Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 3, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and longevity of collaborative land management and recreation services on federal lands by extending agreement terms and broadening tribal participation in Good Neighbor Authority.
What it actually does
This bill significantly amends the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) under both the Agricultural Act of 2014 and the EXPLORE Act. It extends the maximum term for GNA agreements from their current, often shorter or unspecified durations, to a consistent 20 years. Additionally, it explicitly includes Indian tribes as primary eligible partners for GNA agreements related to authorized restoration services under the Agricultural Act of 2014, alongside Governors and counties.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that extending GNA agreements to 20 years provides crucial stability and predictability, enabling more effective long-term planning and execution of complex land management and recreation projects. They also contend that explicitly including Indian tribes as primary partners recognizes tribal sovereignty and leverages traditional ecological knowledge, leading to more inclusive and effective stewardship of federal lands.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concerns that such long-term agreements could reduce the flexibility of federal agencies to adapt to changing environmental conditions, new scientific understandings, or evolving policy priorities over a two-decade span. Some may also question whether all local partners, including newly empowered tribal entities, will have the sustained capacity and resources to manage these extended commitments without sufficient federal oversight or support.
The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, allowing for rapid comprehension of its direct impacts and proposed changes.
Section 2(a)(2)(A)
Extension of Good Neighbor Authority Agreement Term (Agricultural Act of 2014)
This provision amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to allow the Secretary of Agriculture or Interior to enter into Good Neighbor Authority agreements for authorized restoration services for a term not to exceed 20 years. This replaces the previous language which did not specify a maximum term, often leading to shorter, less predictable agreements. The extension aims to provide greater stability for long-term ecological restoration projects.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that longer terms enable better planning, larger-scale projects, and more consistent resource management, leading to more effective forest health and restoration outcomes, particularly for complex ecological challenges like wildfire risk reduction.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that a 20-year term could reduce federal flexibility to adapt to new priorities, unforeseen environmental changes, or evolving scientific understandings over such a long period, potentially locking agencies into outdated strategies.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for long-term project stability and efficiency against the need for federal agencies to maintain flexibility and responsiveness to dynamic ecological and policy conditions.
Section 2(a)(1) and 2(a)(2)(B)
Inclusion of Indian Tribes as Primary Good Neighbor Authority Partners (Agricultural Act of 2014)
This provision explicitly amends the definitions and operational language of the Agricultural Act of 2014's Good Neighbor Authority to include 'Indian tribe' alongside 'Governor' and 'county' as entities with whom the Secretary may directly enter into GNA agreements. Previously, tribal participation was often facilitated indirectly; this change formalizes and elevates their status as direct partners for restoration services.
Section 2(b)
Extension of EXPLORE Act Good Neighbor Authority Term
This provision amends the EXPLORE Act to allow the Secretary to enter into Good Neighbor Authority agreements for authorized recreation services for a term not to exceed 20 years. This change mirrors the extension provided for restoration services under the Agricultural Act of 2014, ensuring consistency in the maximum term for GNA agreements across different types of services.