Bill · H.R. 4870· House(119-HR-4870)
Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act
- Introduced
- 8/1/2025
- Last activity
- 8/1/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Ryan Zinke
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act," seeks to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. It proposes to designate several segments of the Madison River, Gallatin River, Hyalite Creek, Cabin Creek, and Middle Fork of Cabin Creek in Montana as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. These segments would be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as either recreational or scenic rivers. The Act aims to preserve the natural values of these water sources for future generations. It also includes specific provisions regarding water rights, existing dam operations, and land ownership.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
The bill designates several river segments as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to protect their natural values.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill preserves streams used by Indian Tribes for hunting, fishing, and cultural purposes.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+5
The bill includes provisions that respect private property rights within the designated areas.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Preservation of Natural Resources: The bill seeks to protect the "outstandingly remarkable values" of the streams, which include clean water, fish, wildlife, and natural settings (Section 2(a)(1) and (6)).
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Economic Support: Protecting these streams supports recreational activities like fishing, hunting, and hiking that "generate billions of dollars annually for the economy of the State of Montana" (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Protection of Agricultural Interests: The Act recognizes that the Montana agricultural industry relies on the "availability of clean water that originates in headwaters streams on Federal public land" (Section 2(a)(4)).
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Maintenance of Infrastructure and Rights: The designation is intended to allow for the "appropriate maintenance of existing infrastructure," such as roads and bridges, while "respecting private property rights" (Section 2(a)(7)(B) and (C)).
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Water Rights Security: The bill ensures that the designation does not affect "valid existing rights," including Federal, Tribal, and interstate water compacts, as well as water rights in the State of Montana (Section 3(c)).
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Hydropower Continuity: The Act ensures that existing dam operations and hydropower generation at the Hebgen and Madison Dams are not impacted or altered by this designation (Section 3(d)(2)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Development Expansion: While the bill protects existing facilities, it explicitly states that the "Hebgen and Madison Developments shall not be expanded to the area within the covered segments" (Section 3(d)(4)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8Improves Roads And Bridges+3Increases Renewable Energy Investment+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+5Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Farmers+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+2
- 8/1/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.