December 17, 2025
Mr. Booker (for himself and Mr. Kim) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate the Upper Raritan River Watershed in the State of New Jersey for study for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Designation of Upper Raritan River Watershed in New Jersey for study for potential addition to National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
(a) Designation
Section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(147) Upper Raritan River Watershed, New Jersey
The segments of the North Branch Raritan River, the South Branch Raritan River, the Black or Lamington River, and their tributaries, within the Upper Raritan River watershed, including the following segments:
(A)
The North Branch Raritan River from its headwaters to its confluence with the South Branch Raritan River.
(B)
The South Branch Raritan River from its headwaters to its confluence with the North Branch Raritan River.
(C)
The Lamington-Black River from its headwaters to its confluence with the North Branch Raritan River.
(D)
All tributaries of the North Branch Raritan River, South Branch Raritan River (including those upstream of the Spruce Run Reservoir), and Lamington-Black River within the Upper Raritan River watershed.
(b) Deadline for submission
Section 5(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(24) Upper raritan river watershed, New Jersey
Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this paragraph, the Secretary of the Interior shall—
(A)
complete the study of the Upper Raritan River Watershed, New Jersey, described in paragraph (147) of subsection (a); and
(B)
submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes the results of the study.