United States House Committee On Natural Resources
Recent News About United States House Committee On Natural Resources
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Westerman and Foxx investigate DOI's handling of misconduct at Native American university
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) have initiated an investigation into alleged misconduct at Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). In a letter addressed to Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Director Tony Dearman, they expressed concerns about how these allegations were handled.
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Westerman responds to SCOTUS ruling on administrative law
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in the case of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, explicitly overruling Chevron and reducing the authority of federal agencies while reinforcing Congress's Article I legislative authority. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued a statement in response to the ruling.
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Subcommittee discusses bills impacting NOAA regulations
Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries convened to discuss four bills related to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The proposed legislation addresses issues ranging from speed regulations for vessels to updates in fisheries data collection. Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) provided a statement on the matter:
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Subcommittee examines six bills on local land issues
Today, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands conducted a legislative hearing on six bills addressing significant land issues in local communities. Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) provided a statement regarding the session: "Local land managers are the best stewards of the land, and the Subcommittee on Federal Lands has worked tirelessly to ensure the perspectives of rural communities are included in both the decision-making process and the subsequent management of our federal lands. Today’s bills continue ensuring local communities are not sidelined by the federal...
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Bipartisan bill introduced aiming at improved forest management
Last week, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) introduced the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act.
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House Committee advances bipartisan forestry legislation
The House Committee on Natural Resources today held a full committee markup and favorably reported the Fix Our Forests Act. Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued a statement in response to the legislation's progress.
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Committee reviews bills addressing tribal land issues
The Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs convened today to discuss two bills aimed at clarifying the Secretary of the Interior's authority to place land into trust. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) provided a statement on the matter:
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Updated ethics guidelines highlight concerns over ties between Deb Haaland and environmental group
Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland and Designated Agency Ethics Official Heather Gottry. The letter continues the committee’s oversight of Secretary Haaland's potential conflicts of interest regarding Somah Haaland's involvement with the Pueblo Action Alliance (PAA) and the organization’s advocacy before DOI. In part, the members wrote:
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Westerman criticizes USFS's new old-growth amendment
The United States Forest Service (USFS) has proposed new regulations that could complicate efforts to manage wildfire risks and forest health. In response, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued a statement criticizing the proposal.
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Bipartisan coalition introduces historic forestry legislation
Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) introduced the Fix Our Forests Act, a comprehensive, bipartisan bill aimed at restoring forest health, increasing resiliency to catastrophic wildfires, and protecting communities.
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Wyoming lawmakers tour critical mineral sites amid concerns over federal policies
Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) led members and committee staff on site visits to view essential mining infrastructure in Wyoming this week.
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Subcommittee addresses gaps in data collection for insular areas
The Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs convened an oversight hearing today to address significant gaps in data collection that hinder effective and coordinated federal policy for U.S. territories. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) commented on the issue, stating, "Data gaps make it challenging to efficiently plan and implement policy. Inaccurate or unavailable data increases the risk of government waste. It also creates barriers for local communities from accessing critical federal programs and opportunities. Quality and robust data, on the other hand,...
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Subcommittee examines impact of migrant encampment at Floyd Bennett Field
The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations convened today to address concerns regarding President Joe Biden's border policies and their impact on National Park Service (NPS) property and the surrounding community in New York City. Subcommittee Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) issued a statement criticizing the administration's approach:
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House Committee advances nine bills addressing mineral access and environmental conservation
The House Committee on Natural Resources held a full committee markup today and favorably reported nine bills. Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) commented on the session, stating: "From modernizing the critical mineral list to bipartisan support for a clean and healthy Long Island Sound, House Committee on Natural Resources members are advancing responsible solutions to problems facing Americans. The nine bills we passed today are a product of diligent work from my colleagues, and I look forward to moving these bills further through the legislative process."
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House committee investigates USFWS operation involving Chinese informant
This week, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) initiated an investigation into the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) "Operation Long Tail Liberation." The inquiry addresses concerns over the use of taxpayer funds to pay a Chinese national informant in efforts to investigate illegal primate smuggling.
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Committee advances bills supporting critical mineral development
On June 4, 2024, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources conducted a legislative hearing on three bills aimed at enhancing access to and development of minerals crucial for everyday use and national security. Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) issued a statement emphasizing the importance of these resources.
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Hearing examines impact of border policies on cartel activity in tribal communities
The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing today addressing how President Joe Biden’s border policies have enabled international criminal cartel activity on Indian lands across the United States. The session also explored how federal and tribal law enforcement agencies are working to address these challenges, despite the difficulties posed by a porous border.
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Committee examines Forest Service budget amid wildfire crisis concerns
Today, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands conducted an oversight hearing regarding the United States Forest Service (USFS) Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) budget request. Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) issued a statement highlighting concerns about forest health and wildfire management.
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House committee probes DOI's anti-mining actions amid concerns over public input
This week, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), and Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) led a letter to Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning. The letter requests information on recent decisions that could delay the permitting process for new mines and limit public input.
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Subcommittee reviews FY25 budget requests amid criticism over delayed offshore leasing program
On May 23, 2024, the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources conducted an oversight hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2025 budget requests for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR). Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) provided a statement addressing concerns over these agencies' performance under the Biden Administration.