United States House Committee On Natural Resources News on The Federal Newswire

United States House Committee On Natural Resources

U.S. Government: Elected Officials | U.S. Congressional Committees

Recent News About United States House Committee On Natural Resources

  • The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries recently convened to discuss the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposed Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health (BIDEH) rule. Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) expressed his concerns regarding the proposed rule, stating, "This rule is misguided, driven by ideological agendas rather than practical conservation principles, poorly designed, and impractical in its application." Bentz emphasized that the rule would hinder effective management tools crucial for wildlife and refuge systems and...


  • The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations recently conducted a hearing focusing on the repercussions of the Biden administration's border policies, which have facilitated the infiltration of violent cartels into rural tribal communities well beyond the Southern border of the United States.Subcommittee Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) expressed deep concerns about the situation, stating, “Joe Biden’s open border policies have had detrimental effects on Indian country, with drugs and cartels infiltrating these communities at an alarming rate.” Gosar highlighted the...


  • On April 9, 2024, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. The legislation aims to expand outdoor recreation opportunities across America, with a focus on improving access to public lands and waters.Chairman Bruce Westerman, a Republican from Arkansas and an avid outdoorsman, expressed his pride in championing the EXPLORE Act, highlighting its potential to modernize visitor experiences, increase accessibility for veterans and service members, create new...


  • Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) strongly criticized the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for finalizing three rules that reverse Endangered Species Act (ESA) reforms made during previous administrations.In response to the finalized rules, Westerman stated, "The Biden administration continues to take two steps back without even taking one step forward. We know the Endangered Species Act is an outdated piece of legislation that has repeatedly failed its primary goal...


  • The House Committee on Natural Resources has initiated an investigation into the methodology employed by the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) in calculating federal royalties from energy production on federal lands and waters. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of internal controls at ONRR, which may lead to conflicts of interest and uncertainty in the determination of federal royalties.In a letter addressed to ONRR Director Howard Cantor, Chairman Bruce Westerman, Chairman Paul Gosar, and Chairman Pete Stauber expressed their apprehensions. They...


  • Today, the Biden administration has faced criticism for its implementation of burdensome forestry regulations. The administration announced a national old-growth amendment to all 128 forest plans across the nation, making it more challenging to responsibly manage America's forests. This move has been met with opposition from House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman, who believes that the administration has failed to address the underlying threats to our federal forests.Chairman Westerman expressed his concerns, stating, "Instead of using proven active...


  • The Department of Interior (DOI) has released its final five-year offshore oil and gas leasing plan, and it is being heavily criticized for its devastating impact on American jobs and innovation. The plan, which is a year and a half late, contains the fewest lease sales in the history of the program, dealing a huge blow to American energy production and national security.In response to the plan, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) expressed his dismay, stating, "The Biden administration’s plan to eliminate American energy production,...


  • The U.S. House of Representatives has recently passed two bipartisan bills that aim to advance sportsmen's access and tribal sovereignty. The bills have received significant support from both sides of the aisle, highlighting the common ground between lawmakers.One of the bills, known as S. 788 or the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023, was introduced by U.S. Sen. John Boozman from Arkansas. This legislation seeks to modernize the Duck Stamp program, which is used by waterfowl hunters. The bill proposes to allow hunters the option to purchase an electronic Duck Stamp,...


  • The Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources recently conducted a legislative hearing to address the issue of energy poverty and the impact of President Biden's policies on domestic energy production. Three bills were discussed during the hearing, with the aim of reducing energy costs and expanding geothermal energy development in the United States.Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stauber expressed his concerns regarding the current state of energy prices in the country, stating, "Thanks to President Biden's all-out war on domestic energy production, Americans are facing...


  • The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations conducted an oversight hearing on mineral supply chains and the implications for the next space race. Subcommittee Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) emphasized the importance of the hearing, stating, "Today’s subcommittee hearing on mining in space is more important than some may realize. Our competitors, including China, are far ahead of us. Mining in space is coming and the United States better be prepared."Minerals such as copper, lithium, and cobalt play a vital role in our modern way of life. They are used in various...


  • The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries convened today for an oversight hearing on the Biden administration's recent efforts to eliminate the Lower Snake River dams. Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) expressed his concerns about the administration's actions, stating, "Today's Congressional hearing called out the Biden Administration for engaging in secret discussions to breach the four lower Snake River dams, to impose upon the people of the northwest billions in costs to replace thousands of megawatts of clean reliable power generated by these dams, and,...


  • House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) was joined by every committee Republican in a letter to Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory, highlighting the necessity of streamlining the National Environmental Policy Act in a timely manner.