SW Arkansas Times

The House Committee on Natural Resources conducted a full committee markup, approving 23 bills. Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) expressed his appreciation for the members who contributed to the legislation. He stated, "Even as we approach the end of the year, the House Committee on Natural Resources is advancing a robust and diverse slate of bills to benefit all Americans."

Among the bills approved was H.R. 390, introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), which seeks to expand the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area's boundaries. Another bill, H.R. 1395, proposed by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), aims to reauthorize the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program through Fiscal Year 2030.

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) introduced H.R. 1584, which authorizes a study for designating Plum Island as part of the Department of the Interior's management units. H.R. 2685, presented by Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah), focuses on strengthening mining education programs through grants.

Additional legislative proposals include H.R. 3047 from Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), which plans land conveyance in Apache and Navajo Counties for cemetery expansion; and H.R. 3173 from Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), addressing land management in northern Nevada counties.

The Flatside Wilderness Additions Act, introduced as H.R. 3971 by Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.), seeks to add land to Ouachita National Forest's Flatside Wilderness area.

Route 66 could become a National Historic Trail under H.R 4338 by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.). The bill emphasizes conserving historic resources along this route.

Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-N.Y.) put forward H.R 5401 for security funding at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

Other notable bills include those focusing on enhancing access to public waters, reopening recreation sites, amending health care services for Native Americans, supporting farmers affected by dam removals in Klamath Basin, and recognizing Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

Several other acts address various community needs such as geothermal research coordination between departments and changing eligibility criteria for Alaska Natives regarding federal benefits.

Legislation also addresses lands held in trust in Alaska and nutria eradication efforts across several states.