AAA sees gas prices rising into Memorial Day weekend By Talia Buford 5/21/2013 The seasonal Memorial Day rise in gasoline prices is likely to bump up the cost of filling up the car this weekend, but much of the pain will hit motorists in the Midwest and on the West Coast, where a confluence of factors is leading to all-time highs leading… Read more »

Today, the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation held an oversight hearing featuring testimony by Utah Governor Gary Herbert, Chairman of the Western Governors’ Association. The hearing highlighted the challenges of western states regarding federal and state land management. At the hearing, Members and Governor Herbert discussed how states are able to find their own… Read more »

Last week, the National Park Service (NPS) finished the scaffolding surrounding the Washington Monument. The Washington Monument has been closed since being damaged in an Earthquake on August 23, 2011. This video released by the NPS shows a first person perspective from the top of the monument. Read more »

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up: Wall Street Journal – Kim Murphy: “Alaska governor launches bid to measure oil in Arctic refuge” Joplin Globe – Andy Ostmeyer: “Federal agency proposes adding two Missouri mussels to endangered species list” Washington Examiner editorial: “Do 'Right by Ike' with scaled-down memorial” Washington Examiner – Eric P.… Read more »

Last week, the Department of the Interior released the most recent iteration of a rule to regulate hydraulic fracturing on federal and tribal lands. As part of the rulemaking, the Department of the Interior has proposed to provide 30 days for public comment on this revised draft rule. We jointly believe that this timeframe is unacceptable and not nearly long… Read more »

The Natural Resources Morning News Round-up: CQ – Anna McGeehan: “Panel Passes Bills on Rare Earth, Critical Minerals” Associated Press: “U.S. Gas Prices Up 11 Cents Over Past 2 Weeks” US News and World Report – Elizabeth Flock: “Commission for Unbuilt Ike Memorial Wants Another $51 Million From Taxpayers” Washington Examiner – Eric P. Newcomber: “Eisenhower family… Read more »

Dear Director Matthews Burwell: In March 2013, the Forest Service ("Service") began demanding states return $17.9 million they had received - and in many cases already spent - under the Secure Rural Schools Program ("SRS"). Congress has authorized this money to help pay for schools and services in areas where environmental lawsuits and federal government mismanagement… Read more »

Dear Chief Tidwell: In March 2013, the Forest Service ("Service") began demanding states return $17.9 million they had received - and in many cases already spent - under the Secure Rural Schools Program ("SRS"). Congress has authorized this money to help pay for schools and government services in areas where environmental lawsuits and Service mismanagement have… Read more »

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) and Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation Chairman Rob Bishop (UT-01) sent letters to the National Park Service, General Services Administration, and Eisenhower Memorial Commission seeking information about the activities and costs associated with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission and the… Read more »

Dear Mr. Tangherlini: The Eisenhower Memorial Commission ("Commission") was created in 1999 and charged with "memorializing Dwight D. Eisenhower as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe in World War II and as the 34th President of the United States." While there is significant cost associated with the design and construction of a presidential memorial,… Read more »