[House Report 112-132]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
112th Congress
1st Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Report
112-132
_______________________________________________________________________
Union Calendar No. 82
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE AND
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
of the
COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH CONGRESS
together with
ADDITIONAL AND DISSENTING VIEWS
July 2, 2011.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
DOC HASTINGS, Washington, Chairman
EDWARD J. MARKEY, Massachusetts, Ranking Democratic Member
DON YOUNG, Alaska DALE E. KILDEE, Michigan
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon
LOUIE GOHMERT, Texas ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American
ROB BISHOP, Utah Samoa
DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado FRANK PALLONE, Jr., New Jersey
ROBERT J. WITTMAN, Virginia GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California
PAUL C. BROUN, Georgia RUSH D. HOLT, New Jersey
JOHN FLEMING, Louisiana RAUL M. GRIJALVA, Arizona
MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO, Guam
TOM McCLINTOCK, California JIM COSTA, California
GLENN THOMPSON, Pennsylvania DAN BOREN, Oklahoma
JEFF DENHAM, California GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN,
DAN BENISHEK, Michigan CNMI
DAVID RIVERA, Florida MARTIN HEINRICH, New Mexico
JEFF DUNCAN, South Carolina BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico
SCOTT R. TIPTON, Colorado JOHN P. SARBANES, Maryland
PAUL A. GOSAR, Arizona BETTY SUTTON, Ohio
RAUL R. LABRADOR, Idaho NIKI TSONGAS, Massachusetts
KRISTI L. NOEM, South Dakota PEDRO R. PIERLUISI, Puerto Rico
STEVE SOUTHERLAND, II, Florida JOHN GARAMENDI, California
BILL FLORES, Texas COLLEEN W. HANABUSA, Hawaii
ANDY HARRIS, Maryland Vacancy
JEFFREY M. LANDRY, Louisiana
CHARLES J. ``CHUCK'' FLEISCHMANN,
Tennessee
JON RUNYAN, New Jersey
BILL JOHNSON, Ohio
----------
On January 5, 2011, pursuant to H. Res. 6, Chairman Doc Hastings, of
Washington, was elected to the Committee.
On January 5, 2011, pursuant to H. Res. 7, Ranking Member Edward J.
Markey, of Massachusetts, was elected to the Committee.
On January 18, 2011, pursuant to H. Res. 37, the Majority (Republican)
Members were elected to the Committee.
On January 19, 2011, pursuant to H. Res. 39, the Minority (Democrat)
Members were elected to the Committee.
On March 2, 2011, Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen resigned from the
Committee.
STANDING SUBCOMMITTEES OF THE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
DOUG LAMBORN, CO, Chairman
RUSH D. HOLT, NJ, Ranking Democratic Member
LOUIE GOHMERT, TX PETER A. DeFAZIO, OR
PAUL C. BROUN, GA MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO, GU
JOHN FLEMING, LA JIM COSTA, CA
MIKE COFFMAN, CO DAN BOREN, OK
GLENN THOMPSON, PA GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN,
DAN BENISHEK, MI CNMI
DAVID RIVERA, FL MARTIN HEINRICH, NM
JEFF DUNCAN, SC JOHN P. SARBANES, MD
PAUL A. GOSAR, AZ BETTY SUTTON, OH
BILL FLORES, TX NIKI TSONGAS, MA
JEFFREY M. LANDRY, LA Vacancy
CHARLES J. ``CHUCK'' FLEISCHMANN, EDWARD J. MARKEY, MA, ex officio
TN
BILL JOHNSON, OH
DOC HASTINGS, WA, ex officio
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs
JOHN FLEMING, LA, Chairman
GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN, CNMI, Ranking Democratic Member
DON YOUNG, AK ENI F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA, AS
ROBERT J. WITTMAN, VA FRANK PALLONE, Jr., NJ
JEFF DUNCAN, SC MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO, GU
STEVE SOUTHERLAND, II, FL PEDRO R. PIERLUISI, PR
BILL FLORES, TX COLLEEN W. HANABUSA, HI
ANDY HARRIS, MD Vacancy
JEFFREY M. LANDRY, LA EDWARD J. MARKEY, MA, ex officio
JON RUNYAN, NJ
DOC HASTINGS, WA, ex officio
Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs
DON YOUNG, AK, Chairman
DAN BOREN, OK, Ranking Democratic Member
TOM McCLINTOCK, CA DALE E. KILDEE, MI
JEFF DENHAM, CA ENI F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA, AS
DAN BENISHEK, MI BEN RAY LUJAN, NM
PAUL A. GOSAR, AZ COLLEEN W. HANABUSA, HI
RAUL R. LABRADOR, ID EDWARD J. MARKEY, MA, ex officio
KRISTI L. NOEM, SD
DOC HASTINGS, WA, ex officio
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands
ROB BISHOP, UT, Chairman
RAUL M. GRIJALVA, AZ, Ranking Democratic Member
DON YOUNG, AK DALE E. KILDEE, MI
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., TN PETER A. DeFAZIO, OR
DOUG LAMBORN, CO RUSH D. HOLT, NJ
PAUL C. BROUN, GA MARTIN HEINRICH, NM
MIKE COFFMAN, CO JOHN P. SARBANES, MD
TOM McCLINTOCK, CA BETTY SUTTON, OH
DAVID RIVERA, FL NIKI TSONGAS, MA
SCOTT R. TIPTON, CO JOHN GARAMENDI, CA
RAUL R. LABRADOR, ID EDWARD J. MARKEY, MA, ex officio
KRISTI L. NOEM, SD
BILL JOHNSON, OH
DOC HASTINGS, WA, ex officio
Subcommittee on Water and Power
TOM McCLINTOCK, CA, Chairman
GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, CA, Ranking Democratic Member
LOUIE GOHMERT, TX RAUL M. GRIJALVA, AZ
JEFF DENHAM, CA JIM COSTA, CA
SCOTT R. TIPTON, CO BEN RAY LUJAN, NM
PAUL A. GOSAR, AZ JOHN GARAMENDI, CA
RAUL R. LABRADOR, ID EDWARD J. MARKEY, MA, ex officio
KRISTI L. NOEM, SD
DOC HASTINGS, WA, ex officio
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Natural Resources,
July 1, 2011.
Hon. Karen L. Haas,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Ms. Haas: Pursuant to clause 1(d) of Rule XI and Rule
X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, here is a semi-
annual report, encompassing the period of January 3, 2011
through May 31, 2011, of legislative and oversight activities
of the Committee on Natural Resources during the 112th
Congress.
The Members of the Committee approved this report during a
Full Committee business meeting, by a vote of 18-to-11.
Sincerely,
Doc Hastings, Chairman.
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Letter of Transmittal............................................ v
Overview......................................................... 1
Full Committee............................................... 3
Legislative Activities................................... 3
Oversight Activities..................................... 3
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources................. 4
Legislative Activities................................... 4
Oversight Activities..................................... 4
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular
Affairs.................................................... 5
Legislative Activities................................... 5
Oversight Activities..................................... 5
Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs............. 6
Legislative Activities................................... 6
Oversight Activities..................................... 6
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands..... 6
Legislative Activities................................... 6
Oversight Activities..................................... 7
Subcommittee on Water and Power.............................. 7
Legislative Activities................................... 7
Oversight Activities..................................... 7
Appendices:
I. Printed Hearings.................................................9
II. Legislation Passed House........................................15
III. List of Public Laws.............................................17
IV. Committee Prints................................................19
V. Committee Legislative Reports...................................19
VI. Oversight Summary...............................................21
VII. H. Res. 72......................................................33
VIII.Views...........................................................41
Union Calendar No. 82
112th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 112-132
======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL
RESOURCES 112TH CONGRESS
_______
July 1, 2011.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole house on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Hastings, from the Committee on Natural Resources, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
together with
ADDITIONAL AND DISSENTING VIEWS
Overview
The Committee on Natural Resources met on January 26, 2011,
for an organizational meeting of the 112th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Doc Hastings. The Committee Membership
was 48 Members with 27 Republicans and 21 Democrats.
The Committee established five subcommittees: Energy and
Mineral Resources (Doug Lamborn, Chairman); Fisheries,
Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs (John Fleming, Chairman);
Indian and Alaska Native Affairs (Don Young, Chairman);
National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Rob Bishop,
Chairman); and Water and Power (Tom McClintock, Chairman).
Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources, as
prescribed by clause (m)(1) of Rule X of the Rules of the House
is as follows:
(1) Fisheries and wildlife, including research,
restoration, refuges, and conservation.
