NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

The House Natural Resources Committee held a Full Committee oversight field hearing today in Pasco, WA on “The Future of the US-Canada Columbia River Treaty - Building on 60 years of Coordinated Power Generation and Flood Control.” The Columbia River Treaty between the United States and Canada was put in place in 1964 and since then has provided the framework for coordinated hydropower generation and flood control on the Columbia River system. Starting next year, either side can terminate or pro...... read more

Oversight Field Hearing on: "The Future of the US-Canada Columbia River Treaty - Building on 60 years of Coordinated Power Generation and Flood Control" Member Statements: The Honorable Doc Hastings Chairman Witnesses and Testimony: PANEL I Elliot Mainzer Acting Administrator Bonneville Power Administration Portland, Oregon (Truth in Testimony Form) Brigadier General John Kem Commander United States Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division Portland, Oregon (Truth in Testimony Form) Kathy E...... read more

NEW Study Shows Job & Economic Surge from Increased Offshore Energy Production A new study released today shows that increasing America’s offshore energy production in the mid and south Atlantic will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs and drastically grow America’s economy. “Today’s study further confirms that increased offshore energy production will create American jobs, spur economic growth, lower energy prices, and bring in much-needed tax revenue to local and state governments as wel...... read more

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) and Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee Chairman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) sent a letter today to businesses, manufacturers, energy producers, and researchers seeking input on ways to expand America’s domestic helium production on federal land. Earlier this year, Congress passed and the President signed into law H.R. 527, the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013. This legislation preserves our Nation’s helium supply and closes the helium...... read more

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) today announced that newly-elected Representative Vance McAllister (LA-05) will join the Natural Resources Committee. In addition, Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) and Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02) will both be departing the Natural Resources Committee to join the House Committee on Appropriations. “I look forward to working with Rep. Vance McAllister and believe he will be a great addition to the Committee. Vance understands the importance of...... read more

The House Natural Resources Committee held a Full Committee oversight field hearing today in Pasco, WA on “The Future of the US-Canada Columbia River Treaty - Building on 60 years of Coordinated Power Generation and Flood Control.” The Columbia River Treaty between the United States and Canada was put in place in 1964 and since then has provided the framework for coordinated hydropower generation ...... read more

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) and Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee Chairman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) sent a letter today to businesses, manufacturers, energy producers, and researchers seeking input on ways to expand America’s domestic helium production on federal land. Earlier this year, Congress passed and the President signed into law H.R. 527, the Helium ...... read more

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) today announced that newly-elected Representative Vance McAllister (LA-05) will join the Natural Resources Committee. In addition, Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) and Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02) will both be departing the Natural Resources Committee to join the House Committee on Appropriations. “I look forward to working with Rep. Vance McAl...... read more

Today, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 2728, the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act¸ with a bipartisan vote of 235-187. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), would protect American jobs and American energy production by limiting the Obama Administration’s ability to impose duplicative regulations on hydra...... read more

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings delivered the following statement on the House floor today in support of H.R. 2728, the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act: “Mr. Chairman, the Obama Administration is once again attempting to block new American energy production – keeping energy prices high and hurting middle-class families. The Department of th...... read more

NEW Study Shows Job & Economic Surge from Increased Offshore Energy Production A new study released today shows that increasing America’s offshore energy production in the mid and south Atlantic will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs and drastically grow America’s economy. “Today’s study further confirms that increased offshore energy production will create American jobs, spur economic gro...... read more

Shale oil and natural gas activity contributed over 1.7 million jobs in 2012 and will increase by over 45% to almost 2.5 million jobs in 2015. 500,000 non-oil and natural gas manufacturing jobs are supported by shale oil and natural gas. The Obama Administration's proposed federal regulations on hydraulic fracturing would cost American jobs, decrease American energy production, increase energy pr...... read more

Today, Chairman Hastings addressed coal miners from across the country at the “Rally for American Energy Jobs” in Washington D.C. to send a message to the Obama Administration to STOP the war on coal, coal jobs, and reliable and affordable electricity. Since taking office, President Obama has made his contempt for coal clear with a regulatory assault on this abundant natural energy resource that p...... read more

