Natural Resources Committee News

Breakfast Links

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up:

National Journal – Matt Vasilogambros: “Can Natural Gas Really Deliver American Energy Independence?”
Associated Press: “Fed: fracking study won’t be done until 2016”
Associated Press: “Feds to help with tribal land buyback program”
Indian Country Today – Rob Capriccioso: “Power Struggles at Interior Department Impact Indian Affairs”
Reuters – Keith Coffman: “Colorado wildfire snuffs over 500 homes, new blazes menace West”
Sacramento Bee – Matt Weiser: “Lawsuits hit new Delta Plan from all sides”

Imitating Our Friends Down Under

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:35:00 GMT

They say that imitation is the best form of flattery, but what happens when it’s not imitation? What happens when your close friend and ally is taking bold steps ahead while you’re being arbitrarily held back? Look no further than what’s happening with America’s friend and ally Australia.

Just this week, the Australian government awarded 13 oil and natural gas permits for drilling off the Western coast of Australia. With these permits, energy companies have committed $173 million to new oil and natural gas exploration over the next three years. This move was welcomed by the Australian government.

Here at home, the opposite is happening. The Obama Administration continues to block production of our offshore energy resources. In fact, President Obama’s current five-year offshore lease plan contains the lowest number of lease sales ever offered since the process began in 1980 and keeps 85 percent of our offshore areas off-limits to energy production.

The House Natural Resources Committee has taken aggressive steps to expand access to America’s abundant natural energy resources. The Committee recently approved H.R. 2231, which would expand American offshore energy production. This important legislation opens new areas to offshore energy development and directs the President to implement a new five-year lease plan that includes areas with the most oil and natural gas resources. It also establishes equitable offshore revenue sharing between coastal states and implements important reforms to make sure energy development is safe, efficient, and working FOR the American taxpayer. H.R. 2231 is a positive step forward to creating AMERICAN jobs, lowering the cost of energy, bringing more money into the U.S. Treasury, and making America more energy secure.

It’s time to take a cue from our friends down under and imitate their steps to expand offshore energy production.

Breakfast Links

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:45:00 GMT

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up:

Alaska Dispatch – Carey Restino: “Murkowski: hard to get Washington interested in Arctic issues”
Fuel Fix – Harry Weber: “As U.S. production soars, oil companies eye far horizons”
Associated Press: “Colleges plan training for gas drilling jobs”
Associated Press: “Illinois governor signs tough fracking regulations into law”
Wall Street Journal – Ben DiPietro: “Record Restitution Order for Lacey Act Violations”
Summit County Citizen Voice – Bob Berwyn: “Congress sets hearing on public lands ‘pay-to-play’ fees”
Associated Press: “Lawsuits Filed Over Plan To Manage Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta”

Breakfast Links

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up:

CQ – Anna McGeehan and Tait Militana: “House Panel Advances Bill to Boost Offshore Drilling, Oil and Gas Leases”
Tri-City Herald – Geoff Folsom: “House approves amendment to create Manhattan Project National Historic Park”
Las Vegas Review Journal – Alan Snel: “House leader presses for answers on Milam-BLM land deal”
Associated Press: “Fracking fuels water fights in nation’s dry spots”
Breitbart – Ben Shapiro: “Residents helpless as endangered condors invade CA town”
Associated Press: “Oklahoma Rep. Markwayne Mullin sponsors bill to build DC memorial to Native American veterans”

House Approves Measure Establishing Manhattan Project National Historic Park

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:30:00 GMT

The House of Representatives today approved the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014, which included an amendment to establish a Manhattan Project National Historic Park. The bipartisan amendment, offered by Congressman Doc Hastings (WA-04), Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), and Congressman Ben Luján (NM-03), is nearly identical to H.R. 1208 and would protect and provide public access to Manhattan Project facilities at Hanford, Washington; Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and Los Alamos, New Mexico.

The Manhattan Project was an unprecedented top-secret program to construct a nuclear weapon during World War II, which played an integral part in ending World War II.

“Establishing these sites as national parks is the best way to preserve their history and ensure there is public access for decades to come. I’m pleased we were able to get this amendment approved and will continue to look for every opportunity to advocate for the Manhattan Project national historical park until it becomes law,” said Chairman Hastings.

Under the amendment, the Manhattan Project National Historical Park would be established as a unit of the National Park System within one year. It specifies the facilities and areas at each of the three locations that are eligible for inclusion in the Park. Nearly all of these facilities and areas are already owned by the federal government and under the purview of the Department of Energy. The amendment requires coordination, planning and cooperation between the Park Service and the Department of Energy to ensure safe and secure access to these locations.