(2) Forest reserves and national parks created from the
public domain.
(3) Forfeiture of land grants and alien ownership,
including alien ownership of mineral lands.
(4) Geological Survey.
(5) International fishing agreements.
(6) Interstate compacts relating to apportionment of waters
for irrigation purposes.
(7) Irrigation and reclamation, including water supply for
reclamation projects and easements of public lands for
irrigation projects; and acquisition of private lands when
necessary to complete irrigation projects.
(8) Native Americans generally, including the care and
allotment of Native American lands and general and special
measures relating to claims that are paid out of Native
American funds.
(9) Insular possessions of the United States generally
(except those affecting the revenue and appropriations).
(10) Military parks and battlefields, national cemeteries
administered by the Secretary of the Interior, parks within the
District of Columbia, and the erection of monuments to the
memory of individuals.
(11) Mineral land laws and claims and entries thereunder.
(12) Mineral resources of the public lands.
(13) Mining interests generally.
(14) Mining schools and experimental stations.
(15) Marine affairs, including coastal zone management
(except for measures relating to oil and other pollution of
navigable waters).
(16) Oceanography.
(17) Petroleum conservation on public lands and
conservation of the radium supply in the United States.
(18) Preservation of prehistoric ruins and objects of
interest on the public domain.
(19) Public lands generally, including entry, easements,
and the grazing thereon.
(20) Relations of the United States with Native Americans
and Native American tribes.
(21) Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline (except ratemaking).
Activities Report
Committee on Natural Resources Statistics
Total number of bills and resolutions referred................... 274
Total number of meeting days:
Full Committee (12)
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources (5)
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular
Affairs (5)
Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs (5)
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (4)
Subcommittee on Water and Power (7)
Total.................................................... 38
Total number of bills ordered reported from Committee............ 5
Total number of reports filed.................................... 3
Total number of bills referred to/discharged by Committee on
Natural Resources and passed by the House of Representatives... 5
Total number of public laws...................................... 1
Total number of bills enacted into law*.......................... 1
----------
*Includes House and Senate Resolutions.
Full Committee
I. LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
A. Legislative and Administrative Hearings and Markups
January 26, 2011--Full Committee met to organize for the
112th Congress; to adopt the Committee Rules, agree to an
oversight plan, and adopt the Committee Staff Hiring
Resolution.
April 13, 2011--Markup held on H.R. 1229, to amend the
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to facilitate the safe and
timely production of American energy resources from the Gulf of
Mexico; H.R. 1230, to require the Secretary of the Interior to
conduct certain offshore oil and gas lease sales, and for other
purposes; and H.R. 1231, to amend the Outer Continental Shelf
Lands Act to require that each 5-year offshore oil and gas
leasing program offer leasing in the areas with the most
prospective oil and gas resources, to establish a domestic oil
and natural gas production goal, and for other purposes.
May 25, 2011--Markup held on H.R. 290, to amend title 36,
United States Code, to ensure that memorials commemorating the
service of the United States Armed Forces may contain religious
symbols, and for other purposes; and H.R. 1670, to amend the
Sikes Act to improve the application of that Act to State-owned
facilities used for the national defense.
II. OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE FULL COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
A. Oversight Hearings
January 26, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``The Final Report
from the President's National Commission on the BP Deepwater
Horizon Spill and Offshore Drilling.''
March 1, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``The Impact of the
Administration's Wild Lands Order on Jobs and Economic
Growth.''
March 3, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Department of the
Interior Spending and the President's Fiscal Year 2012 Budget
Proposal.''
March 16, 2011--Oversight hearing on the ``Obama
Administration's De Facto Moratorium in the Gulf: State,
Community and Economic Impacts.''
March 17, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Harnessing American
Resources to Create Jobs and Address Rising Gasoline Prices:
Domestic Resources and Economic Impacts.''
March 30, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Examining the
Spending Priorities and the Missions of the Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), and the
President's FY 2012 Budget Proposal.''
March 31, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Harnessing American
Resources to Create Jobs and Address Rising Gasoline Prices:
Impacts on Businesses and Families.''
April 18, 2011--Oversight field hearing in Houma,
Louisiana, on ``Gulf of Mexico: A Focus on Community Recovery
and New Response Technology.''
May 3, 2011--Joint oversight hearing with the Committee on
Agriculture on ``At Risk: American Jobs, Agriculture, Health
and Species--the Costs of Federal Regulatory Dysfunction.''
May 13, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``American Energy
Initiative: Identifying Roadblocks to Wind and Solar Energy on
Public Lands and Waters, Part I--Department of the Interior
Officials.''
May 25, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Harnessing American
Resources to Create Jobs and Address Rising Gasoline Prices:
Impacts on Seniors, Working Families and Memorial Day
Vacations.''
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
I. LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
A. Legislative Hearings
April 6, 2011--Hearing held on H.R. 1229, to amend the
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to facilitate the safe and
timely production of American energy resources from the Gulf of
Mexico; H.R. 1230, to require the Secretary of the Interior to
conduct certain offshore oil and gas lease sales, and for other
purposes; and H.R. 1231, to amend the Outer Continental Shelf
Lands Act to require that each 5-year offshore oil and gas
leasing program offer leasing in the areas with the most
prospective oil and gas resources, to establish a domestic oil
and natural gas production goal, and for other purposes.
II. OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND MINERAL
RESOURCES
A. Oversight Hearings
March 9, 2011--Oversight hearing to ``Examine the Spending
Priorities and the Missions of the U.S. Geological Survey and
the President's FY 2012 Budget Proposal.''
April 5, 2011--Oversight hearing on the ``Effect of the
President's FY-2012 Budget and Legislative Proposals for the
Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service's Energy
and Minerals Programs on Private Sector Job Creation, Domestic
Energy and Minerals Production and Deficit Reduction.''
April 7, 2011--Oversight hearing on the ``Effect of the
President's FY-2012 Budget and Legislative Proposals for the
Office of Surface Mining on Private Sector Job Creation,
Domestic Energy Production, State Programs and Deficit
Reduction.''
May 24, 2011--Oversight hearing on the ``Strategic and
Critical Minerals Policy: Domestic Minerals Supplies and
Demands in a Time of Foreign Supply Disruptions.''
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs
I. LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
A. Legislative Hearings
April 7, 2011--Hearing held on H.R. 258, to require the
Office of Management and Budget to prepare a crosscut budget
for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, to
require the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and
implement an adaptive management plan, and for other purposes;
H.R. 306, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to enter into
an agreement to provide for management of the free-roaming wild
horses in and around the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge;
H.R. 588, to redesignate the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
as the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge; and S.
266, a bill to redesignate the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
as the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.
May 12, 2011--Hearing held on H.R. 295, to amend the
Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 to authorize
funds to acquire hydrographic data and provide hydrographic
services specific to the Arctic for safe navigation,
delineating the United States extended continental shelf, and
the monitoring and description of coastal changes; H.R. 670, to
convey certain submerged lands to the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands in order to give that territory the
same benefits in its submerged lands as Guam, the Virgin
Islands, and American Samoa have in their submerged lands; H.R.
991, to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow
importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in
Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a
threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973;
H.R. 1160, to require the Secretary of the Interior to convey
the McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery to the State of North
Carolina, and for other purposes; and H.R. 1670, to amend the
Sikes Act to improve the application of that Act to State-owned
facilities used for the national defense.
II. OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON FISHERIES, WILDLIFE,
OCEANS AND INSULAR AFFAIRS
A. Oversight Hearings
March 2, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``The Department of the
Interior Spending for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
the Office of Insular Affairs and the President's Fiscal Year
2012 Budget Request for the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service and the Office of Insular Affairs.''
March 31, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Spending for the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the
National Marine Fisheries Service and the President's Fiscal
Year 2012 Budget Request for These Agencies.''
May 26, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Buying More Land When
We Can't Maintain What We Already Own: The National Wildlife
Refuge System's Operations and Maintenance Backlog Story!''
Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs
I. LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
A. Legislative Hearings
April 5, 2011--Hearing held on H.R. 887, to direct the
Secretary of the Interior to submit a report on Indian land
fractionation, and for other purposes.
May 26, 2011--Hearing held on H.R. 1408, to provide for the
settlement of certain claims under the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act, and for other purposes.
II. OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON INDIAN AND ALASKA
NATIVE AFFAIRS
A. Oversight Hearings
March 8, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``The Effectiveness of
Federal Spending on Native American Programs, and on the
President's FY 2012 Budget Request for the Bureau of Indian
Affairs and the Office of the Special Trustee for American
Indians.''
