HR 3181 — Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025
Overview
- Bill Number: HR 3181
- Title: Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025
- Introduced in the House: May 5, 2025
- Status: Introduced; referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources
- Primary sponsor: Rep. Becca Balint
- Related legislation: Companion Senate bill S. 1578
Purpose and intent
- The bill is framed as a study authorization regarding two Vermont watercourses: the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream.
- The core intent, as suggested by the title, is to study these rivers for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. In other words, it aims to determine whether either waterway meets the criteria and qualifications for Wild and Scenic designation.
- Importantly, based on the information provided, HR 3181 does not itself designate any river or impose Wild and Scenic protections; it authorizes a study that could lead to a future designation process if the study findings support it.
Key provisions (as introduced)
- The provided version content only includes the act’s short title designation. No additional statutory text or substantive provisions are included in what has been shared.
- As a result, specific details such as:
- Which federal agency would conduct the study
- the study’s scope and criteria
- duration (timeline) for completing the study
- funding and appropriations
- required deliverables (e.g., final report to Congress)
- mechanisms for public involvement
- data collection methods
are not specified in the snippet provided.
Note: If HR 3181 follows typical form for “Wild and Scenic River Study” acts, it would ordinarily designate a federal agency to perform the study, set a study period, outline reporting requirements, and specify any funding. However, such details are not presented in the information provided.
Who would be affected
- Potentially affected parties include residents, landowners, local and regional governments, and environmental organizations in and around the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream areas in Vermont.
- At this stage, the bill proposes study activity and does not impose immediate designations, land-use changes, or regulatory requirements.
Legislative status and actions
- Introduced in the House on May 5, 2025.
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Companion bill: S. 1578 (Senate).
Potential impact and next steps
- If the study demonstrates eligibility and supports designation, the next steps could involve a formal designation process for Wild and Scenic Rivers, with potential implications for land and water management, conservation priorities, and local stakeholders.
- The bill does not commit to designation; it creates a path toward evaluating eligibility.
Timeline (known)
- May 5, 2025: Introduced and referred to Committee. No further actions are listed in the provided information.