The establishment of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park is supported by the Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, and the National Park Service.

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Wildfires Breakout In Colorado

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:30:00 GMT

This week, Colorado is tragically experiencing the most destructive wildfires in state history. Three major wildfires in Colorado are scorching thousands of acres, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate, and have destroyed hundreds of homes. In addition to the fires in Colorado, wildfires are currently burning in New Mexico, Oregon and California.

With the wildfires expected to continue due to high temperatures and dry conditions, the federal government has authorized military tankers to assist in containing the blazes.

Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Chairman Doug Lamborn represents Colorado’s 5^th district where wildfires have had a devastating impact.

"I am grateful for the quick, coordinated response from the federal agencies in helping Colorado fight these fires. These military slurry bombers will make a big difference in helping ground crews save property and lives. I will continue to do all I can to help families displaced by these fires, and help support the efforts of our local fire and law enforcement authorities," said Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

The Natural Resources committee has considered legislation this Congress to address wildfire prevention and management.

The "Healthy Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention Act" H.R. 818, sponsored by Congressman Tipton (CO), addresses the bark beetle epidemic, drought and deteriorating forest health conditions by expanding federal abilities to provide emergency measures and makes permanent “good neighbor” cooperation with states to reduce wildfire risks.

The "Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act of 2013" H.R. 1345, sponsored by Congressman Gosar (AZ), allows the federal government to expedite forest management projects that will help prevent catastrophic, wide-reaching forest fires.

Additionally, Chairman Hastings’ bill, “Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act,” lowers the future risk of wildfires by allowing for active forest management on federal forest lands. Last year, wildfires burned 9.3 million acres, while the U.S. Forest Service only harvested approximately 200,000 acres. This means that 44 times as many acres burned as were responsibility harvested.

Simply put: where there is fuel, there will be fire. Reducing hazardous fuels and removing excess forest growth through responsible forest management is the only solution to the future threat of catastrophic wildfire. The Natural Resources Committee is committed to moving these commonsense pieces of legislation forward to address this important issue.

Click Here to Read More About Forest Health and Wildfires

Witnesses Agree on the Importance of Mineral Mining Reforms in America

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:20:00 GMT

Today, the House Natural Resources Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on “Mining in America: The Administration’s Use of Claim Maintenance Fees and Cleanup of Abandoned Mine Lands.” This hearing examined mining claim maintenance fees and what can be done to make sure there is a strong “Good Samaritan” program in place to clean up abandoned mine lands.

Right now, mine claim maintenance fees, assessed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), generate about $60 million annually while only $39 million is used for BLM’s Mining Law Administration program.

“The question is what is America getting for the $39 million dollars funded by the claim fees and what does the cost recovery rule cover? Furthermore if there are two sources of funding for these components of the ‘Mining Law Administration Program’ why has permitting become so cumbersome in the U.S.? With all these funds available and cost recovery regulations, mining permits should be able to be processed in record time. According to the Behre Dolbear reports on 'Where Not to Invest in Mining” out of 25 major mining countries the U.S. has ranked last in permitting with various third world Nations since 2005 and our permitting process was not stellar prior to that,” said Subcommittee Chairman Doug Lamborn (CO-05).

Witnesses at today’s hearing highlighted the need for reforms of the BLM’s claim maintenance fees as well as effective “Good Samaritan” abandoned mine land (AML) programs that limit the liability of governments, non-governmental organizations, individuals, and businesses that voluntarily clean up abandoned hard rock mines.

Kris Hefton, Chief Operating Officer and Director at Vane Minerals (US) LLC, underscored the importance for reform in the BLM’s claim maintenance fees. Currently, mining companies, like his, are required to pay claim maintenance fees every year on areas of land even if those areas have been withdrawn from mining activity by the BLM. “If we hold on to our claims through the entire 20 year withdrawal period plus the earlier period here described, VANE and other companies will have been required to pay $8.3 million even though we will have been prohibited from mining these claims and deposits. To understate what seems obvious, this seems inequitable to us,” Hefton told the Subcommittee. “One way to repair this inequity would be to suspend all mining claim holding fees within withdrawn areas as well as cost-recovery fees such as validity exams connected with mining claims.”