April 1, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Tribal Development of
Energy Resources and the Creation of Energy Jobs on Indian
Lands.''
May 24, 2011--Joint oversight hearing with the Subcommittee
on Water and Power on ``Protecting Long-Term Tribal Energy Jobs
and Keeping Arizona Water and Power Costs Affordable: The
Current and Future Role of the Navajo Generating Station.''
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands
I. LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
A. Legislative Hearings
May 4, 2011--Hearing held on H.R. 241, to authorize the
conveyance of certain National Forest System lands in the Los
Padres National Forest in California; H.R. 290, to amend title
36, United States Code, to ensure that memorials commemorating
the service of the United States Armed Forces may contain
religious symbols, and for other purposes; H.R. 320, to
designate a Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial at the
March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California; H.R. 441, to
authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits for a
microhydro project in nonwilderness areas within the boundaries
of Denali National Park and Preserve, to acquire land for
Denali National Park and Preserve from Doyon Tourism, Inc., and
for other purposes; H.R. 643, to provide for the exchange of
certain land located in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests
in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes; H.R. 686, to
require the conveyance of certain public land within the
boundaries of Camp Williams, Utah, to support the training and
readiness of the Utah National Guard; H.R. 765, to amend the
National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to clarify the
authority of the Secretary of Agriculture regarding additional
recreational uses of National Forest System land that is
subject to ski area permits, and for other purposes; H.R. 850,
to facilitate a proposed project in the Lower St. Croix Wild
and Scenic River, and for other purposes; H.R. 944, to
eliminate an unused lighthouse reservation, provide management
consistency by incorporating the rocks and small islands along
the coast of Orange County, California, into the California
Coastal National Monument managed by the Bureau of Land
Management, and meet the original Congressional intent of
preserving Orange County's rocks and small islands, and for
other purposes; H.R. 1022, to authorize the Secretary of the
Interior to conduct a study of alternatives for commemorating
and interpreting the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the early
years of the National Parks, and for other purposes; and H.R.
1141, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the
suitability and feasibility of designating prehistoric,
historic, and limestone forest sites on Rota, Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands, as a unit of the National Park
System.
II. OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS, FORESTS
AND PUBLIC LANDS
A. Oversight Hearings
March 8, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Examining the
Spending, Priorities and the Missions of the Bureau of Land
Management and the U.S. Forest Service and the President's FY
2012 Budget Proposal.''
March 10, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Examining the
Spending, Priorities and the Missions of the National Park
Service and the President's FY 2012 Budget Proposal.''
April 15, 2011--Joint oversight hearing, with the Committee
on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on National
Security, Homeland Defense, and Foreign Operations on ``The
Border: Are Environmental Laws and Regulation Impeding Security
and Harming the Environment?''
Subcommittee on Water and Power
I. LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
A. Legislative Hearings
May 12, 2011--Hearing held on H.R. 470, to further allocate
and expand the availability of hydroelectric power generated at
Hoover Dam, and for other purposes; H.R. 489, to clarify the
jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to
the C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir, and for other purposes; and
H.R. 818, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to allow for
prepayment of repayment contracts between the United States and
the Uintah Water Conservancy District.
II. OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER AND POWER
A. Oversight Hearings
March 2, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Examining the
Spending, Priorities and the Missions of the Bureau of
Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey's Water Resources
Program.''
March 15, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Examining the
Spending, Priorities and the Missions of the Bonneville Power
Administration, the Western Area Power Administration, the
Southwestern Power Administration, and the Southeastern Power
Administration.''
April 5, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Creating Abundant
Water and Power Supplies and Job Growth by Restoring Common
Sense to Federal Regulations.''
April 11, 2011--Oversight field hearing in Fresno,
California, on ``Creating Jobs by Overcoming Man-Made Drought:
Time for Congress to Listen and Act.''
May 4, 2011--Oversight hearing on ``Protecting Federal
Hydropower Investments in the West: A Stakeholder's
Perspective.''
May 24, 2011--Joint oversight hearing, with the
Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, on
``Protecting Long-Term Tribal Energy Jobs and Keeping Arizona
Water and Power Costs Affordable: The Current and Future Role
of the Navajo Generating Station.''
APPENDIX I
Printed Hearings
112-1--Oversight hearing on the Final Report from The
President's National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon
Spill and Offshore Drilling. January 26, 2011, Washington, D.C.
(Full Committee)
112-2--Oversight hearing titled ``The Impact of the
Administration's Wild Lands Order on Jobs and Economic
Growth.'' March 1, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Full Committee)
112-3--Oversight hearing on the Department of the Interior
Spending for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Office
of Insular Affairs and the President's Fiscal Year 2012 Budget
Request for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the
Office of Insular Affairs. March 2, 2011, Washington, D.C.
(Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular
Affairs)
112-4--Oversight hearing titled ``Examining the Spending,
Priorities and the Missions of the Bureau of Reclamation and
the U.S. Geological Survey's Water Resources Program.'' March
2, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on Water and Power)
112-5--Oversight hearing titled ``Department of the
Interior Spending and the President's Fiscal Year 2012 Budget
Proposal.'' March 3, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Full Committee)
112-6--Oversight hearing on ``The Effectiveness of Federal
Spending on Native American Programs, and on the President's FY
2012 Budget Request for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the
Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians.'' March 8,
2011, Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska
Native Affairs)
112-7--Oversight hearing titled ``Examining the Spending,
Priorities and the Missions of the Bureau of Land Management
and the U.S. Forest Service and the President's FY 2012 Budget
Proposal.'' March 8, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on
National Parks, Forests and Public Lands)
112-8--Oversight hearing to ``Examine the Spending
Priorities and the Missions of the U.S. Geological Survey and
the President's FY 2012 Budget Proposal.'' March 9, 2011,
Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources)
112-9--Oversight hearing titled ``Examining the Spending,
Priorities and the Missions of the National Park Service and
the President's FY 2012 Budget Proposal.'' March 10, 2011,
Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and
Public Lands)
112-10--Oversight hearing on ``Examining the Spending,
Priorities and the Missions of the Bonneville Power
Administration, the Western Area Power Administration, the
Southwestern Power Administration, and the Southeastern Power
Administration.'' March 15, 2011, Washington, D.C.
(Subcommittee on Water and Power)
112-11--Oversight hearing on the ``Obama Administration's
De Facto Moratorium in the Gulf: State, Community and Economic
Impacts.'' March 16, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Full Committee)
112-12--Oversight hearing on ``Harnessing American
Resources to Create Jobs and Address Rising Gasoline Prices:
Domestic Resources and Economic Impacts.'' March 17, 2011,
Washington, D.C. (Full Committee)
112-13--Oversight hearing on ``Examining the Spending
Priorities and the Missions of the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), and the
President's FY 2012 Budget Proposal.'' March 30, 2011,
Washington, D.C. (Full Committee)
112-14--Oversight hearing on ``Harnessing American
Resources to Create Jobs and Address Rising Gasoline Prices:
Impacts on Businesses and Families.'' March 31, 2011,
Washington, D.C. (Full Committee)
112-15--Oversight hearing on ``Spending for the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Marine
Fisheries Service and the President's Fiscal Year 2012 Budget
Request for these Agencies.'' March 31, 2011, Washington, D.C.
(Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular
Affairs)
112-16--Oversight hearing titled ``Tribal Development of
Energy Resources and the Creation of Energy Jobs on Indian
Lands.'' April 1, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on
Indian and Alaska Native Affairs)
112-17--Oversight hearing on the ``Effect of the
President's FY 2012 Budget and Legislative Proposals for the
Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service's Energy
and Minerals Programs on Private Sector Job Creation, Domestic
Energy and Minerals Production and Deficit Reduction.'' April
5, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral
Resources)
112-18--Hearing on H.R. 887, to direct the Secretary of the
Interior to submit a report on Indian land fractionation, and
for other purposes. April 5, 2011, Washington, D.C.
(Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs)
112-19--Oversight hearing on ``Creating Abundant Water and
Power Supplies and Job Growth by Restoring Common Sense to
Federal Regulations.'' April 5, 2011, Washington, D.C.
(Subcommittee on Water and Power)
112-20--Hearing on H.R. 1229, to amend the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act to facilitate the safe and timely
production of American energy resources from the Gulf of
Mexico; H.R. 1230, to require the Secretary of the Interior to
conduct certain offshore oil and gas lease sales, and for other
purposes; and H.R. 1231, to require the Secretary of the
Interior to conduct certain offshore oil and gas lease sales,
and for other purposes. April 6, 2011, Washington, D.C.
(Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources)
112-21--Oversight hearing on the ``Effect of the
President's FY 2012 Budget and Legislative Proposals for the
Office of Surface Mining on Private Sector Job Creation,
Domestic Energy Production, State Programs and Deficit
Reduction.'' April 7, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on
Energy and Mineral Resources)
112-22--Hearing on H.R. 258, to require the Office of
Management and Budget to prepare a crosscut budget for
restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, to
require the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and
implement an adaptive management plan, and for other purposes;
H.R. 306, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to enter into
an agreement with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, Currituck
County, and the State of North Carolina to provide for the
management of free-roaming wild horses in and around the
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge; H.R. 588, to redesignate
the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge as the Sam D. Hamilton
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge; and S. 266, a bill to
redesignate the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge as the Sam D.
Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. April 7, 2011,
Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans
and Insular Affairs)
112-23--Oversight field hearing in Fresno, California,
titled ``Creating Jobs by Overcoming Man-made Drought: Time for
Congress to Listen and Act.'' April 11, 2011, Fresno,
California. (Subcommittee on Water and Power)
112-24--Joint oversight hearing titled ``The Border: Are
Environmental Laws and Regulation Impeding Security and Harming
the Environment?'' April 15, 2011, Washington, D.C.
(Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands with
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee
on National Security, Homeland Defense, and Foreign Operations)
112-25--Oversight field hearing in Houma, Louisiana, titled
``Gulf of Mexico: A Focus on Community Recovery and New
Response Technology.'' April 18, 2011, Houma, Louisiana. (Full
Committee)
112-26--Joint oversight hearing on Federal Endangered
Species Act consultations on pesticides registered under the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act titled ``At
Risk: American Jobs, Agriculture, Health and Species--The Costs
of Federal Regulatory Dysfunction.'' May 3, 2011, Washington,
D.C. (Full Committee with the Committee on Agriculture)
112-27--Oversight hearing on ``Protecting Federal
Hydropower Investments in the West: A Stakeholders
Perspective.'' May 4, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on
Water and Power)
112-28--Hearing on H.R. 241, to authorize the conveyance of
certain National Forest System lands in the Los Padres National
Forest in California; H.R. 290, to amend title 36, United
States Code, to ensure that memorials commemorating the service
of the United States Armed Forces may contain religious
symbols, and for other purposes; H.R. 320, to designate a
Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial at the March Field
Air Museum in Riverside, California; H.R. 441, to authorize the
Secretary of the Interior to issue permits for a microhydro
project in nonwilderness areas within the boundaries of Denali
National Park and Preserve, to acquire land for Denali National
Park and Preserve from Doyon Tourism, Inc., and for other
purposes; H.R. 643, to provide for the exchange of certain land
located in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests in the State
of Colorado, and for other purposes; H.R. 686, to require the
conveyance of certain public land within the boundaries of Camp
Williams, Utah, to support the training and readiness of the
Utah National Guard; H.R. 765, to amend the National Forest Ski
Area Permit Act of 1986 to clarify the authority of the
Secretary of Agriculture regarding additional recreational uses
of National Forest System land that is subject to ski area
permits, and for other purposes; H.R. 850, to facilitate a
proposed project in the Lower St. Croix Wild and Scenic River,
and for other purposes; H.R. 944, to eliminate an unused
lighthouse reservation, provide management consistency by
incorporating the rocks and small islands along the coast of
Orange County, California, into the California Coastal National
Monument managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and meet the
original Congressional intent of preserving Orange County's
rocks and small islands, and for other purposes; H.R. 1022, to
authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of
alternatives for commemorating and interpreting the role of the
Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of the National Parks, and
for other purposes; and H.R. 1141, to authorize the Secretary
of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of
designating prehistoric, historic, and limestone forest sites
on Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, as a
unit of the National Park System. May 4, 2011, Washington, D.C.
(Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands)
111-29--Hearing on H.R. 470, to further allocate and expand
the availability of hydroelectric power generated at Hoover
Dam, and for other purposes; H.R. 489, to clarify the
jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to
the C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir, and for other purposes; and
H.R. 818, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to allow for
prepayment of repayment contracts between the United States and
the Uintah Water Conservancy District. May 12, 2011,
Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on Water and Power)
111-30--Hearing on H.R. 295, to amend the Hydrographic
Services Improvement Act of 1998 to authorize funds to acquire
hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services specific to
the Arctic for safe navigation, delineating the United States
extended continental shelf, and the monitoring and description
of coastal changes; H.R. 670, to convey certain submerged lands
to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in order to
give that territory the same benefits in its submerged lands as
Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa have in their
submerged lands; H.R. 991, to amend the Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972 to allow importation of polar bear
trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the
polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973; H.R. 1160, to require the
Secretary of the Interior to convey the McKinney Lake National
Fish Hatchery to the State of North Carolina, and for other
purposes; and H.R. 1670, to amend the Sikes Act to improve the
application of that Act to State-owned facilities used for the
national defense. May 12, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee
on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs)
111-31--Oversight hearing on the ``American Energy
Initiative: Identifying Roadblocks to Wind and Solar Energy on
Public Lands and Waters, Part 1--Department of the Interior
Officials.'' May 13, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Full Committee)
111-32--Joint oversight hearing on ``Protecting Long-Term
Tribal Energy Jobs and Keeping Arizona Water and Power Costs
Affordable: The Current and Future Role of the Navajo
Generating Station.'' May 24, 2011, Washington, D.C.
(Subcommittee on Water and Power, and Subcommittee Indian and
Alaska Native Affairs)
111-33--Oversight hearing on the ``Strategic and Critical
Minerals Policy: Domestic Minerals Supplies and Demands in a
time of Foreign Supply Disruptions.'' May 24, 2011, Washington,
D.C. (Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources)
111-34--Oversight hearing on ``Harnessing American
Resources to Create Jobs and Address Rising Gasoline Prices:
Impacts on Seniors, Working Families and Memorial Day
Vacations.'' May 25, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Full Committee)
111-35--Oversight hearing on ``Buying More Land When We
Can't Maintain What We Already Own: The National Wildlife
Refuge System's Operations and Maintenance Backlog Story!'' May
26, 2011, Washington, D.C. (Subcommittee on Fisheries,
Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs)
111-36--Hearing on H.R. 1408, to provide for the settlement
of certain claims under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement
Act, and for other purposes. May 26, 2011, Washington, D.C.
(Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs)
APPENDIX II
Legislation Passed House
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS PASSED HOUSE (BY DATE)
[Asterisk (*) denotes bills that the Committee on Natural
Resources was not the lead Committee]
01/19/2011--H.R. 2*, to repeal the job-killing health care
law and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and
Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Passed House by vote of
245-189.
03/02/2011--H.R. 662*, to provide an extension of Federal-
aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and
other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending
enactment of a multiyear law reauthorizing such programs.
Passed House, as amended, by vote of 421-4. (Public Law 111-5)
05/05/2011--H.R. 1230, to require the Secretary of the
Interior to conduct certain offshore oil and gas lease sales,
and for other purposes. Passed House by vote of 266-149.
05/11/2011--H.R. 1229, to amend the Outer Continental Shelf
Lands Act to facilitate the safe and timely production of
American energy resources from the Gulf of Mexico. Passed
House, as amended, by vote of 263-163.
05/12/2011--H.R. 1231, to amend the Outer Continental Shelf
Lands Act to require that each 5-year offshore oil and gas
leasing program offer leasing in the areas with the most
prospective oil and gas resources, to establish a domestic oil
and natural gas production goal, and for other purposes. Passed
House, as amended, by vote of 243-179.
APPENDIX III
List of Public Laws
[Asterisk (*) denotes bills that were not referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources but contain legislation that was
referred to the Committee on Natural Resources]
Public Law 112-5: (H.R. 662) Surface Transportation
Extension Act of 2011
APPENDIX IV
Committee Prints
Appendix V
Committee Legislative Reports
House Report 112-67, Part 1, (H.R. 1229), to amend the
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to facilitate the safe and
timely production of American energy resources from the Gulf of
Mexico.
House Report 112-68 (H.R. 1230), to require the Secretary
of the Interior to conduct certain offshore oil and gas lease
sales, and for other purposes.
House Report 112-69 (H.R. 1231), to amend the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act to require that each 5-year
offshore oil and gas leasing program offer leasing in the areas
with the most prospective oil and gas resources, to establish a
domestic oil and natural gas production goal, and for other
purposes.
