[Senate Report 105-160]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
105th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 105-160
_______________________________________________________________________
HISTORY, JURISDICTION, AND A SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES DURING THE 104th CONGRESS
__________
COMMITTEE ON
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
UNITED STATES SENATE
February 11, 1998.--Ordered to be printed
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
(105th Congress)
FRANK H. MURKOWSKI, Alaska, Chairman
PETE V. DOMENICI, New Mexico DALE BUMPERS, Arkansas
DON NICKLES, Oklahoma WENDELL H. FORD, Kentucky
LARRY E. CRAIG, Idaho JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico
BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL, Colorado DANIEL K. AKAKA, Hawaii
CRAIG THOMAS, Wyoming BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota
JON KYL, Arizona BOB GRAHAM, Florida
ROD GRAMS, Minnesota RON WYDEN, Oregon
GORDON H. SMITH, Oregon TIM JOHNSON, South Dakota
SLADE GORTON, Washington MARY L. LANDRIEU, Louisiana
CONRAD BURNS, Montana
Gregg D. Renkes, Staff Director
Gary G. Ellsworth, Chief Counsel
Thomas B. Williams, Staff Director for the Minority
Sam E. Fowler, Chief Counsel for the Minority
______
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
(104th Congress)
FRANK H. MURKOWSKI, Alaska, Chairman
MARK O. HATFIELD, Oregon J. BENNETT JOHNSTON, Louisiana
PETE V. DOMENICI, New Mexico DALE BUMPERS, Arkansas
DON NICKLES, Oklahoma WENDELL H. FORD, Kentucky
LARRY E. CRAIG, Idaho BILL BRADLEY, New Jersey
BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL, Colorado JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico
CRAIG THOMAS, Wyoming DANIEL K. AKAKA, Hawaii
JON KYL, Arizona PAUL WELLSTONE, Minnesota
ROD GRAMS, Minnesota HOWELL HEFLIN, Alabama
JAMES M. JEFFORDS, Vermont BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota
CONRAD BURNS, Montana
Gregg D. Renkes, Staff Director
Gary G. Ellsworth, Chief Counsel
Benjamin S. Cooper, Staff Director for the Minority
MEMORANDUM OF THE CHAIRMAN
----------
To Members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:
The enclosed report reviews the accomplishments of the
Committee in the 104th Congress. It will be submitted to the
Senate pursuant to section 8 of Senate Rule XXVI.
Frank H. Murkowski, Chairman.
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Memorandum of the Chairman....................................... iii
History and jurisdiction......................................... vii
Summary of 104th Congress legislative and oversight activities... 1
Full Committee:
Jurisdiction............................................. 3
Overview................................................. 3
Oversight activities..................................... 4
Legislative activities................................... 8
Measures enacted into law................................ 10
Related public laws...................................... 12
Other measures actively considered....................... 13
Subcommittee on Energy Production and Regulation:
Jurisdiction............................................. 17
Measures enacted into law................................ 17
Other measures actively considered....................... 18
Subcommittee on Energy Research and Development:
Jurisdiction............................................. 21
Oversight activities..................................... 21
Measures enacted into law................................ 21
Measures included within related public laws............. 22
Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land Management:
Jurisdiction............................................. 23
Oversight activities..................................... 23
Legislative activities................................... 24
Measures enacted into law................................ 24
Other measures actively considered....................... 26
Related public laws...................................... 30
Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation:
Jurisdiction............................................. 31
Oversight activities..................................... 31
Legislative activities................................... 31
Measures enacted into law................................ 32
Other measures actively considered....................... 42
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation:
Jurisdiction............................................. 49
Oversight activities..................................... 49
History and Current Jurisdiction
history
Although the Federal Constitution does not even mention
committees, the committee system was established by the First
Congress. Our first lawmakers recognized the need for workable
units to find facts and make policy recommendations, based on
indepth study and expertise.
The present committee organization was created in 1977 by
the ``Committee System Reorganization Amendments of 1977'' (S.
Res. 4, 95th Cong.). The purpose of S. Res. 4 was to streamline
the Senate's procedural organization by reorganizing the
committee jurisdictions as reasonably as possible and within
the hands of fewer committees.
current jurisdiction
Under Senate Rule XXV(g) the jurisdiction of the Committee
on Energy and Natural Resources extends to--
all proposed legislation, messages, petitions,
memorials, and other matters relating to the following
subjects:
1. Coal production, distribution, and
utilization.
2. Energy policy.
3. Energy regulation and conservation.
4. Energy related aspects of deepwater ports.
5. Energy research and development.
6. Extraction of minerals from oceans and
Outer Continental Shelf lands.
7. Hydroelectric power, irrigation, and
reclamation.
8. Mining education and research.
9. Mining, mineral lands, mining claims, and
conservation.
10. National parks, recreation areas,
wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers,
historical sites, military parks and
battlefields, and on the public domain,
preservation of pre-historic ruins and objects
of interests.
11. Naval petroleum reserves in Alaska.
12. Nonmilitary development of nuclear
energy.
13. Oil and gas production and distribution.
14. Public lands and forests, including
farming and grazing thereon, and mineral
extraction therefrom.
15. Solar energy systems.
16. Territorial possessions of the United
States, including trusteeships.
In the 104th Congress, the Committee had five
subcommittees: the Subcommittee on Energy Production and
Regulation; the Subcommittee on Energy Research and
Development; the Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land
Management; the Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation,
and Recreation; and the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations.
Under the subcommittee structure, the jurisdiction of the
Subcommittee on Energy Production and Regulation includes
oversight and legislative responsibilities for: Federal energy
conservation programs; energy information; liquefied natural
gas projects; oil and natural gas regulation; refinery policy;
coal conversion; power marketing agencies; utility policy;
hydroelectric power; energy related aspects of deepwater ports;
and oil, gas and coal production and distribution.
The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Energy Research and
Development includes oversight and legislative responsibilities
for: nuclear, coal and synthetic fuels research and
development; nuclear and non-nuclear energy commercialization
projects; nuclear fuel cycle policy; DOE National Laboratories;
global climate change; new technologies research and
development; nuclear facilities siting and insurance program;
and commercialization of new technologies including, solar
energy systems.
The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Forests and Public
Land Management includes oversight and legislative
responsibility for: public lands administered by the Bureau of
Land Management and U.S. Forest Service including farming and
grazing thereon, and wilderness areas; establishment of
wildlife refuges on public lands and wilderness designation
therein; military land withdrawals; reserved water rights;
irrigation and reclamation projects; groundwater resources and
management; national mining and minerals policy and general
mining laws; surface mining, reclamation and enforcement;
mining education and research; Federal mineral leasing; Naval
oil shale reserves; and deep seabed mining.
The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Parks, Historic
Preservation, and Recreation includes oversight and legislative
responsibilities for: National Park System; Wild and Scenic
Rivers System; National Trails System; national recreation
areas; national monuments; historic sites; military parks and
battlefields; Land and Water Conservation Fund; historic
preservation; outdoor recreation resources; and preservation of
prehistoric ruins and objects of interest on the public domain.
The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations* is oversight of Federal programs, policies,
laws, regulations and administrative actions which affect
matters within the jurisdiction of more than one Subcommittee
of the Committee; investigations of the same at the direction
of the Chairman after consultation with the Ranking Minority
Member; and such other oversight matters as may be referred to
the Subcommittee at the direction of the Chairman after
consultation with the Ranking Minority Member.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations was formed in
May 1995.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition, numerous important matters were considered
directly by the full Committee without initial reference to a
subcommittee. In addition to Executive nominations, such
matters include issues that (1) require extremely expeditious
handling, or (2) substantially overlap two or more subcommittee
jurisdictions, or (3) are of exceptional national significance
in which all Members wish to participate fully.
105th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 105-160
_______________________________________________________________________
HISTORY, JURISDICTION, AND A SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES DURING THE 104th CONGRESS
_______
February 11, 1998.--Ordered to be printed
_______________________________________________________________________
Mr. Frank H. Murkowski, from the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources, submitted the following
SPECIAL REPORT ON COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Summary of 104th Congress Legislative and Oversight Activities
summary
During the 104th Congress, the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources conducted an extensive oversight and
legislative program. A total of 300 bills and resolutions were
referred for consideration to the Committee. Several other
bills and resolutions under the Committee's jurisdiction were
considered and passed by the Senate without Committee referral.
In addition, the Committee received 14 nominations, 5
Presidential messages, and 282 Executive Communications.
In the aggregate, the Committee held 120 days of public
hearings (including 11 field hearings) during the 104th
Congress. These hearings encompassed 61 days of oversight, 54
days of legislative, and 5 days of nomination hearings. The
Committee also held 20 business meetings and participated in 2
House-Senate conferences.
Action was completed on a broad range of oversight,
legislative, and executive matters. Legislatively, 113 bills or
resolutions were reported by the Committee, and the Committee
was discharged of 4 other matters.
The Congress enacted a total of 40 public laws within the
jurisdiction of the Committee.
When the Congress adjourned sine die, 8 Senate-passed
measures within the jurisdiction of the Committee were pending
before the House of Representatives. Ninety-two other measures
reported by the Committee were pending on the Senate Calendar
or being held at the desk.
During the 104th Congress, 14 nominations were submitted by
President Clinton and referred to the Committee. Of these, 13
were reported favorably by the Committee and 11 were confirmed
by the Senate.
The Committee filed 113 Senate Reports on measures reported
by the Committee. The Committee also published 104 hearing
records.
As discussed below, the four principal areas of Committee
activity--budget, energy, natural resources, and territories--
were distributed among the full Committee and five
Subcommittees.
Full Committee
Frank H. Murkowski, Chairman
Jurisdiction
Numerous important measures were considered directly by the
full Committee without initial reference to a Subcommittee.
During the 104th Congress, the jurisdiction of the Full
Committee includes oversight and legislative responsibilities
for: National Energy Policy, including international energy
affairs and emergency preparedness; strategic petroleum
reserves; Outer Continental Shelf leasing; nuclear waste
policy; privatization of federal assets; territorial affairs,
including Freely Associated States; regulation of Trans-Alaska
Pipeline System and other oil or gas pipeline transportation
systems within Alaska; National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska;
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; Alaska National Interest
Lands Conservation Act; Antarctica; Arctic research and energy
development; Native Hawaiian matters; and Ad Hoc issues. [In
addition, other issues are retained in the Full Committee on an
ad hoc basis. Generally, these are issues which (1) require
extremely expeditious handling or (2) substantially overlap two
or more subcommittee jurisdictions, or (3) are of exceptional
national significance in which all Members wish to participate
fully.]
OVERVIEW
Nominations
During the 104th Congress, 14 nominations were submitted by
President Clinton and referred to the Committee. Of these, 13
were reported favorably by the Committee and 11 were confirmed
by the Senate.
Presidential messages
Five Presidential messages were transmitted to the
Committee during the 104th Congress.
Executive communications
The Committee received a total of 282 Executive
Communications transmitting legislative recommendations and
relating to the Committee's oversight responsibilities.
Reports and publications
During the 104th Congress, the Committee filed 113 Senate
Reports on measures reported by the Committee.
The Committee also published 104 hearing records. Twelve of
those dealt with Presidential appointees, and the remaining
publications provided background material pertinent to the
Committee's legislative activities and oversight
responsibilities.
In addition, the Committee published one Committee print.
It dealt with the Rules, Membership and Jurisdiction of the
Committee.
Oversight Activities
Review of the President's proposals for the FY 1996 Budget
The Committee conducted three days of hearings on the
Administration's budget proposals--on February 9, 1995 to
consider the proposed budgets of the Department of Energy and
the Federal Energy Regulatory Administration (104-78), on
February 15 to consider the proposed budget of the Forest
Service (104-39), and on February 16 to consider the proposed
budget of the Department of the Interior (104-68). The
Committee submitted its views and estimates to the Budget
Committee as required by law on March 29, 1995.
Administration proposal to Dispose of the Power Generating and
Transmission Functions of the Power Marketing Administrations
The Committee conducted an oversight hearing on this
proposal on July 12, 1995 (104-388) in response to the
Administration's proposal and the possibility that assumptions
on revenues might be considered in Reconciliation. The
Committee was able to meet its instructions in Reconciliation
without including legislation disposing of the PMA's and no
further action was taken on this subject.
Review of Nuclear Regulatory Commission Licensing Activities With
Regard to the Department of Energy's Civilian Nuclear Waste
Disposal Program
On May 16, 1996, the Full Committee held a hearing
regarding the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) licensing
activities with regard to the Department of Energy's nuclear
waste disposal program and other matters within the
jurisdiction of the NRC (S. Hrg. 104-86).
Department of Energy Realignment and Downsizing
On July 11, 1995, the Full Committee held a hearing on the
Secretary of Energy's Strategic Realignment and Downsizing
Proposal and other alternatives to the existing structure of
the Department of Energy (S. Hrg. 104-265).
Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance
The Full Committee held one day of hearings to consider S.
575, a bill to provide Outer Continental Shelf Impact
Assistance to State and local governments from new revenues
generated from oil and gas production on the Outer Continental
Shelf (S. Hrg. 104-151).
Department of Energy Assessment of Risk
The Full Committee held a hearing to examine the use of
risk assessment by the Department of Energy in performing
environmental restoration and waste management activities (S.
Hrg. 104-63).
