H.R. 4870: Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act

This bill, known as the Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement and Tourism Act, aims to designate specific streams within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in Montana as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The primary goal of this designation is to protect these waterways for their exceptional natural beauty, clean water, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities for current and future generations. Here’s a breakdown of key components of the bill:

Findings

• The streams targeted for designation are valued by both local residents and visitors for their recreational benefits and environmental quality.
• Indigenous tribes have valuable cultural connections to these waters, using them for traditional activities like fishing and gathering.
• Recreational activities along these streams contribute significantly to Montana's economy.
• The state's agriculture industry relies on clean water from these streams.
• Existing facilities such as dams on these rivers help improve fish populations while generating renewable energy.
• The streams are considered national treasures that deserve strong protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

Purpose

The bill’s purpose is to ensure that certain segments of the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone rivers and their tributaries are preserved for their outstanding natural values, securing their protection for future generations.

Designation of River Segments

The bill proposes the following stream segments for designation:

• Madison River: A 42-mile section from Cabin Creek to the edge of Bureau of Land Management land.
• Gallatin River: A 39.5-mile section from the boundary of Yellowstone National Park to the confluence with Spanish Creek.
• Hyalite Creek: A 4.6-mile section from its source to Grotto Falls Trailhead.
• Cabin Creek: A 7.3-mile section from its source in the Madison Range downstream.
• Middle Fork of Cabin Creek: A 5.1-mile segment from its source to the confluence with Cabin Creek.

Landowner Rights

The bill stipulates that no land within the designated segments can be acquired by the Secretary of Agriculture without the landowner's consent.

Water Rights Protection

This legislation does not affect existing water rights, including those held by the federal government, tribal entities, or agreements made under interstate compacts.

Impact on Dams and Hydroelectric Facilities

• The existing Hebgen and Madison Dams are located outside the designated areas and are compatible with the new designations.
• The bill preserves the current licensing and operational terms for these dams and allows for future hydropower generation.
• It affirms that additional hydropower generation facilities can be added to the Hebgen Dam, provided they do not encroach upon the newly designated river segments.

Funding

The bill authorizes the necessary appropriations to implement the provisions contained within it.

Relevant Companies

• NRG Energy: As a company involved in electricity generation, NRG may be indirectly affected due to potential regulations around renewable energy generation in protected waterways.
• Duke Energy: Similar to NRG, Duke Energy’s operations may be influenced by the legislation, particularly in terms of hydroelectric operations in the designated areas.