APPENDIX VI
Oversight Plan
At the organizational meeting for the 112th Congress, the
Committee on Natural Resources adopted by voice vote the
Oversight Plan printed below:
INTRODUCTION
Under clause 2 of Rule X of the House of Representatives,
each standing committee of the House has general oversight
responsibilities to determine whether laws and programs
addressing subjects within its jurisdiction are being
implemented in accordance with the intent of Congress and to
determine whether they should be continued, reformed,
curtailed, or eliminated.
In past Congresses, the Committee on Natural Resources has
been lax in performing a core Constitutional duty of the
Legislative Branch to examine and question the Executive
Branch's implementation and administration of laws written by
the Congress. This lack of fundamental oversight by the
Committee occurred under both Democrat and Republican
Majorities, and when examining both Democrat and Republican
Presidential Administrations.
In the 112th Congress, the Committee on Natural Resources,
and its five Subcommittees, will be fully committed to
fulfilling their oversight responsibilities. In prioritizing
the oversight work of the Committee and Subcommittees, the
emphasis will be placed first and foremost on (1) job creation
and economic growth, and (2) reducing spending and eliminating
unnecessary, duplicative and unaffordable government programs.
This oversight plan outlines the initial, primary focuses
of the Committee and Subcommittees, though additional oversight
activities are expected to be generated throughout the first
and second sessions of the Congress. As the Committee and
Subcommittees review the budgets, spending and merit of
programs and agencies under their jurisdiction, it is expected
that these additional oversight topics will be brought to light
and addressed in an open, transparent manner. And as the
Committee shines a spotlight on the regulations and policies
unilaterally imposed or proposed by the Interior Department and
other agencies, further oversight needs will assuredly be
identified.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES
Creating Jobs and Increasing Energy Independence Through
Safe and Responsible All-of-the-Above Energy and Mineral
Production--The Subcommittee and full Committee will examine
the nation's energy and mineral policies, how they affect the
nation's economy and job creation, how they affect the
viability of domestic energy (including renewable and
alternative sources) and domestic manufacturing (both
industrial and high-tech), and how the Administration's actions
are affecting gasoline prices, energy costs, and revenues for
federal and state treasuries. A prime focus will be upon the
importance of and need for an all-of-the above approach to
increase domestic energy production and strengthen our mineral
security to create high-paying family wage jobs, increase our
economic competitiveness and strengthen our national security.
Budget and Spending Review--The Subcommittee's jurisdiction
covers five Interior Department agencies, and programs within
two others: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management (BOEM), Bureau of Safety, Environment and
Enforcement (BSEE), Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR),
Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and the energy and minerals
programs of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest
Service (USFS). The Subcommittee will examine each of these
agencies for opportunities to streamline, reduce costs, and
either close or consolidate outdated programs.
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Natural Gas--Ensuring
the safety and viability of American offshore oil and natural
gas production will be a prime focus of the full Committee and
Subcommittee. Oversight activities will be broad and inclusive
of the many timely issues relating to the OCS. These include:
the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill, as
well as its causes and the response by both the federal
government and responsible parties; the impact on and ongoing
needs of Gulf Coast communities; the structure of federal
regulatory agencies and Interior Department's reorganization of
the Minerals Management Service into three new divisions (BOEM,
BSEE, ONRR); reforms to existing laws governing offshore
activities and the oil spill response; the Administration's de
facto moratorium in the Gulf and its impact on jobs and
domestic supply; the official moratoriums imposed by President
Obama on multiple areas of the OCS, as well as the ability to
proceed with activities in areas of Alaska; and the importance
of domestic production to job creation and America's economic
and national security.
Onshore Oil and Natural Gas Programs--The Subcommittee will
hold hearings on the state of oil and gas leasing on federal
onshore lands in the western United States. Hearings will focus
on leasing delays and declines in production from federal
lands. The Subcommittee will focus on specific controversies
associated with leasing in Utah, Montana and Wyoming, as well
as the newly proposed policy related to use of hydraulic
fracturing on federal lands.
Gasoline Prices--The Subcommittee will conduct hearings on
the price of gasoline and oil and its impact on family budgets,
small businesses, and job creation and economic activity
generally. This examination of gas and oil prices will include
review of America's dependence on foreign oil and natural gas,
and the ability to reduce our dependence through specific
domestic production activities.
Royalties and Revenues--In 2008, the federal government
raised more than $23 billion in revenue from bonus bids, rents
and royalties related to oil and gas activities on federal
lands. Today, with oil prices at or near the same level, the
revenue estimates for fiscal year 2011 could be as low as $7.5
billion, a decline of more than 60%. At a time of record
national debt and federal budget deficits, as well as high
unemployment, it is important for the Subcommittee to examine
the causes of this decline and opportunities for creating jobs
and generating additional revenue for the federal and state
governments through new activity. There will also be an
examination of the current royalty collection system, including
technology advancements that could reduce costs and improve
accuracy of collection.
Renewable and Alternative Energy--The Subcommittee will
conduct oversight over current solar, geothermal and wind
programs operated by BLM and USFS, and examine what steps may
be necessary to advance and speed the deployment of these
technologies on federal lands. The Subcommittee will also
explore the advancements in OCS wind leasing, including what
steps, if any, are needed to help streamline the leasing and
permitting of new wind facilities on the OCS to ensure that
those interested in promoting OCS wind resources can create
jobs and are not delayed by federal bureaucratic red tape.
National Minerals Security Strategy--The Subcommittee will
be conducting a multifaceted oversight strategy related to the
development of a National Minerals Security Strategy. In the
last year, there were significant concerns raised about the
ability to obtain strategic minerals by business, industry and
government sources. This is a serious national economic and
security dilemma. It also greatly impacts related jobs
throughout the country. The Subcommittee intends to conduct
oversight on a broad range of strategic minerals, including,
but not limited to, rare earth elements, uranium, and copper.
This will include a review of domestic resources, current and
planned production, and possible future production
opportunities. The Subcommittee will also review, and possibly
consider legislation to improve, abandoned mine clean-up.
Coal Mining Regulations and Leasing--The Department of the
Interior is actively participating in the Obama
Administration's war on coal, which is causing real economic
hardship for coal miners, their families and coal communities
in the United States. The policies of this Administration could
well cause future unemployment of all coal miners to the
detriment of our national security, economic well-being and
energy affordability. Oversight focuses will include regulatory
changes to: the classification and use of coal ash, the stream
buffer zone rule, new standards for ``conductivity,'' and
impacts of the roadless rule regulations on mining operations.
In addition to budgetary oversight of the Office of Surfacing
Mining, the Subcommittee will focus on the current
effectiveness of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
(SMCRA) and problems associated with permit approvals. ``Clean
coal'' will also be a focus.
Federal Mapping Programs--The federal government spends
billions each year on new geospatial data--spending which is
frequently duplicative and uncoordinated. During hearings last
year, witnesses made clear that multiple Administrations have
exerted little control, central oversight or effective
management. The Subcommittee intends to examine this issue and
may consider legislation to consolidate and streamline the
geospatial programs to reduce waste and duplication. In
addition, the Subcommittee intends to conduct oversight of
federal agencies and how they track and monitor their land
management responsibilities and purposes.
Oil Shale Research, Demonstration and Development Leasing--
The oil shale lands managed by BLM are the largest known
concentration of oil shale in the world--what the U.S.
Geological Survey estimates to be the equivalent of 800 billion
barrels of recoverable oil. This estimate means this resource
would be enough to meet U.S. demand for oil at current usage
levels for 110 years. The bipartisan Energy Policy Act of 2005
included direction for BLM to establish commercial and
research, demonstration and development (RD&D) leasing programs
for oil shale resources. This program reached a high point with
the completion of long-developed commercial oil shale rules and
a successful RD&D leasing process. Since then the
Administration has injected uncertainty into the commercial
shale rules and changed the terms of the RD&D leases under a
second lease offering. These steps have resulted in a
significant decline in private sector investment and research
on oil shale. By stalling action, new job creation is stymied.
