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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

Today, the House Natural Resources Committee approved H.R. 1126, the Dwight. D. Eisenhower Memorial Completion Act, by voice vote. This legislation, sponsored by Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation Chairman Rob Bishop (UT-01), seeks to build consensus around a new Eisenhower Memorial by implementing a new design competition and providing a three year extension of the… Read more »

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up: Tri-City Herald – Geoff Folsom: “U.S. House passes Rattlesnake Mountain access bill” Washington Times – Patrice Hill: “U.S. gains global competition as shale energy revolution heats up” The Hill – Julian Hattem: “Wildlife agency proposes endangered listing for chimps” Associated… Read more »

H.R. 1964 Read more »

Reporting H.R. 2231 Out of Committee (Passed 23-18. View Roll Call Vote) This bill would expand U.S. offshore energy production in order to create over a million new American jobs, lower energy prices, grow our economy, and strengthen national security. Lowenthal Amendment #005 – Blocking Offshore Energy Development in California (Failed 10-23. View Roll Call Vote) This amendment would… Read more »

Reporting H.R. 657 Out of Committee (Passed 25-17. View Roll Call Vote) The bill will amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to extend the period of a term for permits and leases from 10 to 20 years for domestic livestock grazing on public lands or lands within national forests. Labrador En Bloc – Technical Edits (Agreed to by Voice Vote) This amendment makes… Read more »