President Obama’s FY2013 budget proposal released Monday includes $450 million to buy more federal land through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Despite the Federal government’s ballooning $15 trillion debt, the President is proposing a $160 million spending increase (58 percent) for government land acquisition compared to funding levels when he first took office.
The Federal… Read more »
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) yesterday introduced H.R. 4019, the Federal Forest County Revenue, Schools and Jobs Act of 2012. The bill is a long-term solution that would provide rural counties with a stable revenue stream, create jobs, grow rural economies, and restore active, healthy forest management. The bill also provides for a five year extension of… Read more »
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Forest Service’s new forest planning rule that will determine how to manage 155 national forests and 20 grasslands:
“Our national forests are a vital source of economic activity that support American jobs and recreation for local communities and the public. Without… Read more »
Today, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 3397, the Cabin Fee Act of 2011, by unanimous consent. Sponsored by Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04), the bill modifies the current cabin fee formula to make it more predictable and fair for families who own cabins in our National Forests.
Many cabins in our National Forests have been passed down within a family for several… Read more »
Today, the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands held an oversight hearing on, “Forest Service Regulatory Roadblocks to Productive Land Use and Recreation: Proposed Planning Rule, Special-use Permits, and Travel Management.” At the hearing, Members heard about the devastating impacts of the Forest Service’s regulatory actions affecting management, multiple-use and… Read more »
Today, the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing on, “Florida Everglades Restoration: What are the Priorities?” The hearing focused on how the Obama Administration’s proposed establishment of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area will contribute to the overall goal of restoring the Florida… Read more »
In Down Economy, Washington Lawmaker Pushes for More Logging
By Dan Springer
October 26, 2011
FOX News
Tired of going back to the government every year with their hands out, rural counties are looking for a way to get off the federal dime and put unemployed loggers back to work.
Washington Rep. Doc Hastings says he has an answer that would tackle both problems.
“I think we need to… Read more »
The House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands today held an oversight hearing on “Payments in Lieu of Taxes” (PILT). Witnesses at the hearing underscored the importance of the program to rural communities with federally owned land, especially in the West, and the impact federal land management decisions have on surrounding communities.
With PILT slated to expire at… Read more »
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement after the Department of Labor released the September jobs report:
“After a horrendous August, where the economy saw a net total of zero jobs created, September’s numbers weren’t much better. The unemployment rate is continuing to hold steady above 9 percent while President Obama campaigns on… Read more »
Today, the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held an oversight hearing on draft legislation to provide vital funding for education, roads and infrastructure in rural counties with large portions of National Forest Service land. H.R. ___, the National Forest County Revenue, Schools and Jobs Act of 2011, addresses the expiration of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS)… Read more »