The Subcommittee plans to examine the impacts of this
uncertainty, the status of oil shale research leases and
programs, and consider legislation to set the oil shale program
back on the path toward success.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON FISHERIES, WILDLIFE, OCEANS AND INSULAR AFFAIRS
Budget and Spending Review--The Subcommittee will examine
the President's Fiscal Year 2012 budget recommendations, as
well as existing spending levels, for the Fish and Wildlife
Service and the Office of Insular Affairs, within the
Department of the Interior, and the National Marine Fisheries
Service and certain ``wet'' programs of National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Department of
Commerce. Stimulus spending under the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 will also be examined, with an
emphasis on examining how the $4 billion provided to these
agencies was spent, how many permanent, part-time or temporary
jobs were created and how the operations and maintenance
backlog of these agencies has been affected.
Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act of 1998--More than a decade
ago, the Congress amended the Sikes Act of 1960 to encourage
the Department of Defense to provide recreational opportunities
for disabled individuals. A recent survey has indicated that
only 25 of the 400 military installations throughout the
country have made any attempt to provide facilities for
disabled persons to hunt or fish.
Invasive Species--There are now thousands of acres of land
in the United States that are overrun by invasive species,
including Asian carp, feral pigs, Giant Salvinia, and zebra
mussels. These foreign invaders are destroying valuable
infrastructure and are costing taxpayers millions of lost
dollars.
Lacey Act Listing of Constrictor Snakes--The Fish and
Wildlife Service has issued a proposed rule adding nine
nonnative constrictor snakes species to the Lacey Act, which
prohibits import as well as interstate commerce in listed
species. Oversight is needed to assess this proposal and the
impact of this listing on hundreds of thousands of pet-owners,
thousands of pet stores, and economic activity that measures in
the millions of dollars annually.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation--This Foundation was
legislatively created to assist the Fish and Wildlife Service
in the conservation of its wildlife resources. The
authorization of taxpayer funds expired on September 30, 2010.
As a new authorization is considered, the Subcommittee will
hear from the Foundation and interested and impacted parties.
National Wildlife Refuge System Operations and Maintenance
Backlog--According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, the
backlog exceeds $3.4 billion, and there are a total of 12,795
deferred projects. Of this total, 3,472 projects were
considered ``mission critical'' to the refuge system.
Refuge Revenue Sharing--In 1935, Congress enacted the
Refuge Revenue Sharing Act. The purpose of this law was to
compensate local communities for the loss of tax revenues when
private land is incorporated within the National Wildlife
Refuge System. For the past 15 years, the amount of money paid
to the counties has decreased from 77 percent to a mere 36
percent of payments.
White-Nose Syndrome--First documented in February 2006
outside of Albany, New York, the White-Nose syndrome (WNS) has
spread rapidly across the Eastern United States killing more
than 1 million bats that hibernate in caves and mines. The
Subcommittee will obtain the most current information on the
impact of WNS on bat species, how federal, state and local
officials are responding to its spread, what has been the
economic impact of closing hundreds of caves, and what has been
learned from federal funds spent seeking an explanation of WNS.
Wildlife Management Within the National Wildlife Refuge
System--During the past two years, there has been a tremendous
increase in the federal acquisition of private land for
inclusion within the refuge system. This has occurred as the
operations and maintenance backlog continues to skyrocket. The
Subcommittee will examine how this dramatic shift in funding is
affecting wildlife management, what adverse effects it has
caused on fish and wildlife populations, and whether
unnecessary access restrictions have been placed on anglers,
hunters and recreationists.
Insular Areas General Oversight--The Subcommittee expects
to review the fundamental issues facing each of the territories
and freely associated states: support and development of self-
government and self-determination; job creation, economic
development and self-sufficiency through the private sector;
accountability of federal funds; enforcement of federal laws;
implementation and funding for the Compacts of Free
Association; and management of limited land and water
resources.
International Fisheries Agreements and International
Compliance--In addition to numerous international fisheries
treaties already in existence, a number of new international
treaties and agreements are being negotiated to ensure
compliance of vessels fishing on the high seas. In addition,
the U.S. has taken aggressive action to combat Illegal,
Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. The
Subcommittee will examine the need for such treaties and how
the IUU fishing practices harm the U.S. fishing industry.
Ocean Governance/National Ocean Council and Coastal and
Marine Spatial Planning--Through an Executive Order, the White
House created a new National Ocean Council (NOC) and a
structure for a new Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning
initiative. The Committee and Subcommittee will examine the
authority used to create this entity and initiative, what
sources of funding will be used, what authorities this new
entity will have, what effect any new policy initiatives from
the NOC will have on other departments and agencies, and how
this administrative action may impact jobs and economic
activity, including energy production, recreational and
commercial fishing, coastal ports and industries, and up-stream
activities including farming and agricultural production.
NOAA's Education Programs--NOAA currently has more than a
dozen education programs, most of which were created either
through earmarks or through broad authority in the America
COMPETES Act. The Subcommittee will examine the authority,
funding, necessity for, partner organizations, and possible
overlap of programs.
Mapping and Charting Program--Hydrographic and geodetic
surveys are critical components for safe transportation,
including within Arctic regions. The Committee will continue
its oversight authority with regard to mapping and charting
activities within NOAA and the coordination of these activities
across federal agencies to reduce duplication.
Marine Protected Areas, National Marine Sanctuaries, Marine
Monuments--The National Marine Sanctuaries Program includes 14
sanctuaries and one national marine monument. In recent years,
a number of sanctuaries have revised their designation
documents and in some cases, have restricted the ability of
various user groups to access sanctuary resources or waters. In
addition, other authorities have been used by federal agencies
to designate marine protected areas. These authorities often
overlap. Oversight topics will include: the sanctuary program
budget; the existing sanctuary vessel fleet; expansions of
missions and/or restrictions on specific activities through
changes in designation documents; expansions of individual
sanctuaries; the designation of marine monuments and other
marine protected areas; and expansion of the program in
general.
Fishery Restrictions Resulting From Protected Resources
Designations--There are a number of fisheries that currently
are or will be restricted due to interactions or perceived
interactions with protected animals. In many cases, the
scientific information being used to implement the restrictions
is either incomplete or outdated. Because NOAA has diverted
funding from gathering the information necessary to adequately
manage the natural resources under their jurisdiction, the
agency is causing job losses and economic hardships for coastal
and fishery-dependent communities. The Subcommittee will
examine a number of specific examples illustrating these
concerns.
Fisheries Strategic Research Plan--In recent years, NOAA
has proposed the creation of a number of new line offices or
initiatives, including the creation of a NOAA Climate Service
and implementation of a national catch share program. At the
same time, funding for basic fisheries and marine mammal
surveys necessary to support management of the nation's fishery
resources have remained inadequate. As surveys are postponed or
cut, the confidence in the stock assessments decline, causing
harvest levels to be cut resulting in job losses and economic
stress on fishery-dependent communities. The Subcommittee will
examine the NOAA's long-term commitment to the harvest of
fishery resources and the research necessary to ensure the
sustainability of those resources and those who depend on those
resources.
Marine Mammal Protection Act--The law prohibits, with few
exceptions, the harm or harassment of marine mammals without a
permit. The authorization of appropriations for the Act expired
in 1999. The Committee will continue its oversight authorities
with regard to the implementation and enforcement of the Act.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE AFFAIRS
Budget and Spending Review--The Committee will review the
budget, spending, and staffing levels for the Bureau of Indian
Affairs, Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians,
and other Departments, offices and functions relating to Indian
and Alaska Native affairs. Stimulus spending will also be
examined.
Federal Barriers to Economic and Energy Development on
Indian Lands--Certain federal laws and policies governing the
management of federal lands and other public resources are
applied to the management of lands and resources owned by, or
held in restricted status for, tribes and individual Indians.
The Subcommittee will review whether it is appropriate to treat
lands belonging to Indians as though they are public lands.
Cobell v. Salazar Settlement Implementation--The proposed
settlement of the long-running Cobell v. Salazar lawsuit was
authorized pursuant to the Claims Resolution Act (Public Law
111-291). This Act was passed by Congress under procedures that
precluded amendments to correct several flaws identified by
respected tribes, tribal organizations, and noted experts. The
implementation of this settlement will be examined.
Trust Reform--Without nominating a Special Trustee for
American Indians or submitting to the Committee on Natural
Resources a plan for improving management of individual Indian
and tribal trust resources, the Obama Administration has
displayed little or no progress in assisting tribes in their
goal of self-determination. The Subcommittee will examine these
issues in greater detail through oversight hearings.
Fee-to-Trust Issues, including Carcieri v. Salazar--The
2009 Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar was one of
the most significant judicial actions concerning Indian lands
since 1934. In the 112th Congress, fee-to-trust issues will be
considered, including the impact of Carcieri, in a thoughtful,
transparent, open process.
