This bill prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from entering into new conservation easements with terms exceeding 30 years. It defines a conservation easement as a voluntary agreement limiting land use for conservation purposes, specifically excluding agreements with Indian Tribes or those related to utilities. The legislation establishes a process for landowners to renegotiate or buy back existing "eligible conservation easements," which are those in effect for over 30 years or established before 1977 without an official map. Upon request, the Secretary must provide a detailed map and current fair market value, allowing landowners to renegotiate for a term not exceeding 30 years with potential payment, or to buy back the easement at fair market value. The Secretary is also mandated to notify landowners of these rights before their easements become eligible.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Landowner Easement Rights Act
USA119th CongressHR-2773| House
| Updated: 4/9/2025
This bill prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from entering into new conservation easements with terms exceeding 30 years. It defines a conservation easement as a voluntary agreement limiting land use for conservation purposes, specifically excluding agreements with Indian Tribes or those related to utilities. The legislation establishes a process for landowners to renegotiate or buy back existing "eligible conservation easements," which are those in effect for over 30 years or established before 1977 without an official map. Upon request, the Secretary must provide a detailed map and current fair market value, allowing landowners to renegotiate for a term not exceeding 30 years with potential payment, or to buy back the easement at fair market value. The Secretary is also mandated to notify landowners of these rights before their easements become eligible.