Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources favorably reported six bills that will increase prosperity and well-being in rural communities across the country. Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response: “Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources advanced legislation that will bolster rural America by unleashing American energy, enhancing water supply and... Read More »
Today, Secretary Doug Burgum testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources regarding President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the Department of the Interior (DOI). Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response: “Today, Secretary Burgum detailed the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to unleash American energy while ensuring responsible st... Read More »
Today, the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the rescission of the Biden administration’s onerous so-called “Public Lands Rule” (Rule). Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response: "The rescission of the Biden administration’s so-called Public Lands Rule is a major victory for rural and Western America. This action unlocks... Read More »
Today, the Department of the Interior announced a Tribal Energy Resource Agreement (TERA) with the Southern Ute Tribe in southwest Colorado. Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response: "Today’s historic agreement empowers the Southern Ute Tribe to develop natural resources on tribal land to unleash American energy dominance and create new economic opportunities fo... Read More »
Today, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing on the role of copper in U.S. economic strength, national security and energy. Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) issued the following statement in response: “Copper is a necessary component of modern life, used in everything from cellphones, home appliances and our transmission infrastructure to military a... Read More »
Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on four bills to provide solutions to declining water supplies in Western communities and formalize input from local water contractors. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement in response: “Our western way of life would not be possible without a proactive approach to water managem... Read More »
This week, President Donald Trump signed H.J. Res. 140 into law. The resolution was led by House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.). The resolution overturns the Biden administration’s withdrawal of 225,504 acres of land in the Superior National Forest from mineral exploration and development. “It is a great week for American... Read More »
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5587, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.). The bill clarifies the permitting process for geothermal energy projects on non-federal lands. “Geothermal is an affordable and reliable energy source that can help power America. I thank Representative Kim for leading the HEATS Act to elimi... Read More »
Today, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held an oversight hearing on the implementation of the accessibility framework enacted by the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. The hearing examined the progress of the law’s implementation as well as opportunities for future legislation. Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) issued the following statement in response... Read More »
Today, the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing on the permitting process for natural resources in Indian Country and how to strengthen and streamline development. Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) issued the following statement in response: “Today’s hearing is an opportunity to address a concern I hear consistently from tribal leaders: when it comes to deve... Read More »
Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources reported eight bills that will unleash geothermal and mineral resources, support commonsense land exchanges, strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and reauthorize the American Battlefield Protection Program. Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response: “House Committee on Natural... Read More »
Today, the U.S. Senate passed H.J. Res. 140, led by House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.). The resolution, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on January 21, 2026, overturns the Biden administration’s withdrawal of 225,504 acres of land in the Superior National Forest from mineral exploration and development. “I... Read More »
Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on responsible management of double-crested cormorants, the importation of legal sport hunt trophies, and developing critical water resources infrastructure in South Dakota. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement in response: “The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries is ... Read More »
Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on bills that will ensure Alaska Natives have the right to sell ivory artwork and articles of handicraft, maintain critical water infrastructure for Montana’s rural communities and support water resources research. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement in response: “The Subcommi... Read More »
This week, U.S. Rep. Troy Downing (R-Mont.) was appointed to the House Committee on Natural Resources. Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement in response: “I’m excited to welcome Representative Downing to the House Committee on Natural Resources. Montana is blessed with vast natural resources, and Representative Downing will be a key ally in unleashing American energy dom... Read More »