U.S.-North Korean Nuclear Agreement
On January 19, 1995, the Committee held a hearing to
examine the impacts of the agreement between the United States
and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea regarding the
North Korea nuclear program on issues of nuclear safety,
nuclear nonproliferation and U.S. energy policy. As a
consequence of this hearing, at the request of the Chairman,
the General Accounting Office, in October 1996, issued the
first in a series of reports on the Implications of the U.S./
North Korean Agreement on Nuclear Issues. (S. Hrg. 104-5).
Waste Management and Cleanup at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation
On March 22, 1995, the Committee held a hearing on the
regulatory impediments to rational, cost-effective waste
management and remediation activities by the Department of
Energy at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in the State of
Washington. The hearing's focus was the report of Committee
consultants Steven Blush and Thomas Heitman entitled ``Train
Wreck Along the River of Money: An Evaluation of the Hanford
Cleanup,'' also known as ``The Blush Report.'' As a consequence
of the hearing and the Blush Report, the Chairman and Ranking
Member introduced legislation on May 26, 1995 (S. 871) to
provide for the management and disposition of the Hanford
Reservation, to provide for environmental management activities
at the Reservation, and for other purposes. The introduction of
this legislation, coupled with reductions in appropriations for
waste management and remediation activities at Hanford,
resulted in greater cooperation between stakeholder parties
(including the parties to the Tri-Party Agreement) leading to
improved focus and progress in management and remediation
activities at Hanford. (S. Hrg. 104-99).
Global Climate Change
On September 17, 1996, the Full Committee held a hearing on
U.S. Climate Change Policy in response to the Administration's
Declaration that it would seek, through the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change, binding and quantified
carbon dioxide emissions reductions over specified timeframes.
The hearing focused on the rationale for the Administration
policy in the face of continuing scientific uncertainty about
climate change and the potentially staggering economic costs
and competitive consequences of internationally-mandated carbon
reduction targets and timetables. (S. Hrg. 104-760).
Forest Ecosystem Health
An oversight Field Hearing was conducted by the Full
Committee in Flagstaff, Arizona on Forest Ecosystem Health and
to understand the science of the forest health and discuss the
changes necessary to manage for long-term forest health on
August 29, 1995. (S. Hrg. 104-182).
Future of the Forest Service
In conjunction with the nomination of Daniel Glickman to be
Secretary of Agriculture, the Committee conducted an oversight
hearing into the future of the Forest Service on March 28,
1995. (S. Hrg. 104-31).
Tongass
Four Oversight Hearings on the management of the Tongass
National Forest (S. Hrg. 104-115) as well as three oversight
hearings on the Tongass National Forest Draft Land Management
Plan were held. Two of these oversight hearings were held in
Ketchikan and Juneau, Alaska. (S. Hrg. 104-670).
Domestic Petroleum Production
The Full Committee conducted a hearing to discuss various
aspects of domestic crude oil and natural gas production, and
international supply on March 8, 1995. (S. Hrg. 104-50).
FERC Electric Utility ``Mega NOPR''
The Committee conducted a hearing on the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission's proposal to restructure the electric
utility industry and increase competition in the wholesale
electric power market on May 10, 1995. (S. Hrg. 104-75).
Komi Oil Spills
A joint oversight hearing was conducted with the Senate
Committee on Environment and Public Works on the energy and
environmental implications of the Komi Oil spills in the former
Soviet Union on June 29, 1995. (S. Hrg. 104-195).
Electric Power Industry
The Full Committee held four separate hearings on
Competitive Change in the Electric Power Industry, focusing on
the issue of what State public utility commissions are doing to
make investor-owned electric utilities more competitive.
Incorporated into one of the hearings was testimony on the
affect FERC Order 888 will have on the electricity industry.
The hearings were held on March 6, March 28, July 11, and
September 9, 1996. (S. Hrg. 104-577 part I and II).
Gasoline Prices
The Committee conducted a hearing to discuss recent
increases in the retail price of gasoline on May 9, 1996. (S.
Hrg. 104-521).
U.S. Dependence on Foreign Energy Supplies
During the First Session of the 104th Congress the Full
Committee held an oversight hearing on various aspects of
domestic crude oil and natural gas production. The focus of the
hearing was the dependence of the United States on foreign
sources of energy supplies. The hearing was held on March 8,
1995 (S. Hrg. 104-50).
ANCSA and ANILCA
The Committee held three days of hearings in Alaska on the
implementation of the Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
The hearings focused on the commitments made to Alaskans when
ANILCA and ANCSA were passed regarding access and use of public
and native lands in Alaska. The Committee was interested in
finding out if the specific distinctions between management of
Public lands in Alaska and in other areas of the United States
were still being adhered to. The hearings were held in
Anchorage on May 31, 1995 (S. Hrg. 104-271), and Fairbanks on
June 2, 1995 (S. Hrg. 104-271).
Estimated North Slope Oil Reserves
The Full Committee held an oversight hearing on the
Estimated Oil Reserves on the North Slope of Alaska and
Drilling and Operating Technology in the Arctic. The Committee
was interested in determining to the best of their ability
actual estimates of the reserve oil on the North Slope.
Additionally, the Committee examined new technology being used
in arctic conditions that minimize the impact on the
environment and reduce the size of the ``footprint'' of
exploration. The hearing was held on July 18, 1995 (S. Hrg.
104-202).
Arctic Oil and Gas Leasing
The Full Committee held a hearing to discuss leasing of the
coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil
and gas exploration and the inclusion of leasing revenues in
the Budget Reconciliation legislation. The hearing was held on
August 2, 1995 (S. Hrg. 104-333).
Alaska Native Issues
The Full Committee joined with the Senate Committee on
Indian Affairs, and the House Resources Committee to conduct an
oversight hearing on the Alaska Natives Commission's Report to
Congress. The Committee discussed the status of Alaska's native
people, the problems with alcohol and drug abuse and solutions
to those problems. The hearing was held on November 16, 1995
(H. Hrg. 104-52).
Oversight on the Situation facing Various Territories and Freely
Associated States of the United States
The Committee exercises the plenary authority of Congress
under the Constitution for the territories of the United States
and also has jurisdiction over United States activities in the
freely associated states. During the period of February 10-22,
1996, the Committee, led by the Chairman and Senator Akaka,
visited the Republic of the Marshall Islands and held meetings
with the President and Cabinet as well as the U.S. Ambassador
in Majuro, the U.S. Army Command in Kwajalein, the local
leadership on Ebeye in the Kwajalein Atoll, and the Bikini
Council on Bikini Atoll. The Committee reviewed on-site the
federal efforts being undertaken to clean-up and rehabilitate
Bikini Atoll with extensive discussions with representatives
from the Department of Energy and Lawrence Livermore as well as
the Bikini community and the contractors for the resettlement
program.
The Committee made the first visit by the Congress to the
Republic of Palau since the Compact of Free Association went
into effect and held meetings with the President, Members of
the O.E.K. (the legislative), the U.S. Mission and local
community. The Committee visited Pelilieu and had discussions
on historic preservation and marine resource needs with the
President and local leadership.
The Committee visited the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands meeting with the Governor and his Cabinet, the
Leadership of the Legislature, Federal Judges and the US
Attorneys, representatives from the federal agencies
participating in the law enforcement initiative, and the local
Chamber of Commerce. The Committee also made an inspection trip
to a local garment factory and the ``housing'' being furnished
to some Bangladesh security guards. During the visit, the
Committee also participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the
American War Memorial Park.
The Committee briefly visited Guam and met with the
Governor and various officials to discuss concerns of Guam,
including the effect of base closures and federal land
requirements. A subsequent meeting with the Navy reviewed some
of those concerns.
The Committee concluded its review by visiting Pohnpei, the
capital of the Federated States of Micronesia and met with the
President and members of his Cabinet, the Governor of Pohnpei
and officials of the local government, the US Ambassador and
her staff, and reviewed the status of the infrastructure and
discussed the development of marine resources and tourism
within the Federated States.
As a result of the meetings, the Chairman and Senator
Akaka, together with the Ranking Member, Senator Johnston,
introduced S. 1804, which is discussed later, and conducted an
oversight into labor conditions in the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands and the extent of federal agency
presence and commitment within the territory as part of a
hearing on June 26, 1996.
Legislative Activities
Budget Reconciliation
The Committee met on September 20, 21, and October 19, 1995
to consider and approve legislation to be sent to the Budget
Committee for inclusion in a Reconciliation measure. The
Committee's recommendations were eventually incorporated as
Subtitles B and C of Title V of the Balanced Budget Act of
1995, which was vetoed by the President. Various hearings were
held at Full Committee and by Subcommittee on provisions
included in the Committee's recommendation. Those measures are
discussed in their respective portions of this Summary.
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1996
On March 2, 1995, the Full Committee held a hearing on S.
443, the Electric Consumers and Environmental Protection Act of
1995, S. 167, the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1995, S. 429, the
Independent Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Act of 1995, S. 473, the
Nuclear Energy Policy Act of 1995, and draft legislation that
was later introduced as H.R. 1020 (S. Hrg. 104-56). On December
14, 1995, the Full Committee held a hearing on S. 1271, the
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1995, a bill to direct the
Secretary of Energy to develop an integrated management system
for spent nuclear fuel and high-level nuclear waste (S. Hrg.
104-402). S. 1271 was reported by the Committee with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute on March 29, 1996 (S.
Rept. 104-248). On July 9, 1996, S. 1936, the Nuclear Waste
Policy Act of 1996, a bill containing the text of S. 1271 as
reported by the Committee, was introduced, read the first time
and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar. On July 10,
1996, S. 1936 was read the second time and placed on the Senate
Legislative Calendar under General Orders. On July 11, 1996,
cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 1936 was considered and
withdrawn, on July 16, 1996, cloture on the motion to proceed
to S. 1936 was invoked by the Senate and withdrawn. On July 24,
1996, the cloture motion on the bill was withdrawn by unanimous
consent. The Senate considered and passed S. 1936, with
amendments, on July 31, 1996. In the House, a similar bill,
H.R. 1020, was ordered reported by the Commerce Committee on
August 2, 1995. No further action was taken by the House on
H.R. 1020 or S. 1936.
Emergency Energy Policy
On March 12, 1996, the Full Committee held a hearing on S.
1605, the Energy Policy and Conservation Amendment Act, and S.
186, the Emergency Petroleum Supply Act (S. Hrg. 104-273). S.
1605, to reauthorize and amend the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act (EPCA) to manage the Strategic Petroleum
Reserve (SPR) more effectively, and for other purposes,
introduced by request for the Administration, was reported by
the Committee with an amendment in the nature of a substitute
on May 15, 1996 (S. Rept. 104-273). The amendment included the
text of S. 186, to amend the EPCA with respect to purchases
from the SPR by entities in the insular areas of the United
States, and for other purposes.
On June 19, 1996, the Committee reported to the Senate
without amendment S. 1888, to extend authorities for energy
conservation programs under the EPCA through September 30, 1996
(without written report). No further action was taken by the
Senate, and authorities for these programs expired on June 30,
1996. On September 28, 1996, the Senate passed H.R. 3868, to
extend certain programs under the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act through September 30, 1996, with an amendment
in the nature of a substitute that would have extended EPCA
Programs through September 30, 1997, and amended the antitrust
provisions of the EPCA to be consistent with the policies of
the International Energy Agency (IEA). The House took no action
on the Senate version of H.R. 3868. On September 24, 1996, the
House passed H.R. 4083, a simple extension of SPR and IEA
authorizations under EPCA through September 30, 1997. On
October 3, 1996, the Senate passed H.R. 4083, without
amendment. The bill was signed into law on October 14, 1996
(P.L. 104-306).
Department of Energy Abolishment
On September 4, 1996, the Full Committee held a hearing on
S. 1678, a bill to abolish the Department of Energy (S. Hrg.
104-749). The Committee took no further action on the bill
during the 104th Congress.
Department of Energy Class Action Lawsuits
On June 7, 1996, S. 1852, a bill to bar class action
lawsuits against Department of Energy contractors for incidents
occurring before August 20, 1988, was introduced. On June 19,
1996, S. 1852 was placed on the agenda for a Full Committee
business meeting. The Committee took no further action on the
bill during the 104th Congress.
Department of Energy Standardization
On June 13, 1996, S. 1874, a bill to amend sections of the
Department of Energy Organization Act that are obsolete or
inconsistent with other statutes and to repeal a related
section of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, was
introduced. On June 28, 1996, the Committee reported S. 1874 to
the Senate without amendment (S. Rept. 104-311). On September
28, 1996, it passed the Senate without amendment. The house
took no action on the legislation.
Department of Energy Reports Elimination and Streamlining
On August 2, 1996, S. 2033, a bill to repeal requirements
for unnecessary or obsolete reports from the Department of
Energy was introduced. On September 13, 1996, the Full
Committee reported S. 2033 to the Senate with amendments
(without written report). No further action was taken on the
legislation.
Public Rangelands Management Act
The Full Committee reported an original bill (S. 1459) to
provide for uniform management of livestock grazing on Federal
land to the Senate (S. Rept. 104-181). The measure passed the
Senate 51-46 on March 21, 1996.
Mining and Mineral Policy Amendments Act of 1995
The Full Committee held one day of hearings on S. 1194, a
bill to amend the Mining and Mineral Policy Act of 1970 to
promote the research, identification, assessment, and
exploration of marine mineral resources (S. Hrg. 104-528). The
bill was reported to the Senate (S. Rept. 104-296) with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the
title and was enacted into law (Public Law 104-325).