Harold Roberts, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc, spoke in strong support of “Good Samaritan” programs to clean up abandoned mine lands. “Industry wants to see abandoned mines cleaned up and has been straight forward about its desire to deal with abandoned mine lands… Energy Fuels Resources, and the rest of the industry, continue to strongly support the enactment of Good Samaritan legislation that would allow mining companies to voluntarily reclaim abandoned mine land sites without incurring liability under federal and state environmental laws. Thoughtful legislation is a winning proposition for the environment, the communities and for our Nation.”

Steve Moyer, Vice President for Government Affairs at Trout Unlimited, agreed with the need for “Good Samaritan” abandoned mine land programs. “There are numerous citizen groups that have formed in this country for the purpose of protecting, conserving, and enhancing the natural resources of their local communities. They work collaboratively with government agencies to develop solutions to complex environmental problems. These ‘Good Samaritans’ need liability protection to voluntarily clean up the abandoned mine sites that directly affect the quality of water that serves their communities.”

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Breakfast Links

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up:

UPI: “Rep. Hastings calls for pro-energy bill passage in House”
Platts – Brian Scheid: “US House committee passes three oil and gas bills”
Southeast Missourian – Erin Ragan: “Jason Smith to serve on House Natural Resources and Judiciary committees”
Washington Examiner – Eric P. Newcomber: “House committee votes to reopen design process for Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial”
Washington Times – Meredith Somers: “Eisenhower memorial do-over possible”
San Francisco Chronicle blog – Carolyn Lochhead: “House panel approves Point Arena – Stornetta public lands”
Alaska Public Media – Peter Granitz: “Sealaska Bill Advances To House”
Associated Press: “US Chamber Backs Tribal Energy Legislation”

Committee Approves Legislation to Expand American Energy Production on Federal Lands and Waters, Create New American Jobs

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:50:00 GMT

Today, the House Natural Resources Committee approved three bills to expand American offshore and onshore energy production in order to help create new American jobs, lower energy prices, generate new revenue, and make America more energy secure.

H.R. 2231, the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, was approved by the Committee by a vote of 23-18. This bill, by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04), would open new areas to offshore energy production, including areas of the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, by requiring the Obama Administration to implement a new offshore lease plan that includes areas containing the greatest amount of oil and natural gas resources. President Obama’s current lease plan keeps 85 percent of our offshore areas closed to energy production. This bill would also establish fair, equitable revenue sharing for all coastal states and implement reforms to reorganize and strengthen Interior Department’s offshore agencies.

H.R. 1964, the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska Access Act, was approved by the Committee by a bipartisan vote of 26-14. This bill, sponsored by Chairman Hastings and Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Don Young (AK-At Large), ensures that oil and natural gas resources in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A) are developed in a timely and efficient manner. In February, the Obama Administration finalized a plan to close half of the NPR-A to energy production. This bill would require the Administration to implement a new plan and requires annual lease sales.

“The Obama Administration has placed the majority of the Outer Continental Shelf off-limits and placed half of the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska off-limits. By doing so it is blocking the creation of over a million new American jobs and forfeiting hundreds of millions of dollars in much needed revenue. These bills will un-lock our American energy resources on federal lands and waters. The Committee’s approval of these bills is a vital step toward helping to ensure our energy and economic security,” said Chairman Hastings.

H.R. 1548, the Native American Energy Act, was approved by a bipartisan vote of 25-15. This legislation, by Subcommittee Chairman Young, streamlines burdensome and duplicative federal regulations that are standing in the way of increased tribal energy development on Indian lands.

“I am pleased to see this legislation pass out of Committee today. This bill comes in direct response from tribes across the United States who want to responsibly develop their natural resources on tribal lands, but time and time again run into burdensome rules and regulations put in place by the federal government. The Native American Energy Act will encourage much needed energy development in Indian Country, and be yet another step toward self-determination and business development benefitting Indian tribes and Alaska Native Corporations,” said Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Don Young (AK-At Large).

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Chairman Hastings Welcomes Rep. Smith to the Committee on Natural Resources

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:45:00 GMT

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement on newly-elected Representative Jason Smith (MO-08) joining the Natural Resources Committee:

“I’m pleased to welcome the newest Member of Congress, Rep. Jason Smith, to the Committee on Natural Resources. Having grown up on a family farm, Jason understands the importance of responsibly harvesting our natural resources and how crucial it is for jobs and economic growth. I look forward to having Jason’s expertise on the Committee and am confident he’ll be a strong advocate for the people of Missouri.”

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