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House hearing spotlights bill to let states sign 20‑year Good Neighbor Authority agreements for forest work
Summary
Supporters told a House subcommittee that extending Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) agreements to 20 years would reduce administrative burden, encourage private investment, and speed landscape‑scale restoration; federal witnesses and state foresters said they broadly support the change but flagged implementation and sunset issues for revenue retention.
A House subcommittee hearing on federal lands on March 31, 2026 focused in part on HR 7951, the Long‑Term Good Neighbor Authority Act, which would allow states, tribes and counties to enter into Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) agreements of up to 20 years to support multi‑year forest restoration and timber projects.
Supporters said longer agreements would reduce repetitive administrative renewals and give partners certainty to plan and invest. "Placing a 20‑year term in statute provides certainty and stability through election cycles and changes across administrations," said Sean Thomas, state forester for Montana and a representative of the National Association of State…
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