MEASURES ENACTED INTO LAW
Alaska Power Administration Sale Act
Public Law 104-58 (S. 395; Mr. Murkowski) An Act to
authorize the elimination of all existing restrictions on
exports of Alaska North Slope crude oil, including those in
effect by statute, regulation, or executive order and to
authorize and direct the Secretary of Energy to sell the
Snettisham and Eklutna hydroelectric projects in accordance
with their purchase agreements. The Committee considered S. 395
a bill to authorize and direct the Secretary of Energy to sell
the Alaska Power Administration, and for other purposes. The
bill was introduced on Feb. 13, 1995. A hearing was held on
Mar. 1, 1995 (S. Hrg. 104-33) and reported to the Senate on
Apr. 27, 1995) (S. Rept. 104-78). The bill was passed and
signed into Public Law on Nov. 28, 1995.
RS 2477
On March 14, 1996 the Full Committee held a hearing on S.
1425 to recognize the validity of rights-of-way granted under
section 2477 of the Revised Statutes, and for other purposes.
As originally written S. 1425 provided a process by which RS
2477 rights-of-way could be validated by means other than a
quiet title action in the courts. Because of controversy over
the legislation the Full Committee on May 1, 1996 passed a
substitute amendment by voice vote. The substitute amendment
placed a permanent moratorium on any agency of the federal
government from issuing final regulations on RS 2477 rights-of-
way without Congressional approval. The measure was included as
part of the Continuing Resolution.
Administration of Certain Presidio Properties at Minimal Cost to the
Taxpayer
Public Law 104-333. The Full Committee held a hearing on
December 20, 1995, to receive testimony on S. 594 and H.R.
1296, bills to provide for the administration of certain
Presidio properties at minimal cost to the Federal taxpayer and
to review a map associated with the Presidio. The purposes of
the hearing were to determine which properties within the
Presidio of San Francisco (including the 150 acres managed by
the National Park Service prior to transfer of the Presidio
from the Department of Defense to the Department of the
Interior in 1994) should be transferred to the administrative
jurisdiction of the Presidio Trust, and to outline what
authorities would be required to ensure that the Trust can meet
the objective of generating revenues sufficient to operate the
Presidio without a federal appropriation. The measure was
reported to the Senate with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute. (S. Rept. 104-202). On May 1, 1996, H.R. 1296
passed the Senate with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute. On May 9, 1996, the House disagreed with the Senate
amendment and requested a conference. A conference was held on
May 23, 1996, and the conferees agreed to file a conference
report on September 24, 1996. (H. Rept. 104-836). Objection in
the Senate to the conference report was raised on September 25,
1996. Many of the provisions of H.R. 1296 were included in H.R.
4236, which became Public Law 104-333. Among the various
measures that were eventually included in P.L. 104-333 were the
following items considered by the Full Committee.
PILT Amendments
On June 11, 1996 the Full Committee held a hearing on S.
1010 to amend the ``unit of general local government''
definition for payments in lieu of taxes to include the
unorganized borough in Alaska. On September 12, 1996 at a Full
Committee business meeting the measure was ordered reported
with an amendment in the nature of a substitute (S. Rept. 104-
396). The provisions of S. 1010 were embodied in H.R. 4236 and
passed the House on September 28, 1996. H.R. 4236 passed the
Senate on October 3, 1996 by unanimous consent, and was signed
into law on November 12, 1996 as Public Law 104-333.
Kenai Native Exchange
On June 26, 1995 the Full Committee held a hearing on S.
1889 to authorize the exchange of certain lands conveyed to the
Kenai Natives Association pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act, to make adjustments to the National Wilderness
System, and for other purposes. The bill as introduced was
identical to H.R. 401 which were the agreements of a negotiated
settlement between the Kenai Natives Association and the
Department of the Interior. On September 12, 1996, the Full
Committee reported S. 1889 with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute offered by Senator Murkowski (S. Rept. 104-397). The
original provisions of S. 1889 were embodied in H.R. 4236 and
became part of Public Law 104-333.
ANCSA Conveyances
On September 18, 1996, the Full Committee held a hearing on
S. 1998 to provide for expedited negotiations between the
Secretary of the Interior and five Alaskan native villages
regarding conveyances of certain lands in Alaska under the
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. While S. 1998 did not pass
the Senate a provision extending the statute of limitations for
the five Alaska native villages was embodied in H.R. 4236 and
became part of as Public Law 104-333.
Recreation Lakes
S. 1844 (Murkowski et. al.), legislation to direct a study
of the opportunities for enhanced water based recreation, was
subject to a hearing on June 13, 1966 and reported to the
Senate (S. Rept. 104-385). The legislation eventually was
enacted as section 1021 of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands
Management Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-333).
CALFED
California Bay Delta Environmental Enhancement. This
measure, which was not formally introduced as separate
legislation, provides $143.3 million/year for three years and
authorizes federal participation in the Category III program
for the Bay-Delta and the initial portion of the long-term
program provided for by California law. The program builds on
the authorities contained in the Central Valley Project
Improvement Act (title XXXIV of P.L. 102-575) and other
measures considered by the Committee. The provisions were
enacted as title XI of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands
Management Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-333).
Public Law 104-306 (H.R. 4083; Scheafer) To extend certain
programs under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act through
September 30, 1997.
Public Law 104-325 (S. 1194, Mr. Akaka and Mr. Lott: Mining
and Mineral Policy Amendments Act of 1995).
RELATED PUBLIC LAWS
WIPP
S. 1402, Mr. Craig: A bill to amend the Waste Isolation
Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal Act. (Enacted into law as part of
Public Law 104-201).
Outer Continental Shelf Deep Water Royalty Relief Act
The Full Committee considered S. 158, a bill to provide for
the energy security of the nation through encouraging the
production of domestic oil and gas resources in deep water on
the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico (S. Hrg. 104-
151). The bill was enacted as Title III of S. 395, the Alaska
Power Administration Sale Act, and became law (Public Law 104-
58).
USEC Privatization Act
On June 13, 1995, the Committee considered S. 755
(Domenici, et. al.) to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to
provide for the privatization of the United States Enrichment
Corporation. (S. Hrg. 104-105). The measure was ordered
reported with amendment in the nature of a substitute on
September 21, 1995 (S. Rept. 104-173). After further
deliberation and negotiation, Amendment 3121 (Murkowski,
Johnston, Domenici and Ford) was offered as a substitute
amendment to S. 755 and later adopted as sections 3101-3117 of
the Omnibus Appropriation Act of 1996, Public Law 104-134.
OTHER MEASURES ACTIVELY CONSIDERED
S. 638, Senator Murkowski (by request), amended several
statutes, most notably the entitlement for the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands. The Committee conducted a hearing
on May 25, 1996 (S. Hrg. 104-158) and reported the measure with
amendments (S. Rept. 104-101). The measure passed the Senate on
July 20, 1995. The restructuring of the funding for the
Northern Marianas was eventually accomplished on the
Appropriations measure for the Department of the Interior for
FY 1996 consistent with the recommendations of the Committee.
Department of Energy Risk Management Act of 1995
The Committee considered S. 333, a bill to direct the
Secretary of Energy to institute certain procedures in the
performance of risk assessments in connection with
environmental restoration activities, and for other purposes.
The bill was reported to the Senate with an amendment in the
nature of a substitute (S. Rept. 104-87).
Ward Valley Land Transfer Act
The Committee recommended language to the Budget Committee
for inclusion in the Balanced Budget Act of 1995 (Budget
Reconciliation) that would direct the necessary property
conveyance in the State of California. After the President's
veto of the Balanced Budget Act of 1995, the Chairman and
Ranking Member introduced similar legislation containing
additional environmental protections as a free standing measure
(S. 1596). The bill was considered by the Committee and
reported to the Senate without amendment on March 28, 1996 (S.
Rept. 104-247).
PILT Amendments
S. 1010, (Mr. Stevens): a bill to amend the ``unit of
general local government'' definition for Federal payments in
lieu of taxes to include unorganized boroughs in Alaska. A
hearing was held on June 11, 1996 and the bill was reported to
Senate with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S.
Rept. 104-396).
Cook Inlet
S. 444, (Mr. Murkowski): a bill to amend the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act to provide for the purchase of common
stock of Cook Inlet Region. The bill was reported to the Senate
on March 27, 1995. (S. Rept. 104-20). (See H.R. 421).
ANCSA Amendment
S. 537, (Mr. Murkowski): a bill to amend the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-163). (See
H.R. 402).
Southeast Alaska Jobs
S. 1054, (Mr. Murkowski): a bill to provide for the
protection of Southeast Alaska jobs and communities. A workshop
was held on August 9, 1995.
Tongass
S. 1877, (Mr. Murkowski): a bill to ensure the proper
stewardship of publicly owned assets in the Tongass National
Forest in the State of Alaska, a fair return to the United
States for public timber in the Tongass, and a proper balance
among multiple use interests in the Tongass to enhance forest
health, sustainable harvest, and the general economic health
and growth in southeast Alaska and the United States. A hearing
was held on July 10, 1996. (S. Hrg. 104-762).
Kenai Native
S. 1889, (Mr. Murkowski): a bill to authorize the exchange
of certain lands conveyed to the Kenai Natives Association
pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, to make
adjustments to the National Wilderness System. A hearing was
held on June 26, 1996. (S. Hrg. 104-610) and the bill was
reported to the Senate with an amendment. (S. Rept. 104-397).
Federal Power Act Amendment of 1995
The Committee considered S. 737 to extend the deadlines
applicable to certain hydroelectric projects, and for other
purposes. The bill was reported to the Senate as an original
bill. (S. Rept. 104-77).
Energy Policy and Conservation Act Amendment Act
The Committee considered S. 1605 to amend the Energy Policy
and Conservation Act to manage the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
more effectively, and for other purposes. The hearing was held
on Mar. 27, 1996 (S. Hrg. 104-522) and reported to the Senate
on May 15, 1996. (S. Rept. 104-273).
National Park System Management, Concessions and Fees; National Forest
System Ski Fees
The Full Committee held a hearing on September 15, 1995, to
receive testimony on S. 1144, a bill to reform and enhance the
management of the National Park Service; S. 309, a bill to
reform the concession policies of the National Park Service; S.
964, a bill to amend the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act
of 1965 with respect to fees for admission into units of the
National Park System; and S. 907, a bill to amend the National
Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to clarify the authorities
and duties of the Secretary of Agriculture in issuing ski area
permits on National Forest System lands and to withdraw lands
within ski area permit boundaries from the operation of the
mining and mineral leasing laws. (S. Hrg. 104.469).
Daniel J. Gross
On June 11, 1996 the Full Committee held a hearing on S.
1187 to convey certain real property located in the Tongass
National Forest to Daniel J. Gross, Sr., and Douglas K. Gross.
(S. Hrg. 104-688).
Kake Exchange
On June 11, 1996 the Full Committee held a hearing on S.
1807 to amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act,
regarding the Kake Tribal Corporation Public Interest Land
Exchange. (S. Hrg. 104-688). No further action was taken by the
Committee.
ANILCA Amendment
On September 18, 1996, the Full Committee held a hearing on
S. 1920 to amend the Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act as well as amendment No. 5354 proposed to S.
1920. (S. Hrg. 104-763). No further action was taken by the
Committee.
Omnibus Territories Measure
S. 1804, (Senators Murkowski, Johnston, and Akaka), was
developed as a result of the oversight inspection to the
Pacific territories and freely associated states discussed
above. The legislation would have extended the supplemental
feeding program for the population of Enewetak, revised the
land grant status of the three institutions under the College
of Micronesia, provided for access by Guam to surplus lands,
repeal a provision of law restricting Guam's ability to use
certain previously transferred lands, provide State-like
treatment for the territories under certain federal drug
programs, authorize the Virgin Islands to issue parity bonds
and ease a limitation on the authority of the Governor, and
conduct a study of the economic future of the Virgin Islands in
light of changes in federal tax and trade laws. A hearing was
conducted on June 26, 1996 (S. Hrg. 104-702) and the
legislation was reported to the Senate with an amendment on
September 13, 1996 without a written report. A final resolution
of the various issues with the House and the Administration was
not achieved prior to adjournment.
Subcommittee on Energy Production and Regulation
DON NICKLES, Oklahoma, Chairman
JAMES M. JEFFORDS, Vermont, Vice Chairman
MARK O. HATFIELD, Oregon JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico
CONRAD BURNS, Montana WENDELL H. FORD, Kentucky
DANIEL K. AKAKA, Hawaii
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction of the Subcommittee includes oversight and
legislative responsibilities for: Federal energy conservation
programs; energy information; liquefied natural gas projects;
oil and natural gas regulation; refinery policy; coal
conversion; power marketing agencies; utility policy;
hydroelectric power; energy related aspects of deepwater ports;
and oil, gas and coal production and distribution.
Measures enacted into law
Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Simplification and Fairness Act
Public Law 104-185. The Subcommittee on Energy Production
and Regulation held one day of hearings on S. 1014, a bill to
improve the management of royalties from Federal and Outer
Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leases (S. Hrg. 104-347). The
bill was reported to the Senate with an amendment in the nature
of a substitute (S. Rept. 104-260). The House companion, H.R.
1975, which substituted the text of S. 1014, was enacted into
law.
Public Law 104-185 (H.R. 1975, Mr. Calvert et. al.: Federal
Oil and Gas Royalty Simplification and Fairness Act).
Public Law 104-200 (H.R. 4018, Mr. Calvert) (making
technical corrections to the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty
Simplification and Fairness Act).
