of Indian Affairs"

AI-Generated Analysis — Automatically generated from bill text. Always verify claims against the original legislation before citing. Learn more.

View original bill text on Congress.gov →

Generated by The Capitol Wire AI • Verification Required

← Back to Dashboard