Last week, On the Record with Greta Van Susteren took a look at Northeastern fishermen whose businesses have been affected by the Magnuson-Stevens Act. On Wednesday, the House Natural Resources held a hearing on the "Re-authorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act" where witnesses called for increased flexibility in the Re-authorization of the act. To learn more ab...... read more

On Wednesday, September 4th, the House Natural Resources Committee held two Full Committee field hearings in Casper, Wyoming and Billings, Montana on “State and Local Efforts to Protect Species, Jobs, Property, and Multiple Use Amidst a New War on the West.” At these hearings, witnesses discussed how federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings can impact local jobs and the economy and how federa...... read more

H.R. 2728, the Protecting States' Rights to Promote American Energy Security Rights Act, would protect American jobs and American energy production by limiting the Obama Administration's ability to impose duplicative federal regulations on hydraulic fracturing.

Shale oil and natural gas activity contributed over 1.7 million jobs in 2012 and will increase by over 45% to almost 2.5 million jobs in 2015. 500,000 non-oil and natural gas manufacturing jobs are supported by shale oil and natural gas. The Obama Administration's proposed federal regulations on hydraulic fracturing would cost American jobs, decrease American energy production, increase energy prices, and harm economic growth. Learn more about H.R. 2728 here: http://naturalresources.house.gov/legislation/hr2728/ Also, follow the House Natural Resources Committee on social media to stay updated: Twitter: @natresources Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturalResourcesCommittee Instagram: www.Instagram.com/natresources

This week, the House of Representatives will consider legislation to protect American jobs and American energy production by limiting the Obama Administration's ability to impose duplicative federal regulations on hydraulic fracturing. Watch the full interview here

Tonight, Chairman Hastings discussed the selective closing of popular national parks and monuments with FBN Host Lou Dobbs.

Oversight Hearing on:

• "ESA Decisions by Closed-Door Settlement:  Short-Changing Science, Transparency, Private Property, and State & Local Economies”

Member Statements:

The Honorable Doc Hastings
Chairman

Witnesses and Testimony:

Witness list will be posted when witness are confirmed.

Background:

 

Related Documents:

• Full Committee Hearing Notice - December 4, 2013

... read more

Oversight Field Hearing on:

• "The Future of the US-Canada Columbia River Treaty - Building on 60 years of Coordinated Power Generation and Flood Control"

Member Statements:

The Honorable Doc Hastings
Chairman

Witnesses and Testimony:

PANEL I

Elliot Mainzer
Acting Administrator
Bonneville Power Administration
Portland, Oregon
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Brigadier General John Kem
Commander
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division
Portland, Oregon
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Kathy Eichenberger
Executive Director
Columbia River Treaty Review Team
BC Ministry of Energy and Mines
Victoria, British Columbia
(Truth in Testimony Form)

PANEL II

Kathryn Brigham
Secretary Treasurer
Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
46411 Timine Way
Pendleton, Oregon

Scott Corwin
Executive Director
Public Power Council
Portland, Oregon
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Tony Webb
General Manager
Grant County Public Utility District
Ephrata, Washington
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Rick Crinklaw
General Manager
Lane Electric Cooperative
Eugene, Oregon
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Ron Reimann
President, Columbia-Snake River Irrigators Association
Commissioner, Port of Pasco
Kennewick, Washington

Greg Haller
Conservation Director
Pacific Rivers Council
Portland, Oregon

Paul Amos
President
Columbia River Pilots
Portland, Oregon
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Wes McCart
Commissioner
Stevens County, Washington
Colville, Washington
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Background:

The Committee will hear from the Bonneville Power Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, public power representatives, and local stakeholders on the upcoming renegotiation of the Columbia River Treaty with Canada and the U.S. Entity’s draft recommendations regarding potential modifications. “The Columbia River plays a vital role in our region’s economy – providing low-cost hydropower, irrigation, and navigation. As the U.S. works through the future of the Columbia River Treaty with Canada, it’s important that the treaty remains focused on the core functions of coordinated power generation and flood control. I have expressed concerns with the draft recommendations of the U.S. Entity, and look forward to this opportunity to hear directly from impacted local and regional stakeholders,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings.