Bonneville Power Administration Appropriations Refinancing Act
Public Law 104-46. The Committee considered S. 92 to
provide for the reconstitution of outstanding repayment
obligations of the Administrator of the Bonneville Power
Administration for the appropriated capital investments in the
Federal Columbia River Power System. The Subcommittee was
responsible for Title One. The hearing was held on Mar. 21,
1995 (S. Hrg. 104-155) and was reported to the Senate without
amendment (S. Rept. 104-102). The bill was passed as part of
the Appropriations Act.
Public Law 104-173 (H.R. 1051) To provide for the extension
of certain hydroelectric projects in the State of West
Virginia.
Public Law 104-249 (H.R. 2501) To extend the deadline under
the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction of a
hydroelectric project in Kentucky, and for other purposes.
Public Law 104-244 (H.R. 1014) To authorize extension of
time limitation for a FERC-issued hydroelectric license.
Public Law 104-245 (H.R. 1290) To reinstate the permit for,
and extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act applicable
to the construction of a hydroelectric project in Oregon, and
for other purposes.
Public Law 104-241 (H.R. 657) To extend the deadline under
the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction of three
hydroelectric projects in the State of Arkansas.
Public Law 104-254 (H.R. 2695) To extend the deadline under
the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction of certain
hydroelectric projects in the State of Pennsylvania.
Public Law 104-243 (H.R. 1011) To extend the deadline under
the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction of a
hydroelectric project in the State of Ohio.
Public Law 104-247 (H.R. 1366) To authorize the extension
of time limitation for the FERC-issued hydroelectric license
for the Mt. Hope Waterpower Project.
Public Law 104-256 (H.R. 2773) To extend the deadline under
the Federal Power Act applicable to the construction of 2
hydroelectric projects in North Carolina, and for other
purposes.
Public Law 104-242 (H.R. 680) To extend the time for
construction of certain FERC licensed hydro projects.
Public Law 104-252 (H.R. 2630) To extend the deadline for
commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the
State of Illinois.
Public Law 104-257 (H.R. 2816) To reinstate the license
for, and extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act
applicable to the construction of, a hydroelectric project in
Ohio, and for other purposes.
OTHER MEASURES ACTIVELY CONSIDERED
FERC License Projects in Hawaii
The Committee considered S. 225 to amend the Federal Power
Act to remove the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission to license projects on fresh waters in the State of
Hawaii. This bill was reported to the Senate on Apr. 27, 1995
(S. Rept. 104-70).
Electric Power of Certain Electric Transmission Systems
The Committee considered S. 299 to amend the Federal Power
Act to modify an exemption relating to the territory for the
sale of electric power of certain electric transmission
systems, and for other purposes.
FERC-Issued Hydroelectric License
The Committee considered S. 461 to authorize extension of
time limitation for a FERC-issued hydroelectric license. The
bill was reported to the Senate on April 27, 1995 without
amendment, (S. Rept. 104-73).
El Vado Hydroelectric Project in New Mexico
The Committee considered S. 522 to provide for a limited
exemption to the hydroelectric licensing provisions of part I
of the Federal Power Act for certain transmission facilities
associated with the El Vado Hydroelectric Project in New
Mexico. The bill was reported to the Senate on April 27, 1995
without amendment. (S. Rept. 104-74).
Hydroelectric Projects
The Committee considered S. 547 to extend the deadlines
applicable to certain hydroelectric projects under the Federal
Power Act, and for other purposes. A hearing was held on May
18, 1995. (S. Hrg. 104-65). This bill was reported to the
Senate on July 11, 1996 without amendment (S. Rept. 104-106).
Hydroelectric Facility in Montana
The Committee considered S. 552 to allow the refurbishment
and continued operation of a small hydroelectric facility in
central Montana by adjusting the amount of charges to be paid
to the United States under the Federal Power Act, and for other
purposes. A hearing was held on May 18, 1995, (S. Hrg. 104-65)
and the bill was reported to the Senate without amendment on
July 11, 1995 (S. Rept. 104-107).
Hydroelectric Projects in West Virginia
The Committee considered S. 595 to provide for the
extension of a hydroelectric project located in the State of
West Virginia. The hearing was held on May 18, 1995 (S. Hrg.
104-65) and reported to the Senate without amendment on July
11, 1995 (S. Rept. 104-108).
FERC-Issued Hydroelectric License
The Committee considered S. 611 to authorize extension of
time limitation for a FERC-issued hydroelectric license. A
hearing was held on May 18, 1995 (S. Hrg. 104-65) and reported
to the Senate on July 11, 1996 without amendment. (S. Rept.
104-109). (S. Hrg. 104-65).
The Electric Utility Ratepayer Act
The Committee considered S. 708 to repeal section 210 of
the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. A hearing
was held on June 6, 1995 (S. Hrg. 104-248).
FERC Projects Numbered 4244 and 10648
The Committee considered S. 1012 to extend the time for
construction of certain FERC licensed hydro projects. A hearing
was held on Sept. 14, 1995 (S. Hrg. 104-347) and reported to
the Senate on Oct. 19, 1995 without amendment. (S. Rept. 104-
162).
Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Simplification and Fairness Act of 1995
The Committee considered S. 1014 to improve the management
of royalties from Federal and Outer Continental Shelf oil and
gas leases, and for other purposes. A hearing was held on Sept.
14, 1995 (S. Hrg. 104-347) and reported to the Senate on May 9,
1996 with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept.
104-260).
Subcommittee on Energy Research and Development
PETE V. DOMENICI, New Mexico, Chairman
LARRY E. CRAIG, Idaho, Vice Chairman
JON KYL, Arizona WENDELL H. FORD, Kentucky
ROD GRAMS, Minnesota PAUL WELLSTONE, Minnesota
HOWELL HEFLIN, Alabama
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction of the Subcommittee includes oversight and
legislative responsibilities for: nuclear, coal and synthetic
fuels research and development; nuclear and non-nuclear energy
commercialization projects; nuclear fuel cycle policy; DOE
National Laboratories; global climate change; new technologies
research and development; nuclear facilities siting and
insurance program; and commercialization of new technologies
including, solar energy systems.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
National Laboratories
On February 28, 1995, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development of the
Senate Committee on Appropriations to review findings of the
Task Force on Alternative Futures for the Department of Energy
National Laboratories (The ``Galvin Commission'') focusing on
recommendations to reform the system of governance imposed upon
the laboratories by the Department of Energy and Congress. (S.
Hrg. 104-71).
MEASURES ENACTED INTO LAW
Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act Extension
Public Law 104-259. The Subcommittee considered S. 341
(Brown) and H.R. 2967 (Schaefer) to extend the authorization of
the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978, and
for other purposes. An extension of the Uranium Mill Tailings
Radiation Control Act of 1978 was necessary for the Department
of Energy to complete remediation activities at six abandoned
mill tailings sites in Colorado, and the House measure
contained other needed provisions to authorize partial
reimbursement to private parties for remediation work
undertaken for the government's benefit. On June 27, 1996, the
Committee reported H.R. 2967 to the Senate without amendment
(S. Rept. 104-301). The measure passed the Senate on September
28, 1996, and became Public Law 104-259 on October 9, 1996.
Hydrogen Future Act
Public Law 104-271. On March 20, 1996, the Subcommittee
held a hearing (S. Hrg. 104-479) on legislation to authorize a
research, development and demonstration program for hydrogen as
an energy carrier [S. 1077 (Harkin et. al.) and H.R. 655
(Walker)] as well as legislation to authorize a hydrogen
research and development program and a hydrogen demonstration
and commercialization project [S. 1153 (Burns)]. On September
12, 1996, the Committee ordered H.R. 655 reported with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute. The substitute
amendment was a compromise that incorporated provisions of S.
1077, S. 1153, and H.R. 655 as passed by the House. Due to the
difficulty of moving legislation from the Committee off the
Senate Calendar in the waning days of the 104th Congress, the
House passed another vehicle (H.R. 4138) identical in every
respect to the substitute measure ordered reported by the
Committee. On September 28, 1996, the Senate passed H.R. 4138
by voice vote. The measure became Public Law 104-271 on October
9, 1996.
Propane Education and Research Act
Public Law 104-284. On April 16, 1996, the Subcommittee
held a hearing on S. 1646 (Domenici et. al.), a bill to
authorize and facilitate a program to enhance safety, training,
research and development, and safety education in the propane
gas industry for the benefit of propane consumers and the
public (S. Hrg. 104-449). On June 19, 1996, the measure was
ordered reported to the Senate with an amendment (S. Rept. 104-
298). On June 27, 1996, the House Committee on Commerce
reported an identical companion version (H.R. 1514) with an
amendment identical to the one earlier reported by the Senate
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. H.R. 1514 passed the
House on September 4, which the Senate subsequently passed on
September 28, 1996. On October 11, 1996, the measure became
Public Law 104-284.
MEASURES INCLUDED WITHIN RELATED PUBLIC LAWS
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
Provisions of S. 1402 (Craig et. al.), a bill to amend the
Waste Isolation Pilot Land Withdrawal Act were included in the
Defense Authorization Bill, S. 1745, which was subsequently
incorporated as an amendment by the Senate to H.R. 3230,
enacted as Public Law 104-201 on September 23, 1996.
Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land Management
LARRY E. CRAIG, Idaho, Chairman
JON KYL, Arizona, Vice Chairman
MARK O. HATFIELD, Oregon BILL BRADLEY, New Jersey
PETE V. DOMENICI, New Mexico DALE BUMPERS, Arkansas
BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL, Colorado JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico
CRAIG THOMAS, Wyoming BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction of the Subcommittee includes oversight and
legislative responsibility for: public lands administered by
the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service including
farming and grazing thereon, and wilderness areas;
establishment of wildlife refuges on public lands and
wilderness designation therein; military land withdrawals;
reserved water rights; irrigation and reclamation projects;
groundwater resources and management; national mining and
minerals policy and general mining laws; surface mining,
reclamation and enforcement; mining education and research;
Federal mineral leasing; Naval oil shale reserves; and deep
seabed mining.
Oversight Activities
The Subcommittee conducted 11 oversight hearings on the
Federal Forest Management, including issues such as: (1) Forest
Service Administrative appeals process; (2) Federal Forest
Management and compliance with environmental laws; (3)
alternatives to Federal Management and ownership; (4)
developing forest plans and project-level decisions, and
conflicts in laws and regulations affecting Forest Service
decisions; and (5) to examine the conditions that have made the
National Forest of the Southwest susceptible to catastrophic
fires and disease. Federal Forest Management hearings were also
held in Washington, Idaho and Arizona. The hearings were held
on March 8, 1995, April 5, 1995, April 26, 1995, June 8, 1995,
July 5, in Grangeville, Idaho, July 7, in Olympia, Washington,
August 29, 1995 in Flagstaff, Arizona, October 26, 1995,
November 2, 1995, January 25, 1996, and July 30, 1996 (S. Hrg.
104-182). The Subcommittee also held three oversight hearings
on the Emergency Salvage Timber Sale Program provisions of the
Fiscal Year 1995 Rescissions Act on August 10, 1995 (S. Hrg.
104-214), November 29, 1995 (S. Hrg. 104-241), and August 1,
1996 (S. Hrg. 104-755). One Subcommittee oversight hearing was
held on the property dispute of the Nez Perce Indian
Reservation on July 5, 1995 (S. Hrg. 104-200).
The Subcommittee also held two oversight hearings during
the 104th Congress to consider the Rules and Regulations
proposed by the Department of the Interior on Acreage
Limitation and Water Conservation under the Reclamation Reform
Act. The hearings were held in Twin Falls, Idaho and Riverton
Wyoming on August 21, 1995. (S. Hrg. 104-338).
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
The Subcommittee considered a variety of measures ranging
from water reuse and recycling to transfer of Reclamation
projects from federal ownership. As part of Reconciliation, the
Subcommittee considered amendments to the Reclamation Reform
Act to permit the prepayment of outstanding indebtedness, the
transfer of the Collbran Project in Colorado and the Sly Park
unit in California, authorization for prepayment for the
Central Utah Project, and alterations in the fees charged for
the use of Yosemite Park by the City of San Francisco for the
Hetch Hetchy Project. Although the Reconciliation measure was
vetoed, the legislation for the Central Utah Project was
eventually enacted. The Subcommittee also reviewed the proposed
Rules and Regulations of the Department of the Interior under
the Reclamation Reform Act and partially as a result of the
Subcommittee's efforts, the proposed regulations were revised.
The Subcommittee maintained a continuing interest in the
activities of the Western Water Policy Review Advisory
Commission as well as the implementation of the Central Valley
Project Improvement Act, negotiations and discussions dealing
with the Law of the River, and proposals affecting the Central
Arizona Project and other Reclamation projects.
As discussed below, those bills enacted into law which are
of particular interest include the Cache La Poudre River
National Water Area Heritage Act, amendments to the Colorado
River Basin Salinity Control Act, Mining and Mineral Policy
Amendments Act of 1995, Snowbasin Land Exchange Act of 1995,
Fort Peck Rural County Water Supply System Act of 1995, and
Irrigation Project Contract Extension Act of 1996.
MEASURES ENACTED INTO LAW
Public Law 104-20 would authorize $75 million for a program
of salinity control by the Bureau of Reclamation above Imperial
Dam. The legislation adds to the existing title II program by
providing the Bureau with the flexibility to tailor programs in
the most cost-effective manner rather than having to come to
Congress for a new authorization for each project. The
legislation in some respects mirrors the flexibility provided
USDA in 1984 and reflects the recommendations made by the
Inspector General in his 1993 report on the Salinity Control
Program. The Administration has requested $6 million in its
fiscal year 1996 budget request for this new program and has
also stated in the budget justification its support for a $75
million increase in the present ceiling to fund activities
under Title II. This new program is in addition to other
activities by the Department, such as long-term contracts
undertaken with operation and maintenance appropriations. This
new program is directed at capital improvements not operations.
