US HB5823

Amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out emergency watershed protection measures on National Forest System land through partnerships with state/local governments, Indian Tribes, and water districts

Emergency measures address runoff retardation, soil erosion prevention, and flood mitigation caused by natural disasters that pose immediate risk to water resources, life, or property downstream of National Forest land

Requires sponsors to complete emergency watershed protection measures within 2 years after a natural disaster, with an additional 3 years allowed for monitoring, maintenance, and repairs

Waives matching fund requirements for sponsors and shields them from liability for damages resulting from carrying out protection measures, except in cases of willful negligence or reckless conduct

Classifies emergency watershed protection measures as emergency response actions for NEPA compliance purposes, streamlining environmental review requirements