Related Documents:

• Full Committee Hearing Notice - November, 27 2013
• Full Committee Hearing Witness List - December 6, 2013

... read more

Legislative Hearing on:

• H.R. 1604 (Lamborn), To establish the National Geospatial Technology Administration within the United States Geological Survey to enhance the use of geospatial data, products, technology, and services, to increase the economy and efficiency of Federal geospatial activities, and for other purposes. "Map It Once, Use It Many Times Act"
• H.R. 916 (Kind), To improve Federal land management, resource conservation, environmental protection, and use of Federal real property, by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to develop a multipurpose cadastre of Federal real property and identifying inaccurate, duplicate, and out-of-date Federal land inventories, and for other purposes. "Federal Land Asset Inventory Reform Act of 2013"

Archived Video Webcast:

Member Statements:

The Honorable Doug Lamborn
Chairman

Witnesses and Testimony:

PANEL I

Kevin T. Gallagher
Associate Director for Core Science Systems
United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Accompanied by: Karen Mouritsen
Deputy Assistant Director for Minerals and Realty Management
Bureau of Land Management

David A. Powner
Director, Information Technology Management Issues
Government Accountability Office (GAO)

PANEL II

Jeff Lower
President
The Management Association for Private Photogrammetric Surveyors (MAPPS)
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Curtis W. Sumner, LS
Executive Director
National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Jeff Lovin, CP, PS
Chairman
Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO)
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Jay B. Parrish, Ph.D., P.G.
Former State Geologist, PA Geological Survey
Chair, Mapping Committee, Association of American State Geologists (AASG)
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Related Documents:

• Subcommittee Hearing Notice - November 22, 2013
• Subcommittee Hearing Witness List - December 3, 2013

... read more

Full Committee Markup on:

• H.R. 915 (Kennedy), To authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 1425 (Bonamici), To amend the Marine Debris Act to better address severe marine debris events, and for other purposes. "Marine Debris Emergency Act of 2013"
• H.R. 1491 (Bonamici), To authorize the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide certain funds to eligible entities for activities undertaken to address the marine debris impacts of the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 2208 (Wittman), To extend the authorization of appropriations for allocation to carry out approved wetlands conservation projects under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act through fiscal year 2017. "North American Wetlands Conservation Extension Act of 2013"
• H.R. 2319 (Mullin), To clarify certain provisions of the Native American Veterans' Memorial Establishment Act of 1994. "Native American Veterans' Memorial Amendments Act of 2013"
• H.R. 3286 (Daines), To direct the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse States that use State funds to operate National Parks during the Federal Government shutdown, and for other purposes. "Protecting States, Opening National Parks Act"
• H.R. 3492 (Lummis), To provide for the use of hand-propelled vessels in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the National Elk Refuge, and for other purposes. "River Paddling Protection Act"
• S. 230 (Portman), A bill to authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes.

Archived Video Webcast:

Committee Action:

The Committee on Natural Resources met in open session on December 4, 2013, to consider the following bills:

H.R. 915 (Kennedy), To authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes.

The Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 915 by unanimous consent.

Adopted and favorably reported to the House of Representatives by unanimous consent.

H.R. 1425 (Bonamici), To amend the Marine Debris Act to better address severe marine debris events, and for other purposes (Marine Debris Emergency Act of 2013).

The Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1425 by unanimous consent.

• An amendment offered by Mr. Young of Alaska.002 was AGREED TO by unanimous consent.

Adopted and favorably reported to the House of Representatives, as amended, by unanimous consent.

H.R. 1491 (Bonamici), To authorize the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide certain funds to eligible entities for activities undertaken to address the marine debris impacts of the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami, and for other purposes.

The Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1491 by unanimous consent.

• An amendment offered by Mr. Young of Alaska.002 was AGREED TO by unanimous consent.

Adopted and favorably reported to the House of Representatives, as amended, by unanimous consent.

