SW Arkansas Times

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed 13 bills from the House Committee on Natural Resources, focusing on areas such as geothermal energy production, coastal resiliency efforts, and forest management in the Tahoe Basin. Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) commented on the legislative activity:

“In the final legislative weeks of 2024, House Republicans are keeping our foot on the gas and passing a slate of legislation that represents incredible work from the House Committee on Natural Resources. Thoughtful legislation managing our resources well will restore American energy dominance, keep our natural treasures healthy for generations and reduce frustrating red tape that so often plagues our federal government.”

One key piece of legislation is H.R. 1657, the Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2023. Introduced by Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), it directs the U.S. Forest Service to exchange land in Minnesota's Chippewa National Forest with Big Winnie Land and Timber, LLC., providing permanent access to a lakefront marina.

H.R. 2468, introduced by Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah), requires federal land under Bureau of Land Management jurisdiction within Camp Williams' boundaries to be conveyed to Utah for completing a new road.

Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah) introduced H.R. 4094, giving more flexibility to the Department of Interior (DOI) in addressing issues around the Great Salt Lake Basin.

H.R. 4596 reauthorizes fish recovery programs in Colorado's Upper Colorado River and San Juan River Basins. Introduced by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), it supports compliance with the Endangered Species Act for over 2,500 water projects.

Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) introduced H.R. 5490, which modifies Coastal Barrier Resources Act maps and aims to make them more transparent and flexible.

H.R. 6474 amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expedite geothermal exploration in previously studied or developed areas; this bill was introduced by Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif.).

The Geothermal Energy Opportunity (GEO) Act, H.R. 7370, also focuses on geothermal drilling permits processing without unnecessary delays from DOI; it was introduced by Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah).

Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) brought forward H.R. 1726 requiring collaboration between Interior Secretary and Agriculture Secretary with Hawaii state officials to address Rapid Ohia Death.

H.R. 2950 authorizes U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s Coastal Program for habitat restoration projects in priority coastal areas; this bill was introduced by Rep Jared Huffman (D-Calif.).

Electronic permitting is addressed through H.R .5509 requiring an electronic system for permit applications; this was proposed by Rep Katie Porter (D-Calif.).

Holcombe Rucker Park would be designated as a National Commemorative Site under H.R .6852 brought forward by Rep Adriano Espaillat(D-N.Y.)

Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez(D-N.Y.)introduced HR7422 allowing DOI explicit authority to charge fees related costs associated with geothermal lease activities

Lastly S612 reauthorizes cooperative authorities funding periods around Lake Tahoe Restoration led Senate Catherine Cortez Masto(D-Nev.)with House companion support Reps Mark Amodei(R-Nev.),John Duarte(R-Calif.),Kevin Kiley(R-Calif.)