Bills · HR 5102
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5102Public Lands and Natural Resources
Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act
INTRO SEP 2· LAST ACTION SEP 2
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-writtenThis bill matters because it provides strong, lasting protection for some of Montana's most iconic and ecologically important waterways. If it becomes law, it will help safeguard clean water sources, abundant fish and wildlife, and scenic landscapes for future generations, preventing activities like new dam construction that could alter these rivers.
VFor voters, this means ensuring that cherished recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and hiking remain available and that the natural environment that supports these activities is preserved. It also has economic implications, as the bill aims to bolster the multi-billion-dollar tourism industry in Montana. Without this bill, these specific river segments would not have the 'Wild and Scenic' designation, leaving them potentially more vulnerable to development or changes that could diminish their natural and recreational values.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-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 provision provides federal protection to these rivers, preserving their natural, cultural, and recreational values.
PROVISION 02
Requires the consent of the landowner before the Secretary of Agriculture can acquire any private land or interest in land within the boundary of a designated segment.
This protects private property rights, ensuring federal land acquisition only occurs with the owner's agreement.
PROVISION 03
Explicitly states that the designations do not affect valid existing water rights, including Federal, Tribal, and interstate water compacts.
This ensures that current water uses by various entities, including agriculture and tribes, are not disrupted by the river's new protected status.
PROVISION 04
Clarifies that the Hebgen and Madison Dams and their operations are compatible with the designation and are not impacted, with the possibility to add hydropower generation facilities to Hebgen Dam.
This maintains existing energy infrastructure and allows for potential future energy development without conflict with the river protections.
PROVISION 05
Allows for the continuation of public access, appropriate maintenance of existing infrastructure, emergency intervention, and historical uses within the designated areas.
This balances conservation efforts with the practical needs of local communities and ongoing recreational and historical activities.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Montana
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
15
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSSEP 2
Introduced in House
SEP 2
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5102
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 2, 2025
Last actionSep 2, 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 SEP 2, 2025
House BillHR 5102Public Lands and Natural Resources
Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act
INTRODUCED SEP 2, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 2, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