H.R. 2319 (Mullin), To clarify certain provisions of the Native American Veterans' Memorial Establishment Act of 1994 (Native American Veterans' Memorial Amendments Act of 2013).

The Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation, and Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs were discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2319 by unanimous consent.

• An amendment offered by Mr. Mullin #1 was AGREED TO by unanimous consent.

Adopted and favorably reported to the House of Representatives, as amended, by unanimous consent.

H.R. 3286 (Daines), To direct the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse States that use State funds to operate National Parks during the Federal Government shutdown, and for other purposes (Protecting States, Opening National Parks Act).

The Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3286 by unanimous consent.

Adopted and favorably reported to the House of Representatives by voice vote.

S. 230 (Portman), A bill to authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes.

The Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation was discharged from further consideration of S. 230 by unanimous consent.

Adopted and favorably reported to the House of Representatives by unanimous consent.

Related Documents:

• Full Committee Markup Notice - November 27, 2013
• Full Committee Markup Action Summary - December 4, 2013

... read more

• Watch the Archived Hearing Webcast

Legislative Hearing on:

• H.R. 3286 (Daines), To direct the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse States that use State funds to operate National Parks during the Federal Government shutdown, and for other purposes. “Protecting States, Opening National Parks Act”
• H.R. 3294 (Young of AK), To establish a streamlined process through which a State may claim authority over and responsibility for management of Federal lands located in the State without claiming ownership of the land, and for other purposes. “State-Run Federal Lands Act”
• H.R. 3311 (Stewart), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to enter into agreements with States to allow continued operation of facilities and programs that have been determined to have a direct economic impact on tourism, mining, timber, or general transportation in the State and which would otherwise cease operating, in whole or in part, during a Federal Government shutdown that is the result of a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes. “Providing Access and Retain Continuity (PARC) Act”
• H.R. 3492 ​(Lummis), To provide for the use of hand-propelled vessels in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the National Elk Refuge, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 915 (Kennedy), To authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes.

Witnesses and Testimony:

PANEL I

Honorable Joseph P. Kennedy
Member of Congress

Honorable Sam Farr
Member of Congress

PANEL II

Bruce Sheaffer
Comptroller
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

Honorable Spencer J. Cox
Lieutenant Governor
State of Utah

Matt Sease
Treasurer
Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Aaron Pruzan
Wilson, WY

Robert Nelson
Chevy Chase, MD
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Related Documents:

• Subcommittee Hearing Notice - November 14, 2013
• Update: Subcommittee Hearing Notice - November 15, 2013
• Subcommittee Hearing Witness List - November 20, 2013

... read more

To wrap up the end of 2013, @natresources will be highlighting a bill a day. Follow us with #yearinreview on Twitter HR 1526 passed the House 9/20 with a bipartisan vote & will renew the fed gov’ts commitment to manage fed forests. #yearinreview... read more

The Capitol Christmas Tree has been a tradition at the U.S. Capitol since 1964. The tree, which hails from the Colville National Forest in Washington state, will be lit from night fall until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2014.Mobile Uploads2013 Capitol Christmas Tree close-up.... read more

Events in Washington, D.C.This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a stunning 88 foot tall Engelmann Spruce from the Colville National Forests. It perfectly reflects the people and spirit of our great state of Washington. It’s a state where people look out for their neighbors, where communities come together, and where we appreciate and admire the great outdoors. This year marks the 49th anniver...... read more

Want to learn more about H.R. 2728? Check out the video below! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbT4l0UWbwkHydraulic Fracturing: The Key to American Energy, JobsShale oil and natural gas activity contributed over 1.7 million jobs in 2012 and will increase by over 45% to almost 2.5 million jobs in 2015. 500,000 non-oi...... read more

Last night, Chairman Hastings was on BlazeTV speaking on HR 2728, a bill that would would protect American jobs and American energy production by limiting the Obama Administration’s ability to impose duplicative federal regulations on hydraulic fracturing. Watch the full interview here: http://www.video.theblaze.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31229845&topic_id=38204812The Blaze TV Video Highlights...... read more