Bill · S. 2637· Senate(119-S-2637)
MAPWaters Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 7/31/2025
- Last activity
- 7/31/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S5001)
- Sponsored by
- John Barrasso
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The MAPWaters Act of 2025 aims to standardize and consolidate data regarding public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways. The bill requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to develop interagency standards for geospatial data. These agencies must digitize and publish online information regarding waterway restrictions, access points, and fishing regulations. The data must include specific details like watercraft restrictions and the location of boat ramps. Additionally, the act establishes a process for public comment and requires regular updates to the information.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires the digitization and online publication of water access and fishing restriction data for public view.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+3
The bill enhances the management of waterways by standardizing data on restrictions and seasonal closures.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+2
The bill utilizes the United States Geological Survey to aggregate and digitize geospatial data.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Access to Information: The bill requires the digitization and online publication of geographic information system data regarding waterway access, such as the location of boat ramps, portages, and fishing access sites (Section 4(b)).
-
Enhanced Safety and Planning: By providing data on waterway restrictions—including seasonal closures, watercraft requirements, and no-wake zones—individuals can better plan their recreational activities (Section 4(a)).
-
Clearer Fishing Regulations: The act mandates the publication of data regarding Federal fishing restrictions, including no-take zones and requirements for catch and release, which helps fishermen follow the law (Section 4(c)).
-
Increased Public Engagement: The Secretaries are required to develop a process that allows members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the shared data (Section 4(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Limited Data Scope: The bill explicitly states that the data collection and publication requirements do not apply to irrigation canals and flowage easements (Section 4(f)).
-
Information Restrictions: The data made available to the public will not include information regarding the nature, location, character, or ownership of historic, paleontological, or archaeological resources (Section 4(g)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3Improves Public Transit+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- 7/31/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S5001)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Angus KingIndependent · Maine