119-HR-5852 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

Directs the National Park Service to study parts of the Upper Raritan River watershed in New Jersey for possible addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. [1]Congress.gov / Library of Congress — H.R.5852 — 119th Congress (2025–2026): Upp…

What It Does

The bill orders a federal feasibility study of the Upper Raritan’s key streams—such as the North Branch, South Branch, and Lamington/Black River—to see if they meet Wild and Scenic criteria. The study would evaluate eligibility (free‑flowing condition and special values) and suitability, and report findings to Congress. If designated later, management would likely follow the “Partnership Wild & Scenic” model, which relies on collaboration with towns and local groups rather than federal land acquisition. [2]Office of Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. — Kean, Watson Coleman Introduce Bipartisan Bill…[3]U.S. National Park Service — Eligible and Suitable — Wild and Scenic Rivers Pro…[4]U.S. National Park Service — Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers — Wild and Scen…

Who’s For It

• Sponsors: Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (R‑NJ‑07) and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D‑NJ‑12) say the study advances conservation and local collaboration. [2]Office of Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. — Kean, Watson Coleman Introduce Bipartisan Bill…
• Endorsements: Raritan Headwaters, The Nature Conservancy (NJ), NY/NJ Baykeeper, the Watershed Institute, Sourland Conservancy, and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation support the bill as a step toward community‑led river protection. [2]Office of Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. — Kean, Watson Coleman Introduce Bipartisan Bill…

Who’s Against It

• No formal opposition is listed on the bill’s Congress.gov page as of October 30, 2025. [1]Congress.gov / Library of Congress — H.R.5852 — 119th Congress (2025–2026): Upp…
• Possible concerns seen in similar study bills: added federal review of certain federally assisted water projects during the study window (under Section 7 of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act), and questions about local versus federal roles. [5]Congressional Research Service / Library of Congress — Section 7 of the Wild an…[6]U.S. National Park Service — What We Do — Wild and Scenic Rivers Program

What’s Next

Status: Introduced on October 28, 2025 and referred to the House Natural Resources Committee. Next steps could include a committee hearing and markup before any House vote; the Senate would then consider a companion measure if it advances. [1]Congress.gov / Library of Congress — H.R.5852 — 119th Congress (2025–2026): Upp…