Bills · HR 4870
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4870Public Lands and Natural Resources
Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act
INTRO AUG 1· LAST ACTION AUG 1
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to permanently protect some of Montana's most beautiful and economically important rivers and streams. If this bill becomes law, these waterways will be safeguarded from certain types of development that could harm their natural beauty, clean water, and wildlife. This ensures that popular recreational activities, which support a significant portion of Montana's economy, can continue for generations to come.
Without this bill, these rivers and streams would not have the same level of federal protection, potentially leaving them vulnerable to future development or activities that could degrade their environmental quality and recreational value. By passing this law, Congress would be making a long-term commitment to conservation, preserving vital natural resources while attempting to balance environmental protection with existing economic activities, private property rights, and hydropower generation, rather than leaving these areas open to potential unchecked changes.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Designates specific segments of the Madison, Gallatin, Hyalite Creek, Cabin Creek, and Middle Fork of Cabin Creek in Montana as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
This officially gives these rivers and streams federal protection to preserve their natural state, recreational values, and clean water.
PROVISION 02
Requires the consent of private landowners before any land within the designated river boundaries can be acquired by the Secretary of Agriculture.
This provision protects private property rights by preventing federal acquisition of land without the owner's agreement.
PROVISION 03
Clarifies that the designation does not affect valid existing water rights (Federal, Tribal, state, or U.S. rights) or the operation and potential expansion of the Hebgen and Madison Dams.
This ensures that critical water uses, tribal compacts, and existing hydropower infrastructure can continue without being hampered by the new river designations.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out the provisions of this Act.
This provision ensures that there is a funding mechanism for the federal agencies to manage and protect the newly designated Wild and Scenic River segments.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Montana
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
15
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAUG 1
Introduced in House
AUG 1
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4870
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedAug 1, 2025
Last actionAug 1, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED AUG 1, 2025
House BillHR 4870Public Lands and Natural Resources
Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act
INTRODUCED AUG 1, 2025· LAST ACTION AUG 1, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
