Federal study ordered for Mullica River wild and scenic designation
In committeeS. 4595Latest action
Sponsor: Andy Kim · Senator · NJ
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Mullica River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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S 4595 orders a study of the Mullica River watershed in NJ to assess wild and scenic status; no protections take effect yet.
60-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
S 4595 directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the Mullica River watershed in New Jersey to determine whether it qualifies for Wild and Scenic River designation, a federal status that shields rivers from dams and development that could alter their natural character. The study covers the Mullica River and many of its connected streams and tributaries across a large portion of the Pinelands region. The Secretary has three years after funding is provided to complete the study and report findings to Congress.
Who does it affect?
Residents, landowners, outdoor recreationists, and local governments in Atlantic, Burlington, and Ocean counties would be most directly affected. Environmental researchers, state agencies, and federal land managers would also be involved in conducting the study.
Why does it matter?
If Congress acts on the study results and grants formal designation, restrictions on development and construction along these waterways could follow. This bill alone creates no new land use or water use restrictions; a separate act of Congress would be required before any protections take effect.
What does it cost, and who pays?
The summary references that the three-year study period begins after funding is provided but does not specify an amount, source, or who pays.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 20, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Jul 21, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.