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House hearing spotlights bill to let states sign 20‑year Good Neighbor Authority agreements for forest work
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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 Foresters. Ellen Schulzbarger, associate deputy chief for the National Forest System, told members the Forest Service supports the bill’s goals and anticipates that longer agreements will encourage industry investment that helps deliver forest management and restoration.
The National Park Service and the Department of the Interior voiced cautious support for clarifying and expanding GNA but urged technical refinements. Charles Cuvelier, associate director for visitor and resource protection at the National Park Service, said the department "would welcome an opportunity to work with the bill sponsor" on refinements and implementation details. Witnesses from state agencies emphasized that many GNA projects require multi‑year timelines: Thomas described typical projects that can span "9 to 17 years" once planning, NEPA review, implementation and follow‑up work are included.
Fiscal and statutory details drew particular attention. Several witnesses urged Congress to repeal the sunset on states' authority to retain and reinvest revenue generated by GNA projects; Montana officials said revenue retention is critical to sustaining staff and on‑the‑ground capacity. Cuvelier and Schulzbarger both pledged to provide technical assistance and additional information on topics including legal challenges to projects and how retained receipts might be used for associated road work.
Members from both parties pressed witnesses on operational questions, including whether long‑term agreements would be used for timber harvests, watershed work, grazing pilots, and whether longer terms would reduce legal and administrative burdens. Schulzbarger said the Forest Service has already used administrative waivers to enter 20‑year agreements in some states and welcomed statutory clarity to expand that approach nationwide.
The hearing concluded without a committee vote; members may submit additional questions for the record and witnesses were asked to provide follow‑up information. The record will be held open for responses to member questions for 10 business days.