Public Law 104-20, introduced by Senators Bennett, Brown,
Campbell, Hatch, Kyl, Domenici, Simpson, and Thomas, makes
changes in the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act to
authorize additional cost-effective control measures upstream
from Imperial Dam. The measure was reported by the Committee
with an amendment (S. Rept. 104-24).
Public Law 104-158 (H.R. 2437, S. 985) Mr. McInnis: An Act
to provide for the exchange of certain lands in Gilpin County,
Colorado.
Public Law 104-266, (H.R. 3660) Mr. Hansen, added 16 new
projects to the authorization for the Department of the
Interior to participate in wastewater reclamation and reuse
projects and certain desalination and groundwater reclamation
projects contained in title 16 of the Reclamation Projects
Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992. The legislation also
included a desalination project in both California and Nevada
and extended the period for the study of the San Francisco Area
Water Reclamation Study. The Subcommittee had previously
considered similar legislation (S. 901, introduced by Senators
Bennett, Hatch, Domenici, and Bingaman and S. 1169, introduced
by Senators Kempthorne and Craig) and conducted hearings on
December 13, 1995 (S. Hrg. 104-380). S. 901 was favorably
reported to the Senate with amendments (S. Rept. 104-322). No
further action was necessary on S. 1169 which the Committee
concluded was already eligible for funding as a demonstration
project (cf. S. Rept. 104-322).
Public Law 104-286, (H.R. 1823) Mr. Hansen, et.al.
authorizes the prepayment of outstanding debt on the Central
Utah Project. Similar legislation, S. 900, introduced by
Senators Bennett and Hatch, had been considered and approved by
the Committee for inclusion in the Reconciliation measure as
described above.
Public Law 104-300 (S. 1467), introduced by Senators Burns
and Baucus, authorizes the construction of the Fort Peck Rural
County Water Supply System. The Subcommittee conducted hearings
on S. 1467 and a related measure, S. 1154, on December 13, 1995
(S. Hrg. 104-380) and reported the measure favorably (S. Rept.
104-242). The measure was amended by the House and the
amendments were accepted by the Senate.
Public Law 104-318 (H.R. 3910), Mr. Ortiz, provides
emergency drought relief to the City of Corpus Christi, Texas,
and the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority. The
Subcommittee considered this issue during hearings on S. 1719,
introduced by Senator Hutchison, that would have directed the
Secretary of the Interior to offer prepayment of the
indebtedness of the Canadian River Project, the Palmetto Bend
Project, and the Nueces Project, and reported S. 1719 amended
to provide emergency drought relief (S. Rept. 104-383).
Public Law 104-325 reauthorizes a program of applied
research on marine mineral resources. It authorizes the
Secretary of the Interior to foster partnerships among the
industry, adademia, and the Government for research,
identification, assessment, and exploration of marine mineral
resources in an environmentally responsible manner. It further
authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promote the
development of domestic technologies needed for efficient and
environmentally sound development of marine mineral resources.
It authorizes, the Secretary of the Interior to implement this
program through grants, contracts, and other cooperative
arrangements and the designation of marine mineral research
centers.
Public Law 104-326 (S. 1649), introduced by Senators
Kerrey, Dole, Exon, and Kassebaum, extends the water service
contracts for eight irrigation districts in Kansas and Nebraska
for an additional four years. The Subcommittee conducted a
hearing on September 5, 1996 and the measure was favorably
reported with amendments (S. Rept. 104-380).
Public Law 104-333 will exchange 1,320 acres of Federal
lands at the base of Snowbasin for over 4,100 acres of high
priority private lands in and around the Cache National Forest.
This is an equal value exchange that will add critical lands to
the existing National Forest and will allow Snowbasin to host
the Olympic events.
OTHER MEASURES ACTIVELY CONSIDERED
S. 45, Mr. Feingold, et. al.: a bill to amend the Helium
Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to sell Federal
real and personal property held in connection with activities
carried out under the Helium Act. (Hearing held S. Hrg. 104-
276).
S. 103, Mr. Baucus: Lost Creek Land Exchange Act of 1995.
(Discharged from Committee) (Passed Senate).
S. 197, Mr. Bumpers: a bill to establish the Carl Garner
Federal Lands Cleanup Day. (Reported to Senate with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-34).
S. 363, Mr. Bingaman: a bill to improve water quality
within the Rio Puerco watershed, New Mexico, and to help
restore the ecological health of the Rio Grande through the
cooperative identification and implementation of best
management practices that are consistent with the ecological,
geological, cultural, sociological, and economic conditions in
the region. (Reported to the Senate. S. Rept. 104-37).
S. 378, Mr. Gorton: a bill to authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to exchange certain lands of the Columbia Basin
Federal reclamation project. (Reported to the Senate. S. Rept.
104-38).
S. 391, Mr. Craig: a bill to authorize and direct the
Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to undertake
activities to halt and reverse the decline in forest health on
Federal lands. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-54) (Reported to
Senate in the nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-321).
S. 393, Mrs. Boxer: a bill to prohibit the Secretary of
Agriculture from transferring any national forest system lands
in the Angeles National Forest in California out of Federal
ownership for use as a solid waste landfill. (Hearing held. S.
Hrg. 104-468).
S. 590, Mr. Craig: a bill for the relief of Matt Clawson.
(Oversight hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-288).
S. 620, Mr. Craig: a bill to direct the Secretary of the
Interior to convey, upon request, certain property in Federal
reclamation projects to beneficiaries of the projects and to
set forth a distribution scheme for revenues from reclamation
project lands. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-194).
S. 738, Mr. Thomas: a bill to amend the Helium Act to
prohibit the Bureau of Mines from refining helium and selling
refined helium, to dispose of the United States helium reserve.
(Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-276).
S. 884, Mr. Hatch: a bill to designate certain public lands
in the State of Utah as wilderness. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-
196) (Reported to Senate with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute S. Rept. 104-192).
S. 898, Mr. Murkowski: (by request), a bill to amend the
Helium act to cease operation of the Government helium
refinery, authorize facility and crude helium disposal.
(Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-276).
S. 901, Mr. Bennett: a bill to amend the Reclamation
Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 to authorize
the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of certain water reclamation
projects. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-380) (Reported to Senate
with amendments S. Rept. 104-322).
S. 907, Mr. Murkowski, et. al.: a bill to amend the
National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to clarify the
authorities and duties of the Secretary of Agriculture in
issuing ski area permits on National Forest System lands and to
withdraw lands within ski area permit boundaries from the
operation of the mining and mineral leasing laws. (Hearing
held. S. Hrg. 104-469) (Reported to Senate with an amendment in
the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. S.
Rept. 104-183).
S. 985, Mr. Campbell: a bill to provide for the exchange of
certain lands in Gilpin County, Colorado. (Hearing held. S.
Hrg. 104-288) (See H.R. 2437, P.L. 104-158).
S. 987, Mr. Helms: a bill to provide for the full
settlement of all claims of Swain County, North Carolina,
against the United States under the agreement dated July 30,
1943. (Hearing held).
S. 1013, Mr. Conrad: a bill to amend the Act of August 5,
1965, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to acquire
land for the purpose of exchange for privately-held land for
use as wildlife and wetland protection areas, in connection
with the Garrison Diversion Unit Project. (Hearing held. S.
Hrg. 104-380).
S. 1025, Mr. Bumpers: a bill to provide for the exchange of
certain federally owned lands and minerals interests therein.
(Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-412) (Reported to the Senate with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute S. Rept. 104-268).
S. 1154, Mr. Burns: a bill to authorize the construction of
the Fort Peck Rural County Water Supply System. (Hearing held.
S. Hrg. 104-380) (See S. 1464, P.L. 104-300).
S. 1169, Mr. Kempthorne: a bill to amend the Reclamation
Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to
authorize construction of facilities for the reclamation and
reuse of wastewater at McCall, Idaho. (Hearing held. S. Hrg.
104-380).
S. 1186, Mr. Burns: a bill to provide for the transfer of
operation and maintenance of the Flathead Irrigation and Power
Project. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-380).
S. 1187, Mr. Murkowski: a bill to convey certain real
property located in the Tongas National Forest to Daniel J.
Gross and Douglas K. Gross. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-688).
S. 1196, Mr. Craig: a bill to transfer certain National
Forest System lands adjacent to the Townsite of Cuprum, Idaho.
(Hearing held. 104-288) (Reported to Senate S. Rept. 104-189).
S. 1564, Mr. Craig: a bill to amend the Small Reclamation
Projects Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to
provide loan guarantees for water supply, conservation,
quality, and transmission projects. (Hearing held).
S. 1565, Mr. Craig: a bill to supplement the Small
Reclamation Projects Act of 1956 and to supplement the Federal
Reclamation Laws by providing for Federal cooperation in non-
Federal projects and for participation by non-Federal agencies
in Federal projects. (Hearing held).
S. 1662, Mr. Hatfield: a bill to establish areas of
wilderness and recreation on the State of Oregon. (Hearing
held. S. Hrg. 104-653) (Reported to Senate with an amendment in
the nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-314) (Passed Senate
with an amendment in the nature of a substitute no. 5150).
S. 1719, Mrs. Hutchison: a bill to require the Secretary of
the Interior to offer to sell to certain public agencies the
indebtedness representing the remaining repayment balance of
certain Bureau of Reclamation projects in Texas. (Hearing
held.) (Reported to Senate with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute and an amendment to the title. S. Rept. 104-383).
S. 1738, Mr. Grams: a bill to provide for improved access
to and use of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
(Hearing held).
S. 1921, Mr. Craig: a bill to authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to transfer certain facilities at the Mindoka
project to the Burley Irrigation District. (Hearing held.)
(Reported to Senate with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute. S. Rept. 104-386).
S. 1986, Mr. Hatfield: a bill to provide for the completion
of the Umitilla Basin Project. (Reported to Senate with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-387).
S. 2015, Mr. Domenici: a bill to convey certain real
property located within the Carlsbad Project in New Mexico to
the Carlsbad Irrigation District. (Hearing held.) (Reported to
the Senate. S. Rept. 104-388).
H.R. 101, Mr. Richardson: a bill to transfer a parcel of
land to the Taos Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. (Reported to
Senate S. Rept. 104-85) (See S. 166).
H.R. 440, Mr. Herger: a bill to provide for the conveyance
of lands to certain individuals in Butte, County, California.
(Reported to Senate S. Rept. 104-45) (See S. 99).
H.R. 529, Mr. Crapo: a bill to authorize the exchange of
National Forest System lands in the Targhee Forest in Idaho for
non-Federal lands within the forest in Wyoming. (Hearing held.)
(Reported to Senate S. Rept. 104-175).
H.R. 924, Mr. McKeon, et. al.: a bill to prohibit the
Secretary of Agriculture from transferring any national forest
system lands in the Angeles National Forest in California out
of Federal ownership for use as solid waste landfill. (Reported
to Senate S. Rept. 104-244).
H.R. 3008, Mr. Cox: a bill to amend the Helium Act to
authorize the Secretary to enter into agreements with private
parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal
lands. (Reported to the Senate with an amendment. S. Rept. 104-
302) (See H.R. 4168).
H.R. 3198, Mr. Calvert, et. al.: a bill to reauthorize and
amend the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992. (Reported to
the Senate. S. Rept. 104-395).
Mining Law Reform
The Subcommittee on Forest and Public Land Management held
a one-day hearing on S. 504 (Mineral Exploration and
Development Act of 1995) and S. 506 (The Mining Law Reform Act
of 1995) (S. Hrg. 104-132).
Coal Surface Mining
The Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land Management held
a one-day hearing on S. 1401, a bill to amend the Surface
Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to minimize
duplication in regulatory programs and to give States exclusive
responsibility under approved State programs for permitting and
enforcement of the provisions of that Act with respect to
surface coal mining operations (S. Hrg. 104-528).
Lewis and Clark Rural Water System
The Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land Management held
one day of hearings on S. 931, a bill to authorize construction
of the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System and to authorize
assistance to the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, Inc., a
nonprofit corporation, for the planning and construction of the
water supply system on September 5, 1996 (S. Hrg. 104-774).
Small Reclamation Projects
The Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land Management held
one day of hearings on S. 1564, a bill to amend the Small
Reclamation Projects Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to provide loan guarantees for water supply,
conservation, quality, and transmission projects. The
Subcommittee also held a hearing on S. 1565, a bill to amend
the Small Reclamation Projects Act of 1956 and to supplement
the Federal Reclamation Laws by providing for Federal
cooperation in non-Federal projects and for participation by
non-Federal agencies in Federal projects. The hearing was held
on September 5, 1996 (S. Hrg. 104-774).
Livestock Grazing Act
The Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land Management held
one day of hearings on S. 852, a bill to provide for uniform
management of livestock grazing on federal land (S. Hrg. 104-
389). The bill was reported to the Senate with an amendment in
the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. 104-123).
RELATED PUBLIC LAWS
National Recreation Lakes Study Act of 1996
The Subcommittee on Forests and Public Land Management
considered S. 1844, a bill to amend the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act to direct a study of the opportunities
for enhanced water based recreation (S. Hrg. 104-569). The bill
ultimately was enacted as part of H.R. 4236, the Omnibus Parks
and Public Lands Management Act of 1996, and signed into law
(Public Law 104-333).