Alaska Natives--The Committee will review the
implementation of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and
amendments made to the Act in recent years, including to
correct technical problems.
Natural Resources Management on Indian Reservations--The
Department of the Interior holds approximately 56 million acres
of land in trust or restricted status for tribes and individual
Indians. The Committee will review the current law and
Departmental policies and actions concerning these resources in
furtherance of the goal of increasing tribal self-governance,
as well as job creation, and economic development opportunities
for the benefit of Native Americans.
Tribal Law and Order Act Implementation--In the 111th
Congress, the House Democrat Leadership bypassed regular order
and passed a major overhaul of laws relating to crime and law
enforcement in Indian Country. In the 112th Congress, the
Subcommittee will review the implementation and impact of this
Act through a transparent, open process that allows an
opportunity for broad participation.
Indian Health Care Improvement Act Implementation/Indian
Health Service--In the 110th and 111th Congresses, the House
Democrat Leadership refused to consider a bipartisan Indian
Health Care Improvement Act. Instead, in the last Congress,
Democrat Leaders took the risky move of adding it to the
Obamacare federal government takeover of health care
legislation. This course of action injected Indian health care
reauthorization into a heated political debate. Indian health
care is due special treatment because of Congress's authority
over Indian affairs under the Constitution. In the 112th
Congress the Subcommittee will review implementation of Indian
health care through regular order on a bipartisan basis.
Gaming--In 2009, a total of $26.5 billion in gambling
revenues (amounts wagered less prizes paid) were generated by
233 tribes operating 419 casinos regulated under the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (source: National Indian Gaming
Commission). This sum is nearly triple the $9.8 billion in
revenues generated just ten years ago in 1999, and an estimated
one-quarter of all gambling revenues generated nationwide in
all types of lawful gambling operations. Over the last four
years, the Committee has conducted very little oversight of
this major industry. In the 112th Congress, it would be
responsible to ensure that appropriate enforcement and
oversight by the National Indian Gaming Commission, Department
of the Interior, and Department of Justice are being conducted.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS, FORESTS AND PUBLIC LANDS
Budget and Spending Review--The Subcommittee will review
the Fiscal Year 2012 budget request for programs under its
jurisdiction, as well as current spending levels for all
agencies and programs. Agency heads of the National Park
Service, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) and public witnesses will be invited to testify at a
hearing or hearings. Stimulus spending will also be examined.
Border Security--The Subcommittee will conduct oversight on
how implementation of environmental laws on federal lands
affects border security.
Strengthening Core National Park Functions of Stewardship,
Visitor Experience and Maintenance of National Park
Facilities--The Subcommittee will seek ways to ensure that the
National Park Service's basic mission and resources are
protected and that park budget constraints, if they occur,
affect only nontraditional park activities.
New National Park Units--Proposals for additional parks and
park expansions will be examined with due regard for the merits
of the proposal, spending constraints, the need for access to
vital resources, and protection of property rights.
National Park Management--The Subcommittee will conduct
oversight on ways to lessen the operations and maintenance
backlog and foster and expand wholesome, family enjoyment of
the parks.
National Forests/Wilderness Designations and Releases--
Hearings will be held on proposals to designate wilderness
areas and to release areas not suited for designation.
Forest Health and Wildfires--The Subcommittee will hold
oversight hearings on forest health, wildfire prevention and
suppression, and implementation of the various Forest Service
authorities.
National Forest County Payments and School Funding--An
examination of the impacts of this program on local communities
and governments will be undertaken in anticipation of its
pending expiration and need for Congressional action.
Resources on Forest Service Lands--Hearings will be held on
ways to ensure that appropriate environmental standards are
incorporated in the management of Forest Service lands
consistent with the need for jobs in resource dependent
communities, growth of our country's economy and diverse
recreational activities.
Cabin Fees--Action will be taken to seek a revenue neutral
means to keep affordable the fees charged to owners of private
cabins on Forest Service Lands.
National Forest System Recreation--Oversight will be
conducted on ideas for maintaining open public recreational
access without onerous fees.
Forest Service Budget--Oversight will be conducted on how
best to strengthen the Forest Service's basic mission and
lessen the diversion of budget and personnel resources into
less productive activities. Also, oversight will be conducted
on the Forest Service's proposed Planning Rule.
Bureau of Land Management ``Wild Lands'' Proposal--
Oversight will be conducted on the use of peremptory
administrative actions that create de facto wilderness areas
without Congressional action or local input. The impact on
recreation and job creation will be a focus.
Bureau of Land Management Land Exchanges--The Subcommittee
will seek opportunities to implement mutually advantageous and
otherwise beneficial land exchanges--especially those that
consolidate land for protection and for economic activity that
can create jobs for Americans.
Jobs and Bureau of Land Management's Contribution to
Economic Growth and Security--Oversight will be conducted on
ways to ensure that appropriate environmental standards are
incorporated in the management of BLM lands that provide
secure, domestic sources of energy, food, minerals, jobs and
recreation.
National Landscape Conservation System--Oversight will be
conducted on the use of peremptory administrative actions that
create de facto wilderness areas without Congressional action
or local input.
Wild Horses and Burros--Oversight will be conducted on
BLM's management of wild horses and burros.
Bureau of Land Management Budget--Oversight will be
conducted on how best to strengthen the Bureau of Land
Management's basic mission and lessen the diversion of budget
and personnel resources into less productive activities.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER AND POWER
Budget and Spending Review--At a time of growing water
supply needs, water-use conflicts, curtailment of water
deliveries due to federal regulation and a $14 trillion
national debt, the Subcommittee intends to examine the Bureau
of Reclamation's and the U.S. Geological Survey's annual budget
requests, spending and stimulus spending. The goal of such
oversight is to determine whether the agencies are accountable
to the American taxpayers, ratepayers and other beneficiaries
and to ascertain whether they are fulfilling their core
missions.
Oversight of the Power Marketing Administration Budgets--
The four Power Marketing Administrations--the Bonneville Power
Administration, the Western Area Power Administration, the
Southwestern Power Administration and the Southeastern Power
Administration--sell hydropower generated at federal dams and
reservoirs to wholesale customers that serve millions of retail
electricity consumers. In many cases, these energy prices have
increased or the supply has significantly decreased due to a
number of factors. The Subcommittee intends to examine the
reasons for the price increases, whether these agencies are
reducing internal costs to mitigate for such increases and if
they are fulfilling their historical missions.
Increasing Traditional Water Supplies--Visionary leaders
developed much of the western water supply infrastructure that
urban and rural communities have depended upon for generations.
These existing water storage and delivery projects continue to
serve millions today, but their operations are being curtailed
by endless litigation and agencies bent upon rationing water
supplies. The Subcommittee intends to focus on the need to not
only protect existing water storage/conveyance facilities but
to examine and overcome regulatory, financial and other
barriers to building new ones as a way of returning to a policy
of abundance.
Water Project Financing--The Subcommittee intends to
analyze different types of water projects to determine the most
cost-effective approach to providing new water supplies and
other benefits. This examination will include but not be
limited to a determination of project's purposes, cost per acre
foot, water and non-water benefits and the current process used
to determinate cost/benefit ratios.
California Water Supplies at a Crossroads--Although the
Subcommittee will focus on the entire western water supply
situation, there will be hearings on ways to deliver more water
to California communities in need. Many of these communities
have experienced high unemployment due to recent man-made water
shortages in California. Yet even in current times of high
precipitation, millions of acre feet are not captured due to
regulation and lack of adequate storage. The Subcommittee
intends to focus on bringing abundant water and power supplies
back to California and other western states so that communities
have access to reliable and cost effective water and power
supplies.
Returning to the ``Beneficiaries Pay'' Principle--Recent
efforts to integrate wind and solar resources into the
electricity grid can have impacts on existing water and power
users who do not benefit from such integration. The
Subcommittee intends to examine the impacts of integration
schemes, including those by the Western Area Power
Administration.
Maintaining Electricity Transmission/Distribution Service
on Federal Lands--Energy rights of way on federal lands have a
direct impact on electricity transmission and distribution
systems. Vegetative management on these rights-of-way is an
issue in some areas of the western United States. The
Subcommittee intends to examine these matters.
Protecting and Promoting Hydropower as a Clean, Renewable
Energy Source--Efforts are underway to undermine existing
hydropower resources. The Subcommittee intends to examine these
efforts and ways to promote large-scale and small-scale
hydropower generation.
Empowering Local Communities--The Subcommittee intends to
focus on ways to empower local communities through improving
the Bureau of Reclamation's title transfer process and allowing
some water users to pre-pay their capital repayment contracts
to the federal government.
