Policy Brief- August 24

Summary:

Roadless Rule – USDA has filed a proposal rule to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, a regulation that aims to protect 58 million acres of roadless U.S. Forest Service land by limiting new road construction, timber harvesting, and energy development. USDA has argued that the Roadless Rule has stymied wildfire prevention efforts and timber production and that rescinding the rule would allow local communities, including Tribes, to better inform forest management. NCAI issued a statement opposing the proposal, calling on USDA to halt the rulemaking process and to consult with Tribes. Stay tuned for a policy brief on the Roadless Rule’s impact on Tribes! The proposed rule is open for public comment until Sept. 21.

USDA Reorganization – A federal court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1 on a lawsuit filed by USDA federal employee unions to halt the USDA reorganization. The unions have argued that the reorganization is a Reduction-In-Force in disguise and is intended to force employees out. According to USDA, the reorganization is aimed at bringing USDA staff closer to the people they serve. Previous efforts to relocate staff have led to widespread staff departures. Read IFAI’s in-depth analysis of the likely impacts of USDA reorganization on nutrition assistance programs for Tribes here.

Congress is out for the August recess. The House returns to Washington D.C. on Aug. 31, and the Senate returns Sept. 14.

Agency Implicated: FNA, USDA
Type of action: Proposed rule, extension of comment period
Summary: This proposed rule would codify the reduction of the amount of the Federal Government’s share of annual SNAP State administrative costs from 50% to 25%, effective beginning in FY27. The Department estimates the total decrease in Federal administrative spending associated with this proposed rule to be approximately $16.9 billion over FYs 2027 to 2031, averaging $3.4 billion per year, with States’ administrative spending to increase by the same amount. USDA assumes a “negligible impact” on SNAP benefits (i.e., no change in benefit administration). The rule will not impact State agencies or ITOs administering SNAP on reservations. FNA will continue to pay these entities 75% of all approved administrative costs. USDA requests comments on ways in which this shift in spending from the Federal Government to the States could change overall program spending or program operations.
Tribal impact: While Indian Tribal Organizations and State agencies serving Indian reservations will not be impacted, there will likely be indirect impacts on Tribal Nations as States shift or cut resources to meet the increased costs. Tribes located in States where SNAP is administered by counties are more likely to experience impacts, as administrative cost-share increases may be shifted to counties with limited resources.
Deadline: Comments are due Sept. 8, 2026.

Call for nominations: Good Neighbor Environmental Board

Summary: The EPA is seeking nominations for the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB). The EPA is seeking nominations from a wide range of sectors along the U.S.-Mexico border, including representatives from business and industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, and local, state, county, and tribal governments.

About the GNEB: The Board is responsible for submitting an annual report to the President on the implementation of environmental and infrastructure projects in states contiguous to the U.S.-Mexico border. The Board includes representatives from U.S. government agencies, the governments of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as Tribal and private organizations experienced in environmental and infrastructure issues along the U.S.-Mexico border. Members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for a two-year term. The GNEB meets approximately three times a year, either in person or via video/teleconference, with an average workload for committee members of about 10 to 15 hours per month. Membership on the committee is voluntary.

Nominations: Any interested individual or organization may nominate qualified candidates with expertise in the specified areas for consideration to serve on the GNEB. Individuals may also self-nominate.