Subcommittee on Parks, Historic Preservation, and Recreation
BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL, Colorado, Chairman
ROD GRAMS, Minnesota, Vice Chairman
DON NICKLES, Oklahoma DALE BUMPERS, Arkansas
CRAIG THOMAS, Wyoming BILL BRADLEY, New Jersey
JAMES M. JEFFORDS, Vermont PAUL WELLSTONE, Minnesota
HOWELL HEFLIN, Alabama
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction of the Subcommittee includes oversight and
legislative responsibilities for: National Park System; Wild
and Scenic Rivers System; National Trails System; national
recreation areas; national monuments; historic sites; military
parks and battlefields; Land and Water Conservation Fund;
historic preservation; outdoor recreation resources; and
preservation of prehistoric ruins and objects of interest on
the public domain.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
The Subcommittee held 1 oversight hearing, 2 oversight
field hearings, 1 joint oversight hearing, and 1 joint
oversight field hearing during the 104th Congress. The
Subcommittee conducted an oversight hearing on May 23, 1996, to
review the Department of the Interior's programs, policies and
budget implications on the reintroduction of wolves in and
around Yellowstone National Park. The Subcommittee held an
oversight field hearing on August 28, 1995, at Grand Canyon
National Park to receive testimony to review the priority needs
of Grand Canyon National Park and identify ways to address
these needs in the context of the General Management Plan as
well as alternative plans or solutions. The Subcommittee also
held an oversight field hearing on July 29, 1995, in Helena,
Montana to receive testimony to review S. 745, a bill to
require the National Park Service to eradicate brucellosis
afflicting the bison in Yellowstone National Park. The
Subcommittee held a joint oversight hearing with the House
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Lands on March 7,
1995, to receive testimony from officials of the General
Accounting Office regarding their ongoing study on the health
of the National Park System. The Subcommittee held a joint
oversight field hearing with the House Subcommittee on National
Parks, Forests and Lands August 18, 1995, in International
Falls, Minnesota, to receive testimony on management of
recreational use and public access at Voyageurs National Park.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
During the 104th Congress, 92 Senate bills, 2 Senate Joint
Resolutions, 20 House bills, and 1 House Joint Resolution were
referred to the Subcommittee. The Subcommittee conducted 17
days of legislative hearings, including 2 days of legislative
field hearings. The Congress passed 4 public laws (comprising
120 separate bills) within the jurisdiction of the
Subcommittee. All bills were signed by the President and
enacted into law.
As discussed below, those bills include many of the
provisions of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Act of 1996,
the Chacoan Outliers Protection Act of 1995, the Mollie Beattie
Wilderness Area Act, and the Cache La Poudre River National
Water Heritage Area Act.
MEASURES ENACTED INTO LAW
Public Law No. 104-333 (H.R. 4236, Mr. Young: An Act to
provide for the administration of certain Presidio properties
at minimal cost to the Federal tax payer (Omnibus Parks and
Public Lands Act of 1996). The law contained the following
measures.
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Reauthorization
Division I, Title V of the Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which re-authorizes the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation for four more years. The Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation is an independent Federal agency with
legal responsibility to ensure that historic preservation needs
are balanced with Federal project requirements.
AIDS Memorial Grove National Memorial
Division I, Section V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which directs the Secretary of the Interior to
designate the AIDS Memorial Grove, located in Golden Gate Park
in San Francisco, California, as a national memorial.
Aleutian World War II National Historic Site
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes the
``Aleutian World War II National Historic Areas Act of 1996,''
which designates the Aleutian World War II National Historic
Area within lands owned by the Ounalashka Corporation on the
island of Amaknak, Alaska. Resources within the Historic Area
include over two dozen ammunition magazines; a short airstrip
and hangar;
Ulatka Head, the highest coastal defense battery ever
constructed in the United States; and several significant World
War II era structures which were part of the Naval Operating
Base and the Iliuliuk Submarine Base. The Aleutian Islands were
the northern military theater of the Pacific campaign during
World War II. The history and role of the Aleut people and the
Aleutian Islands in the defense of the United States during
World War II will be interpreted within the Historic Area.
American Battlefield Protection Program
Division I, Title VI of Public Law 104-333 includes the
``American Battlefield Protection Act of 1996''. The purpose of
the Act is to assist citizens, public and private institutions,
and governments at all levels in planning, interpreting and
protecting sites where historic battles were fought in the
United States. The American Battlefield Protection Program will
be administered by the Secretary of the Interior.
Appropriations for the Transportation of Children
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes the National Park Service to use
appropriated funds for the transportation of children in nearby
communities to and from any unit of the National Park System,
if used in connection with organized recreation and
interpretive programs of the National Park Service.
Authorities of the Secretary of the Interior Relating to Museums
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to
transfer museum objects and collections that are no longer
needed for museum purposes to qualified Federal agencies,
including the Smithsonian Institution; to convey museum objects
and collections to private institutions; and to destroy objects
and collections determined to have no scientific, cultural,
historic, educational, esthetic or monetary value.
Black Patriots' Memorial Extension
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes the addition of two years to the
legislative authority for the Black Revolutionary War Patriots
Foundation to establish a commemorative work within an area
defined in the Commemorative Works Act.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Division I, Title X of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which designates the Boston Harbor Islands Recreation
Area as a Unit of the National Park System. The Boston Harbor
Islands consist of thirty-one islands, ranging in size from
less than one acre to 214 acres. Together, the Boston Harbor
Islands encompass 1,200 land acres over a land and water area
of fifty square miles. The Islands are a designated
Archeological District on the National Register of Historic
Places and feature resources related to harbor protection,
coastal defense, agriculture, commercial fishing, year-round
and summer habitation, resort life, industry, public health,
and social welfare. Deer Island, the second largest of the
harbor islands, was used as an internment camp for native
American prisoners during King Philip's War (1675-76). There
are two National Historic Landmarks on the islands: Boston
Light, the oldest existing lighthouse site in the country; and
Fort Warren, which served as a training camp for Union soldiers
and a prison camp for Confederate Troops during the Civil War.
Fort Independence, another harbor island fortification, was
built in 1634 and is believed to be the oldest continuously
occupied fortification in the country.
Boston National Historical Park Amendment
Division I, Section V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which amends the Boston National Historical Park Act
of 1974, allowing the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a
cooperative agreement with the Boston Public Library. The
cooperative agreement will provide for the distribution of
informational and interpretive materials relating to the
Historical Park and to the Freedom Trail, a walking route
connecting the historical sites in downtown Boston.
Boundary Adjustments and Conveyances
Division I, Title II of Public Law 104-333 contains
provisions which authorize a variety of minor boundary
adjustments and conveyances. Those within the Subcommittee's
jurisdiction include: an approximately 25 acre boundary
adjustment at Yucca House National Monument in Colorado; an
approximately 5.5 acre exchange and boundary adjustment at Zion
National Park in Utah; modification of the boundary of Pictured
Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan; a property exchange
between the General Services Administration and the National
Park Service at the Customs House and Independence National
Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; an exchange of
315 acres of land at Craters of the Moon National Monument in
Idaho for 210 acres of Bureau of Land Management property; an
approximately 65 acre boundary adjustment at Hagerman Fossil
Beds National Monument in Idaho; the transfer of approximately
170 acres of land from the Bureau of Land Management to the
National Park Service at Wupatki National Monument in Arizona;
the modification of the boundaries of Walnut Canyon National
Monument in Arizona through a land exchange between the
National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service; the transfer
of management of approximately 764 acres within Wheeler Peak
Wilderness in New Mexico from the Secretary of Agriculture to
Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust for the Pueblo de
Taos Indians; the conveyance of a sewage disposal system with
Colonial National Historical Park to York County, Virginia; the
acquisition certain lands in order to maintain access to
existing trail heads at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
in Virginia; and the removal of specific parcels of land on
islands in Florida from the Coastal Barrier Resources System.
Calumet Ecological Park
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which directs the Secretary of the Interior to
conduct a study of the feasibility of establishing an urban
ecological park in the Lake Calumet area, between the Illinois
and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor and the Indiana
Dunes National Lakeshore.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Division I, Title VI of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which increases the amount of a previously authorized
appropriation, from 30 million dollars to 51.9 million dollars,
in order to support an ongoing project to reroute a 3.7 mile
section of U.S. Highway 27, which passes through the
Chickamauga Battlefield in Georgia, by way of a 7-mile-long
bypass around the Battlefield's western boundary. The rerouting
of the highway will protect the natural and historical
resources within the Park from damages caused by heavy traffic.
Corinth, Mississippi Battlefield Act
Division I, Title VI of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to
provide a center for the interpretation of the Civil War Siege
and Battle of Corinth, Mississippi. The interpretive center
will be administered as part of Shiloh National Military Park
in Tennessee, which interprets related Civil War themes.
Delaware Water Gap
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to exclude
commercial vehicles from using highway 209 at the Delaware
Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania in the year
2005. The provision also authorizes the Secretary to collect
and utilize a commercial use fee prior to that time.
Exchanges
Division I, Title III of Public Law 104-333 authorizes
several land exchanges involving National Parks, Forests and
public lands. Provisions which pertain to the Subcommittee
include: a series of land exchanges which will allow the
residents of Anaktuvuk, Alaska to pursue their subsistence life
style; an exchange of lands with the Arctic Slope Regional
Corporation north of the Brooks Range in Alaska; an equal value
exchange of Koniag, Alaska subsurface mineral interests for
lands and interests owned by the federal government which are
available for disposal; the equal value exchange of 1,320
federally owned land within the Cache National Forest in the
State of Utah for lands of approximately equal value owned by
the Sun Valley Company in order to facilitate the development
and construction of facilities for the 2002 Winter Olympics;
and a three year extension of a previously authorized land
exchange in Liberty County, Texas involving the Big Thicket
National Preserve.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which eliminates use by the Army Corps of Engineers
and the Treasury Department of National Park Service lands at
Fort Pulaski National Monument in Georgia.
Glacier Bay National Park
Division I, Title VII of Public Law 104-333 includes new
provisions for vessels and small boat operators at Glacier Bay
National Park, including a provision that 60% of the fees
collected from boat operators will be deposited into an account
to directly benefit the protection of Glacier Bay National Park
resources. The fees are to be used for research and oil spill
response and equipment as determined by the Secretary. The
remaining 40% of the fees are to be set aside for other park
purposes.
Grand Lake Cemetery
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which directs the Secretary of the Interior to
execute an agreement with the Town of Grand Lake, Colorado,
which authorizes the town to maintain a five acre cemetery
within the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Great Falls Historic District
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision designating the Great Falls National Historic
District in the City of Paterson, New Jersey.
Great Western Scenic Trail
Division I, Title IV of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision directing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a
study of the Great Western Scenic Trail for potential inclusion
in the National Trails System. The Great Western Trail is
approximately 3,100 miles in length and runs from the Mexican
boarder in Arizona to the Canadian boarder in Montana.
Heritage Areas
Division I, Title IX of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which directs the Secretary of the Interior to revise
the boundaries of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage
Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island by adding an
additional 150,000 acres to the existing Heritage Corridor. The
provision also extends the term of the Blackstone River Valley
Corridor Commission for an additional ten years.
Division I, Title IX of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to
conduct a study of potential additions to the Illinois and
Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. The Illinois and
Michigan Canal Heritage Corridor, established in 1984, runs for
approximately 120-miles from Chicago to La Salle/Peru,
Illinois.
Division II of Public Law 104-333 establishes nine new
Heritage Areas. The Provisions establishing the new Heritage
Areas require the completion of a management plan for each
area, contain a sunset clause for each area, and require a
match of Federal funds with funds from non-Federal sources. The
new Heritage Areas designated are: the National Coal Heritage
Area, West Virginia; the Tennessee Civil War Heritage Area,
Tennessee; the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, Georgia;
the Steel Industry Heritage Area, Pennsylvania; the Essex
National Heritage Area, Massachusetts; the South Carolina
Heritage Corridor, South Carolina; America's Agricultural
Partnership, Iowa; the Ohio and Erie Canal National Heritage
Corridor, Ohio; and the Hudson River Valley Heritage Area, New
York.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Building
Restoration and Preservation
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to
make 29 million dollars available to support the preservation
of historic buildings and structures at nine historically black
colleges and universities. Institutions named in the
legislation are Fisk University, Knoxville College, Miles
College, Talladega College, Selma University, Stillman College,
Concordia College, Allen University, Claflin College, Voorhees
College, Rust College and Tougaloo College.
Japanese American Patriotism Memorial
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes an exchange of land between the
Architect of the Capitol and the Secretary of the Interior to
locate and establish a memorial to Japanese American patriotism
during World War II near the Capitol grounds. A total of 33,000
Japanese Americans from the U.S. mainland and Hawaii either
volunteered or were drafted for U.S. military service during
World War II, and the Japanese American 100th/44nd Regimental
Combat Team is considered one of the most highly decorated
military units in American history. The Japanese American
Memorial Foundation will be responsible for the Memorial's
construction, maintenance and preservation.
Kaloko-Honokohau Advisory Commission
Division I, Section V of Public Law 104-333 re-establishes
the Na Hoa Pili O Kaloko-Honokohau, the Advisory Commission for
the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park in the State of
Hawaii. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is the site
of important Hawaiian settlements prior to the arrival of
European explorers.
Lamprey Wild and Scenic River
Division I, Title IV of Public Law 104-333 includes a
measure designating an 11.5-mile segment of the Lamprey River
in New Hampshire as a National Recreational River. The Lamprey
River is situated in coastal New Hampshire and is the largest
of the rivers that discharge into Great Bay, a designated
National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Laura C. Hudson Visitor Center
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which designates the visitor center at Jean Lafitte
National Historical Park in Louisiana as the Laura C. Hudson
Visitor Center.