FULL COMMITTEE
The full Committee will conduct oversight on a variety of
topics in coordination with the Subcommittees, as well as on
specific jurisdictional items that reside at the full Committee
level. These full Committee jurisdictional matters include:
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)--Recent court
rulings and administrative regulations relating to NEPA will be
reviewed and examined, especially as it relates to job creation
and economic activity.
Endangered Species Act--For nearly 20 years, the
authorization of appropriations for this Act has been expired
and lapsed. This is not responsible to the taxpayers or the
species that are threatened and endangered under the Act. It
also disregards the many communities whose economic livelihoods
are so directly impacted by this law. During this almost two-
decade period, the number of listed species has grown to over
2,600, while the number of recovered species has been a mere
20. By any objective standard, a fundamental goal of this law,
which is to recover and remove the need for species protection
under the Act, has not been achieved as all Americans would
hope. The Act and the species it is intended to protect deserve
an open, transparent discussion of the future and how Congress
will proceed.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
Reauthorization--The Magnuson-Stevens Act is the primary
statute regulating commercial and recreational fishing in
Federal waters. The Act was reauthorized in the 109th Congress
through 2013. A number of provisions from that reauthorization
will be examined, and a look ahead to the next reauthorization
will begin.
APPENDIX VII
H. RES. 72
As directed by H. Res. 72 (reprinted on next page), which
was adopted by a vote of the House of 391-to-28 on February 11,
2011, the Committee on Natural Resources is reviewing
``existing, pending and proposed regulations, orders, and other
administrative actions or procedure by agencies of the Federal
government'' within the Committee's jurisdiction. Following is
a chart summarizing hearings, both oversight and legislative,
that were either focused upon, or involved, such review
efforts, as well as additional actions taken through May 31st
in response to the Resolution. The Committee's work relating to
H. Res. 72 actively continues.
APPENDIX VIII
Views
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
During the opening months of the 112th Congress, the
Natural Resources Committee has focused on creating jobs,
expanding American-made energy production, and exercising
greater oversight on the policies and actions of the Executive
Branch agencies that the Committee oversees.
This focus on job creation is a stark new direction from
the past four years of the Speaker Pelosi and Democrat-run
House. When Democrats held the gavels for the past four years,
they pursued a new cap-and-trade national energy tax that would
have driven up energy costs and sent millions of American jobs
overseas, and they enacted a massive stimulus spending scheme
that drove our nation deeper in debt and failed to lower
unemployment as promised.
Republicans are now leading in the House of
Representatives, and on the Natural Resources Committee, to
advance common sense solutions that will create jobs, not
through higher taxes and higher spending, but by streamlining
government and unraveling the regulatory red-tape that ties
down economic growth and suffocates small businesses.
The Natural Resources Committee has had an active first few
months keeping watch over the Obama Administration, conducting
oversight on a variety of topics including the Gulf of Mexico
offshore drilling permitorium, man-made drought in California,
the Wild Lands' Secretarial Order, the rewriting of coal mining
regulations that could cost 7,000 jobs and a host of other
issues that impact the livelihood of rural Americans--and the
Committee is just getting warmed up.
In particular, the Committee's work to expand American
energy production, create new jobs and shine a spotlight on the
Obama Administration's anti-energy policies will continue at an
aggressive pace.
As gasoline pump prices doubled on President Obama's watch
and soared to over four dollars per gallon, the Natural
Resources Committee acted in the first weeks and months of this
new Congress to advance responsible bills to expand American
energy production.
This Committee approved and advanced through the House
three bipartisan bills aimed at putting workers in the Gulf of
Mexico back on the job producing American-made energy, safely
reversing the President's moratorium on new offshore drilling,
and strengthening our national security by reducing foreign
imports by one third. These three bills have been estimated to
create, over time, 1.2 million jobs across our country.
And while some Minority Members of the Committee may
disagree with this focus on creating new jobs by harnessing
America's energy resources and reducing our dependence on
hostile foreign nations, the record very clearly shows that
H.R. 1229, H.R. 1230 and H.R. 1231 each were favorably reported
by this Committee with the support of Republicans and
Democrats, and each received strong votes of support from
Republicans and Democrats in the full House.
These bills are just the beginning of an array of job-
creating bills that the Committee is acting upon in pursuit of
an all-of-the-above approach to boost American energy
production. From offshore oil and natural gas, to onshore
drilling, to the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, to
geothermal energy, to offshore wind, to wind and solar energy
on federal lands, to hydropower and more, the Committee will
continue to actively pursue a ``more-American-energy, more-
American-jobs'' agenda.
In the coming weeks and months, the Committee will also
continue its work, encouraged and directed by H. Res. 72 that
was adopted by the full House, to be vigilant and watchful over
Administration policies and proposed regulations that may
impact, hinder or block new jobs and new energy creation.
Doc Hastings, Chairman.
DISSENTING VIEWS
The House Natural Resources Committee has little to report
after six months of Republican leadership. Responsible
stewardship, fiscal discipline and job creation have been
rejected in favor of environmental degradation, sweetheart
deals and job fabrications. As the activity report
demonstrates, the Majority has pursued unserious legislation
built on anecdotes and slogans while shirking its
responsibility to confront the real resource challenges we
face.
The Republican energy plan consists entirely of attacks on
the President and the National Environmental Policy Act. The
Majority's trio of Outer Continental Shelf drilling bills was a
dangerous combination of safety short-cuts and industry
loopholes, rightly rejected by the Senate.
The Republican renewable energy agenda also involves
truncating NEPA while ignoring the lasting harm done by the
Bush Administration's eight year, de facto moratorium on wind
and solar development on federal land. In the end, the
Republican energy plan has left high gas prices in place,
renewable energy in limbo, and the Gulf of Mexico in danger.
At a time when the Congress should be helping local
communities combat climate change and develop sustainable water
supplies, the Water and Power Subcommittee has instead focused
on preempting state law, undermining sound science and
weakening existing environmental protections. Rather than
seeking peace in the water wars, the Majority pits neighbor
against neighbor in hopes that the resulting turmoil will yield
political advantage.
The Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular
Affairs has focused on importing dead polar bears and killing
Sea Lions to save salmon while ignoring the much more serious
threats to these and other species posed by human activity.
Worse, the subcommittee has abdicated its responsibilities
regarding insular areas, leaving significant national security
issues unaddressed.
With regard to management of our National Parks, Forests
and Public Lands, the Majority has pursued an agenda of
divestiture, both of natural resources and the federal lands
themselves. The Majority has pursued land conveyances to
special interests and short-term, windfall profits for
developers at the expense of future generations and a fair
return to taxpayers.
Despite our solemn obligation to address wrongs previously
inflicted on the First Americans, the Majority has expended
enormous effort vilifying the few attorneys willing to take up
the case of Native People against the federal government, going
so far as to launch a dubious ``investigation'' into matters
properly decided in federal court. Meanwhile, House Republicans
voted to repeal the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act and
issues like improving employment and educational opportunities
for Native People receive no attention.
The Majority's inability to act in meaningful ways is due
in part to the bizarre procedural knots into which House
Republicans have tied themselves. Legislation authorizing the
Congress to conserve a specific National Park or Forest is a
prohibited ``earmark'' but a bill giving the land to a
sponsor's constituents for free is not. This nonsensical
definition, along with a mutation of the Democrat's PAY-GO
rule, create a screen through which only irresponsible, special
interest legislation can pass.
Lastly, despite self-congratulatory floor statements, press
releases, and talking points, the Majority has not created any
jobs. To the extent the activity report includes a job plan at
all, it consists of little more than proposals to give public
lands to multinational corporations for mining, drilling and
logging. This approach will create environmental damage and
massive corporate profits, but few jobs.
Democrats stand ready to work with our Republican
colleagues to develop real solutions to the very real problems
we face. Bipartisan cooperation on renewable energy
development, balanced resource management, and scientific
research could result in a future activities report documenting
real progress toward growing our economy, creating jobs, and
responsible stewardship of the natural and cultural resources
that are part of our national heritage.
Edward J. Markey.
Raul Grijalva.
Madeleine Bordallo.
Ben Ray Lujan.
Frank Pallone, Jr.
Niki Tsongas.
Grace F. Napolitano.
Peter DeFazio.
Eni F.H. Faleomavaega.
Rush Holt.
Colleen Hanabusa.
Dale E. Kildee.
Betty Sutton.
John Garamendi.
Gregorio Sablan.
John Sarbanes.