[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 2, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 3225. Mr. GARDNER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 2953 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2012, to 
provide for the modernization of the energy policy of the United 
States, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; 
as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. VOLUNTARY VEGETATION MANAGEMENT OUTSIDE RIGHTS-OF-
                   WAY.

       (a) Authorization.--The Secretary of the Interior or the 
     Secretary of Agriculture may authorize an owner or operator 
     of an electric transmission or distribution facility to 
     manage vegetation selectively within 150 feet of the exterior 
     boundary of the right-of-way near structures for selective 
     thinning and fuel reduction.
       (b) Requirements.--Management of vegetation under this 
     section shall--
       (1) be limited to wildfire prevention, such as hazardous 
     fuel buildup near structures and hazard trees;
       (2) be at the expense of the right-of-way holder; and
       (3) not include commercial timber harvesting, logging, 
     prescribed burning, or clear cutting.
       (c) Status of Removed Vegetation.--Any vegetation removed 
     pursuant to this section shall be the property of the United 
     States and not available for sale by the owner or operator.
       (d) Limitation on Liability.--An owner or operator of an 
     electric transmission or distribution facility shall not be 
     held liable for wildfire, damage, loss, or injury, including 
     the cost of fire suppression, resulting from activities 
     carried out pursuant to subsection (a), except in the case of 
     harm resulting from the gross negligence or criminal 
     misconduct of the owner or operator.
                                 ______