Bill · H.R. 5102· House(119-HR-5102)
Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act
- Introduced
- 9/2/2025
- Last activity
- 9/2/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Ryan Zinke
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, called the "Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act," adds specific parts of the Madison River, Gallatin River, Hyalite Creek, Cabin Creek, and the Middle Fork of Cabin Creek in Montana to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It aims to protect the natural values of these waters for future generations. The act ensures that existing water rights and hydropower operations at the Hebgen and Madison Dams are not negatively impacted. It also protects private property rights by requiring owner consent for land acquisition.
Yes· 3 of 22
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
Designates multiple river segments as Wild and Scenic, providing high-level environmental protection.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+7
Improves management of federal public lands by adding segments to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+6
Acknowledges and protects the use of these streams for Tribal cultural purposes, gathering, and fishing.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Environmental and Recreational Protection: The bill protects clean water, fish, wildlife, and recreational opportunities like fishing, hiking, and paddling for the people of Montana and visitors (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Economic Support: Recreational activities on these streams and surrounding lands generate billions of dollars for Montana's economy (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Agricultural Support: The bill recognizes that Montana's multi-billion-dollar agricultural industry relies on clean water from these headwaters streams on Federal public land (Section 2(a)(4)).
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Cultural Preservation: The bill acknowledges the long-standing use of these streams by Indian Tribes for cultural purposes, including gathering, fishing, and hunting (Section 2(a)(2)).
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Clean Energy: The bill supports the continued generation of 12 MW of carbon free hydropower from the Hebgen and Madison Dams (Section 2(a)(5)).
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Property and Access Rights: The bill is designed to preserve public access and respect private property rights (Section 2(a)(7)(A)-(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Development Limits: The Hebgen and Madison Developments are prohibited from expanding into the designated 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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+6Good For Native Americans+6Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Business Owners+4Good For Middle Aged+4Good For Seniors+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Children+3Good For High Income Households+3Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Urban Residents+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8Improves Public Land Management+7Improves Rural Development+3Improves Roads And Bridges+2Increases Renewable Energy Investment+2Reduces Carbon Emissions+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3Improves Small Business Support+3Increases Job Creation+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3
- 9/2/2025
- 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.