Limitation on Park Buildings
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which repeals the 3 million dollar appropriation
limit on the construction of buildings in Units of the National
Park System.
Manzanar National Historic Site
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to add
additional acreage to Manzanar National Historic Site in
California. Manzanar National Historic Site was established in
1992 (Public Law 102-248) to protect and interpret the
historical, cultural and natural resources associated with the
relocation of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr.
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to
permit the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to establish a memorial
in the District of Columbia to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.,
pursuant to the Commemorative Works Act.
Natchez National Historical Park
Division I, Title X of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to enter
into an agreement with the City of Natchez, Mississippi in
order to contribute to the planning and construction of an
intermodal transportation center. The transportation center
will be leased by the National Park Service from the city of
Natchez and will serve as the administrative headquarters and
visitor center for Natchez National Historic Site.
National Park Service Cooperative Agreements for Research Purposes
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision granting the Secretary of the Interior the authority
to enter into cooperative agreements with public or private
education institutions for the purpose of developing adequate,
coordinated, cooperative research and training programs
concerning the resources of the National Park System.
National Park Service Management and Administrative Reform
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes
measures pertaining to administrative and management reform in
the National Park System. These reforms include a provision
intended to help the National Park Service develop an adequate
supply of housing for their field employees by expanding the
alternatives available for the construction and repair of
essential government housing, and by authorizing private sector
involvement in the finance or supply of employee housing. The
reforms also eliminate several unnecessary Congressional
reporting requirements, provide for Senate confirmation of the
National Park Service Director, reauthorize and amend the
National Park Service Advisory Board, provide the Secretary
with challenge cost share agreement authority, and provide a
mechanism for cost recovery for damages to National Park
Service natural resources.
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
measure which designates the New Bedford Whaling National
Historical Park in Massachusetts as a Unit of the National Park
System. The measure also includes a cooperative agreement
authority between the National Park Service and the North Slope
Borough Cultural Center in Barrow, Alaska, in order to
recognize the contribution of Alaska Natives to the history of
whaling. The City of New Bedford was the 19th century capital
of the world's whaling industry and retains significant
architectural features, archival materials, and museum
collections illustrative of that period. During the 19th
century, over two thousand whaling voyages sailed out of New
Bedford to the Arctic Region of Alaska, and joined Alaska
Natives in the Arctic Region in subsistence whaling activities.
Nicodemus National Historic Site
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision designating the Nicodemus National Historic Site in
the State of Kansas as a Unit of the National Park System. The
Town of Nicodemus has national significance as the only
remaining western town established by African-Americans during
the reconstruction period following the Civil War.
North St. Vrain Creek and Adjacent Lands
Division I, Section IV of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which prohibits the construction of new dams,
reservoirs and impoundments along the North St. Vrain Creek
within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park in
Colorado.
Old Spanish Trail
Division I, Title IV of Public Law 104-333 includes a
measure designating the Old Spanish Trail in New Mexico,
Colorado, Utah and California as part of the National Trail
System. The Old Spanish Trail begins in Santa Fe, New Mexico,
proceeds through Colorado and Utah, and ends in Los Angeles,
California. The Trail also has a northern branch which begins
near Espanola, New Mexico, proceeds through Colorado, and ends
near Crescent Junction, Utah.
Ozark Wild Horses
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from
removing wild horses at the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. The
provision directs the Secretary to issue permits for adequate
pastures to accommodate the historic population of the free
roaming horse herd at the Riverway and limits the population of
horses to no less than the number existing on the date of
enactment, and no more than fifty.
The Presidio of San Francisco
Division I, Title I of Public Law 104-333 establishes the
Presidio Trust, a public benefit corporation, to manage
leasing, maintenance, rehabilitation, repair, and improvement
of property within the Presidio of San Francisco. The Presidio
of San Francisco was included in the 1972 legislation which
created Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Public Law 92-
589). The law stated that the post was to be transferred to the
National Recreation Area when the Army determined it to be
excess to its needs. In 1989, as a result of the Base
Realignment and Closure Act, the Army announced that the post
would be closed and began plans to vacate by 1995. The Presidio
is the oldest continuously operated military post in the
Nation, dating from 1776, and was designated a National
Historic Landmark in 1962.
Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Study Act
Division I, Title VI of Public Law 104-333 includes ``The
Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Historic Preservation Study
Act of 1996.'' The Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to
prepare a study of battlefields of the Revolutionary War and
War of 1812. The study will identify threats to the integrity
of, and alternatives for the preservation and interpretation of
Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites, many of which are
located in regions that are undergoing rapid urban or suburban
development.
Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which designates the visitor center at Channel
Islands National Park in California as the Robert J.
Lagomarsino Visitor Center.
Rocky Mountain National Park--Fall River Visitor Center
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes the National Park Service at Rocky
Mountain National Park to participate with private entities in
an agreement to operate and maintain a visitor center at the
Fall River entrance to the park.
Santa Cruz Island
Division I, Title VIII includes a provision which
authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire the
remaining private properties on Santa Cruz Island in Santa
Barbara County, California, and to add these properties to
existing Federal lands.
Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision designating the route taken by voting rights
advocates in 1965 to demonstrate the need for voting rights
legislation as a National Historical Trail. The Selma to
Montgomery National Historic Trail consists of 54-miles of city
streets and U.S. Highway 80 from Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church in
Selma to the State Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama.
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and
Commission
Division I, Title VI of Public Law 104-333 includes the
``Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and
Commission Act of 1996,'' which establishes the Shenandoah
Valley Battlefields National Historic District and Commission
in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Shenandoah Valley is the
location of several key Civil War battles.
Ski Area Permit Rental Charges
Division I, Title VII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes a new fee system for Forest Service
Ski Areas. The new fee system will establish a Forest Service
ski area permit rental charge that returns fair value for the
United States, and provide ski area permittees and the Forest
Service with a simplified, consistent, and equitable rental
charge formula. The provision also withdraws lands within ski
area permit boundaries from mining, and mineral and geothermal
leasing laws.
Sterling Forest
Division I, Title X of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to provide
17.5 million dollars in Federal funds for the Palisades
Interstate Park Commission.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Division I, Title X of Public Law 104-333 includes the
``Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Act of 1996,'' which
designates the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the State
of Kansas as a Unit of the National Park System.
United States Civil War Center
Division I, Title VI of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which designates the Civil War Center at Louisiana
State University as the ``United States Civil War Center.'' The
provision states that the Center, and the Civil War Institute
of Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, shall be the flagship
institutions for planning the sesquicentennial commemoration of
the Civil War.
Vancouver National Historic Reserve
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which establishes the Vancouver National Historic
Reserve in the State of Washington. The Reserve will preserve
and protect a particularly rich collection of cultural
resources adjacent to the Columbia River. These resources
include Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver
Barracks, Pearson Airpark, the Colombia Riverfront, and the
site of the original Kaiser Shipyards.
Volunteers in Parks Increase
Division I, Title VIII of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which permits an increase in the amount authorized
for the operation of the Volunteers in the Parks program of the
National Park Service to $3,500,000 per year.
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
Division I, Title VI of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which designates the Washita Battlefield National
Historic Site in the State of Oklahoma as a Unit of the
National Park System. The Battle of Washita, November 27, 1868,
was one of the largest engagements between Plains tribes and
the United States Army on the Southern Great Plains.
West Virginia National Rivers Amendments
Division I, Title IV of Public Law 104-333 includes
provisions which amend the public laws pertaining to the New
River Gorge, Gauley, and Bluestone Rivers in West Virginia. The
provisions authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: permit
the State of West Virginia to undertake fish stocking
activities at New River Gorge National River; construct a
visitor center either inside or outside the boundaries of the
New River Gorge National River or the Gauley River National
Recreation River, and enter into a cooperative agreement for
the purpose of providing visitor access to the Bluestone River.
Women's Rights National Historical Park
Division I, Title V of Public Law 104-333 includes a
provision which authorizes the addition of certain historic
properties to the Women's Rights National Historical Park in
the State of New York. Women's Rights National Historical Park,
which was established in 1980, is located in Seneca Falls, New
York and commemorates women's struggle for equal rights. The
Historical Park includes the site of the first Women's Rights
Convention in 1848 and other sites related to early women's
rights activists.
Public Law No. 104-11 (S. 226/H.R. 517), Mr. Domenici and
Mr. Bingaman: An Act to designate additional land as within the
Chaco Culture Archeological Protection Sites, and for other
purposes.
Public Law No. 104-167 (S. 1899), Mr. Stevens, et. al.: The
Mollie Beattie Wilderness Area Act.
Public Law 104-323 (S. 342), Mr. Brown: An Act to establish
the Cache LaPoudre River National Water Heritage Area in the
State of Colorado, and for other purposes.
OTHER MEASURES ACTIVELY CONSIDERED
S. 115, Mr. Warner and Mr. Robb: A bill to authorize the
Secretary of the Interior to acquire and to convey certain
lands or interests in lands to improve the management,
protection and administration of Colonial National Historical
Park, and for other purposes. (Reported to the Senate with an
amendment. S. Rept. 104-30). (Major portions of the text were
included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 127, Mr. Moynihan: A bill to improve the administration
of the Women's Rights National Historical Park in the State of
New York, and for other purposes. (Reported to the Senate with
an amendment in the nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-31).
(Major portions of the text were included in H.R. 4236, which
became Public Law 104-333).
S. 134, Mr. Moynihan: A bill to provide for the acquisition
of certain lands formerly occupied by the Franklin D. Roosevelt
family, and for other purposes. (Reported to the Senate with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-32).
(Major portions of the text were included in H.R. 4236, which
became Public Law 104-333).
S. 188, Mr. Lautenberg and Mr. Bradley: A bill to establish
the Great Falls Historic District in the State of New Jersey,
and for other purposes. (Reported to the Senate without
amendment S. Rept. 104-33). (Major portions of the text were
included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 223, Mr. Bradley and Mr. Lautenberg: A bill to authorize
the Secretary of the Interior to provide funds to the Palisades
Interstate Park Commission for acquisition of land in the
Sterling Forest area of the New York/New Jersey Highlands
Region, and for other purposes. (Reported to the Senate without
amendment. S. Rept. 104-35). (Major portions of the House
version of this bill were included in H.R. 4236, which became
Public Law 104-333).
S. 231, Mr. Kyl and Mr. McCain: A bill to modify the
boundaries of Walnut Canyon National Monument in the State of
Arizona. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-375). (See H.R. 562).
S. 305, Mr. Warner and Mr. Robb: A bill to establish the
Shenandoah Valley National Battlefields and Commission in the
Commonwealth of Virginia, and for other purposes. (Hearing
held. S. Hrg. 104-580).
S. 309, Mr. Bennett, et. al.: A bill to reform the
concession policies of the National Park Service, and for other
purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-469).
S. 357, Mr. Akaka and Mr. Inouye: A bill to amend the
National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to establish the
Friends of Kaloko-Honokohau, an Advisory Commission for the
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and for other
purposes. (Reported to the Senate without amendment. S. Rept.
104-36). (Major portions of the text were included in H.R.
2436, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 364, Mr. Brown and Mr. Campbell: A bill to authorize the
Secretary of the Interior to participate in the operation of
certain visitor facilities associated with, but outside the
boundaries of, Rocky Mountain National Park in the State of
Colorado. (Hearing Held. S. Hrg. 104-367). (See H.R. 629).
S. 392, Mr. Glenn and Mr. DeWine: A bill to amend the
Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Act of 1992 with regard
to appointment of members of the Dayton Aviation Heritage
Commission, and for other purposes. (Reported to the Senate
without an amendment. S. Rept. 104-39). (See H.R. 606).
S. 489, Mr. Campbell and Mr. Brown: A bill to authorize the
Secretary of the Interior to enter into an appropriate form of
Agreement with the Town of Grand Lake, Colorado, authorizing
the town to maintain permanently a cemetery in the Rocky
Mountain National Park. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-375).
S. 509, Mr. Campbell and Mr. Brown: A bill to authorize the
Secretary of the Interior to enter into an appropriate form of
agreement with the Town of Grand Lake, Colorado, authorizing
the town to maintain permanently a cemetery in the Rocky
Mountain National Park. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-198). (Major
portions of the text were included in H.R. 4236, which became
Public Law 104-333).
S. 551, Mr. Craig and Mr. Kempthorne: A bill to revise the
boundaries of the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and
the Craters of the Moon National Monument, and for other
purposes. (Reported to the Senate without amendment. S. Rept.
104-40). (Major portions of the text were included in H.R.
4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 587, Mr. Campbell, et. al.: A bill to amend the National
Trails System Act to designate the Old Spanish Trail and the
Northern Branch of the Old Spanish Trail for potential
inclusion into the National Trails System, and for other
purposes. (Reported to the Senate without amendment. S. Rept.
104-41). (Major portions of the text were included in H.R.
4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 601, Mr. Chaffee, et. al.: A bill to revise the
boundaries of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage
Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and for other
purposes. (Reported to the Senate without amendment. S. Rept.
104-42). (Major portions of the text were included in H.R.
4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 608, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Kerry: A bill to establish the
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in New Bedford,
Massachusetts, and for other purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg.
104-375). (Reported to the Senate with amendments. S. Rept.
104-375). (Major portions of the text were included in S. 1720,
which passed the Senate, and H.R. 4236, which became Public Law
104-333).
S. 610, Mr. Lott: A bill to provide an interpretive center
at the Civil War Battlefield of Corinth, Mississippi, and for
other purposes. (Reported to the Senate without amendment. S.
Rept. 104-43). (Major portions of the text were included in
H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 621, Mr. Bennett, et. al.: A bill to amend the National
Trails System Act to designate the Great Western Trail for
potential addition to the National Trails System, and for other
purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-566). (See H.R. 531).
S. 695, Mrs. Kassebaum, Mr. Dole and Mr. Bond: A bill to
provide for the establishment of the Tallgrass Prairie National
Preserve in Kansas, and for other purposes. (Hearing held. S.
Hrg. 104-541). (Reported to the Senate with an amendment in the
nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-376). (Major portions of
the text were included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law
104-333).
S. 745, Mr. Burns, Mr. Craig, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Thomas: A
bill to require the National Park Service to eradicate
brucellosis afflicting the bison in Yellowstone National Park,
and for other purposes. (Hearings held. S. Hrg. 104-211. S.
Hrg. 104-561).
S. 796, Mr. Bond and Mr. Ashcroft: A bill to provide for
the protection of wild horses within the Ozark National Scenic
Riverways, Missouri, and prohibit the removal of such horses,
and for other purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-561).
S. 879, Mr. Daschle: A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act to limit acquisition of land on the 39-mile
headwaters segment of the Missouri River, Nebraska and South
Dakota, designated as a recreational river, to acquisition from
willing sellers. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-555).
S. 902, Mr. Cochran: A bill to amend Public Law 100-479 to
authorize the Secretary of the Interior to assist in the
construction of a building to be used jointly by the Secretary
for park purposes and by the City of Natchez as an intermodal
transportation center, and for other purposes. (Hearing held.
S. Hrg. 104-554). (Reported to the Senate with amendments. S.
Rept. 104-377). (Major portions of the text were included in
H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 944, Mr. Simon, Ms. Mosely-Braun, and Mr. Coats: A bill
to provide for the establishment of the Ohio River Corridor
Study Commission, and for other purposes. (Hearing held. S.
Hrg. 104-432). (Major portions of the text were included in
H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 945, Mr. Simon and Ms. Mosely-Braun: A bill to amend the
Illinois and Michigan Canal Heritage Corridor Act of 1984 to
modify the boundaries of the corridor, and for other purposes.
(Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-432).
S. 951, Mrs. Hutchison: A bill to commemorate the service
of First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy and Patricia Nixon to
improving and maintaining the Executive Residence of the
President and to authorize grants to the White House Endowment
fund in their memory to continue their work. (Hearing held. S.
Hrg. 104-554). (Reported to the Senate with an amendment in the
nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-378).
S. 964, Mr. Johnston: A bill to amend the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965 with respect to fees for
admission into units of the National Park System, and for other
purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-469).
S. 988, Mr. Helms: A bill to direct the Secretary of the
Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain
land to the Secretary of the Army to facilitate construction of
a jetty and sand transfer system, and for other purposes.
(Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-589).
S. 1020, Mr. Coverdell: A bill to establish the Augusta
Canal National Heritage Area in the State of Georgia, and for
other purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-432). (Major
portions of the text were included in H.R. 4236, which became
Public Law 104-333).
S. 1049, Mr. Heflin and Mr. Shelby: A bill to amend the
National Trails Systems Act to designate the route from Selma
to Montgomery as a National Historic Trail, and for other
purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-566). (Major portions of
the text were included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law
104-333).
S. 1098, Mr. Helms, Mr. Dole and Mr. Lott: A bill to
establish the Midway Islands National Memorial, and for other
purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-554).
S. 1110, Mr. Campbell: A bill to establish guidelines for
the designation of National Heritage Areas, and for other
purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-432).
S. 1168, Mr. Pressler: A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act to exclude any private lands from the segment of the
Missouri River designated as a recreational river, and for
other purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-380).
S. 1174, Mr. Gregg and Mr. Smith: A bill to amend the Wild
and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the
Lamprey River in New Hampshire as components of the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes. (Hearing
held. S. Hrg. 104-555). (Reported to the Senate without
amendment. S. Rept. 104-309). (Major portions of the text were
included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 1190, Mr. DeWine and Mr. Glenn: A bill to establish the
Ohio and Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor in the State of
Ohio, and for other purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-432).
(Major portions of the text were included in H.R. 4236, which
became Public Law 104-333).
S. 1225, Mr. Jeffords: A bill to require the Secretary of
the Interior to conduct an inventory of historic sites,
buildings and artifacts in the Champlain Valley and the Upper
Hudson River Valley, including the Lake George area, and for
other purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-580). (Reported to
the Senate with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. S.
Rept. 104-297). (Major portions of the text were included in
H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 1226, Mr. Jeffords: A bill to require the Secretary of
the Interior to prepare a study of battlefields of the
Revolutionary War and War of 1812, to establish the American
Battlefield Protection Program, and for other purposes.
(Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-580). (Reported to the Senate with
an amendment in the nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-310).
(Major portions of the text were included in H.R. 4236, which
became Public Law 104-333).
S. 1374, Mr. Craig and Mr. Kempthorne: A bill to require
the adoption of a management plan for Hells Canyon National
Recreation Area that allows appropriate use of motorized and
nonmotorized river craft in the recreation area, and for other
purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-555).
S. 1424, Mr. Campbell: A bill to redesignate the Black
Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument as a national park, to
establish the Gunnison Gorge National Recreation Area, to
establish the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Complex, and for other purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-
605).
S. 1451, Mr. McCain, Mr. Kyl and Mr. Pressler: A bill to
authorize an agreement between the Secretary of the Interior
and a State providing for the continued operation by State
employees of national parks in the State during any period in
which the National Park Service is unable to maintain the
normal level of operations, and for other purposes. (Hearing
held. S. Hrg. 104-561).
S. 1476, Mr. Kerry and Mr. Kennedy: A bill to establish the
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, and for other
purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-451). (Major portions of
the text were included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law
104-333).
S. 1627, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Breaux and Mr. Inouye: A bill to
designate the visitor center at Jean Lafitte National
Historical Park in New Orleans, Louisiana as the ``Laura C.
Hudson Visitor Center''. (Reported to the Senate without
amendment. S. Rept. 104-262). (Major portions of the text were
included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
S. 1695, Mr. McCain: A bill to authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to assess up to $2 per person visiting the Grand
Canyon or other national park to secure bonds for capital
improvements to the park, and for other purposes. (Hearing held
on September 12, 1996).
S. 1699, Mr. Bingaman: A bill to establish the National
Cave and Karst Research Institute in the State of New Mexico,
and for other purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-551).
(Reported to the Senate without amendment. S. Rept. 104-381).
S. 1703, Mr. Murkowski, et. al.: A bill to amend the Act
establishing the National Park Foundation. (Hearing held. S.
Hrg. 104-647). (Reported to the Senate with an amendment in the
nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-299).
S. 1706, Mr. Nunn and Mr. Coverdell: A bill to increase the
amount authorized to be appropriated for assistance for highway
relocation with respect to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga
National Military Park in Georgia, and for other purposes.
(Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-566). (Reported to the Senate
without amendment. S. Rept. 104-382). (Major portions of the
text were included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-
333).
S. 1725, Mr. Brown, et. al.: A bill to amend the National
Trails System Act to create a third category of long-distance
trails to be known as national discovery trails and to
authorize the American Discovery Trail as the first national
discovery trail, and for other purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg.
104-566).
S. 1805, Mr. Grams: A bill to provide for the management of
Voyageurs National Park, and for other purposes. (Hearing held.
S. Hrg. 104-589).
S. 1809, Mr. Murkowski and Mr. Stevens: A bill entitle
``The Aleutian World War II National Historic Sites Act of
1996''. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-551). (Reported to the
Senate without amendment. S. Rept. 104-384). (Major portions of
the text were included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law
104-333).
S.J. Res. 42, Mr. Breaux, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Specter and Mr.
Santorum: A bill designating the Civil War Center at Louisiana
State University as the United States Civil War Center, making
the center the flagship institution for planning the
sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War, and for other
purposes. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-580). (Reported to the
Senate with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. S.
Rept. 104-263). (Major portions of the text were included in
H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
H.R. 238, Mr. Emerson, et. al.: A bill to provide for the
protection of wild horses within the Ozark National Scenic
Riverways and prohibit the removal of such horses. (Hearing
held. S. Hrg. 104-561). (Reported to the Senate with an
amendment. S. Rept. 104-312). (Major portions of the text were
included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
H.R. 400, Mr. Young: A bill to provide for the exchange of
lands within Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve,
and for other purposes. (Reported to the Senate with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-44).
H.R. 531, Mr. Hansen, et. al.: A bill to designate the
Great Western Scenic Trail as a study trail under the National
Trails System Act, and for other purposes. (Hearing held. S.
Hrg. 104-566). (Reported to the Senate without amendment. S.
Rept. 104-374). (Major portions of the text were included in
H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
H.R. 536, Mr. McDade: A bill to prohibit the use of Highway
209 within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by
certain commercial vehicles, and for other purposes. (Reported
to the Senate without amendment. S. Rept. 104-46). (Major
portions of the text were included in H.R. 4236, which became
Public Law 104-333).
H.R. 562, Mr. Hayworth, et. al.: A bill to modify the
boundaries of Walnut Canyon National Monument in the State of
Arizona. (Hearing held. S. Hrg. 104-375). (Reported to the
Senate without amendment. S. Rept. 104-199). (Major portions of
the text were included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law
104-333).
H.R. 629, Mr. Allard: A bill to authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to participate in the operation of certain visitor
facilities associated with, but outside the boundaries of,
Rocky Mountain National Park in the State of Colorado. (Hearing
held. S. Hrg. 104-375). (Reported to the Senate with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-203).
(Major portions of the text were included in H.R. 4236, which
became Public Law 104-333).
H.R. 694, Mr. Hansen: A bill entitle the ``Minor Boundary
Adjustments and Miscellaneous Park Amendments Act of 1955''.
(Reported to the Senate with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute. S. Report. 104-50). (Major portions of the text
were included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
H.R. 826, Mr. Wilson: A bill to extend the deadline for the
completion of certain land exchanges involving the Big Thicket
National Preserve in Texas, and for other purposes. (Hearing
held. S. Hrg. 104-554). (Major portions of the text were
included in H.R. 4236, which became Public Law 104-333).
H.R. 1091, Mr. Bliley, et. al.: A bill to improve the
National Park System in the Commonwealth of Virginia. (Hearing
held. S. Hrg. 104-580). (Reported to the Senate with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute. S. Rept. 104-389).
(Portions of the text were included in H.R. 4236, which became
Public Law 104-333).
H.R. 2636, Mr. Oberstar: A bill to transfer jurisdiction
over certain parcels of Federal real property located in the
District of Columbia, and for other purposes. (Reported to the
Senate without amendment on September 16, 1996). (Major
portions of the text were included in H.R. 4236, which became
Public Law 104-333).
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
CRAIG THOMAS, Wyoming, Chairman
CONRAD BURNS, Montana, Vice Chairman
PETE V. DOMENICI, New Mexico DANIEL K. AKAKA, Hawaii
LARRY E. CRAIG, Idaho
BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL, Colorado
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction of the Subcommittee is oversight of Federal
programs, policies, laws, regulations and administrative
actions which affect matters within the jurisdiction of more
than one Subcommittee of the Committee; investigations of the
same at the direction of the Chairman after consultation with
the Ranking Minority Member; and such other oversight matters
as may be referred to the Subcommittee at the direction of the
Chairman after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member.
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held
hearings in the 104th Congress. The Subcommittee also conducted
investigations into lobbying activities by the Bureau of Land
Management in connection with rangeland reform, the United
States Geological Survey's estimates of oil and natural gas
reserves in the Arctic Coastal Plain, and other matters on
which no hearings were held.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Application and the Role of
the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
The Subcommittee held three hearings on June 7, 1995,
October 19, 1995 and September 26, 1996 to examine the
application of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by
the public land management agencies and the Department of
Energy and the role of the Council on Environmental Quality
(CEQ). (S. Hrg. 104-81, 104-282, 104-775).
First Amendment Activities on Public Lands
On July 18, 1995, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine options for controlling and regulating activities
allegedly protected by the First Amendment on public lands,
including commercial activities in national parks. (S. Hrg.
104-152).
Trends in Federal Land Ownership
The Subcommittee held a hearing on February 6, 1996 to
review the level and trends in acreage managed by the federal
land management agencies (namely, the Department of the
Interior and the United States Forest Service) and how the
federal land management agencies acquire land, including the
federal government use of land exchanges. (S. Hrg. 104-423).
Impacts of the Department of the Interior Regulatory Requirements and
Planning Processes in Southwestern Wyoming
The Subcommittee held a hearing in Rock Springs, Wyoming on
April 13, 1996 to examine the economic impacts, including job
creation, of the Department of the Interior's regulatory
requirements and planning processes for natural resource
development on public lands in southwestern Wyoming. (S. Hrg.
104-486).
Class Action Lawsuits at Department of Energy Facilities
On May 14, 1996, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the
management and costs of class action lawsuits at Department of
Energy facilities, such as the former Rocky Flats nuclear
weapons production facility near Denver, Colorado, including
DOE's oversight of the private firm attorneys litigating these
cases and DOE's compliance with court orders directing DOE to
produce documents relevant to the litigation. (S. Hrg. 104-
524).
Commercial Lease at Lake Havasu, Arizona
On August 1, 1996, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the legality of, and circumstances surrounding, a
commercial lease entered into by Arizona BLM for property on
Lake Havasu, Arizona. (S. Hrg. 104-736).