Today, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing on five bills that would reduce the federal estate, increase recreation opportunities, empower local communities and promote forest management with innovative tools to streamline bureaucratic red tape. Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) issued the following statement in response:

"From outdoor recreation to mining and timber harvesting, our federal lands offer great potential for economic development. However, for decades, this potential has been hampered by poor federal land management that limits multiple use and leaves rural communities struggling to survive. Republicans on the Federal Lands Subcommittee are offering new, innovative solutions that address land management challenges while empowering local communities and boosting rural economies."

Background

H.R. 674, the Root and Stem Project Authorization Act of 2023, introduced by U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), would address barriers that prevent forest management projects by promoting an innovative new model to finance forest restoration that reduces fire risk and benefits rural economies.

H.R. 6994, the Restoring our Unopened Trails for Enjoyment and Safety (ROUTES) Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.), would promote streamlined forest management to reopen popular recreation sites that local communities and businesses depend on to drive the outdoor recreation economy.

H.R. 7072, the Wabeno Economic Development Act of 2024, introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.), would help a small business and the rural economy in Wisconsin and promote efficient permitting processes for domestic mining of aggregates.

H.R. 4297, the Bolts Ditch Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), would amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to allow the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District and the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority to also conduct maintenance and repairs on the Bolts Ditch and headgate. 

H.R. 5443, the Accelerating Appraisals and Conservation Efforts Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.), would allow non-federal land appraisers who are appropriately credentialed in one state or territory to perform appraisal and valuation services on the Department of the Interior's behalf in any state or territory.