Bill · S. 2262· Senate(119-S-2262)
American Voices in Federal Lands Act
- Introduced
- 7/10/2025
- Last activity
- 12/17/2025 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Sponsored by
- John Barrasso
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ``American Voices in Federal Lands Act'' aims to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. It specifically seeks to clarify how the public is involved in certain rulemaking processes regarding public lands. The bill changes the definition of public involvement to specify that it pertains to citizens of the United States. It also grants the Secretary authority regarding rules for Bureau-managed lands. Furthermore, it introduces a requirement for the Secretary to use a specific automated process to prevent artificial intelligence from participating in public involvement.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+1
The bill clarifies and potentially expands the Secretary's discretion in managing public land rulemaking processes.
The opposite· 3 of 7
Would immigrants be better off under this?-2
The bill explicitly limits the consideration of public comments to citizens of the United States, which excludes non-citizen residents.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?-2
Mandating CAPTCHA processes can create significant accessibility barriers for individuals with certain visual or cognitive disabilities.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-2
By narrowing the scope of public involvement to only US citizens, it may reduce the ability of international environmental groups to influence land management.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Deterring Artificial Intelligence: The bill establishes a process known as 'Completely Automated Public Test to tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA)' to prevent attempts at public involvement through artificial intelligence (Section 2(b), subsection (d)(2)).
-
Limiting Public Comment Scope: The Secretary may choose to take into consideration only public comments received specifically from citizens of the United States (Section 2(b), subsection (d)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Limiting Public Involvement: The Secretary is authorized to take into consideration only public comments received from citizens of the United States (Section 2(b), subsection (d)(1)).
-
Requirement of Automated Verification: The bill requires the implementation of a 'Completely Automated Public Test to tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA)' to deter attempts at public involvement via artificial intelligence (Section 2(b), subsection (d)(2)).
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 Immigrants-2Good For People With Disabilities-2Good For Native Americans-1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-2Improves Public Land Management-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+1Improves Government Transparency-2Improves Freedom Of Speech-1
- 12/17/2025
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 12/2/2025
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-237.
- 7/23/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/14/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/10/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S4317-4318)
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Mike CrapoRepublican · Idaho
John CurtisRepublican · Utah
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
Cynthia LummisRepublican · Wyoming
James RischRepublican · Idaho
Dan SullivanRepublican · Alaska
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana