The U.S. House of Representatives has moved forward with 14 pieces of legislation aimed at supporting tribal self-determination, improving access to historic and recreational sites, bolstering water forecasting and watershed development, expediting permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and resolving land claims.
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) commented on the legislative progress: "Today’s legislative progress reflects our commitment to responsible land management, improved infrastructure, and expanded opportunity for communities across the country. These bills restore tribal homelands, honor our nation’s history, enhance water reliability, and modernize permitting so that projects can move forward faster and more efficiently. I commend my colleagues for their dedication to delivering solutions that empower communities, respect local needs, and honor America’s heritage."
Among the bills advanced is H.R. 573, which mandates federal agencies and the Council on Environmental Quality to collect and report data related to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) litigation, environmental review timelines, and costs. This includes comparisons before and after recent fiscal changes with annual updates submitted to Congress.
Other measures include H.R. 655 authorizing the transfer of about 150 acres from the U.S. Forest Service to The Dalles in Oregon for regional water resource development; H.R. 1276 removing federal restrictions from a property in Paducah, Kentucky; H.R. 1676 requiring approval of State Wildlife Action Plans within six months; H.R. 2293 addressing double-crested cormorant overpopulation; H.R. 2302 transferring land into trust for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; H.R. 2306 reauthorizing a memorial commission for the Adams family legacy; H.R. 2916 settling Akwesasne Mohawk land claims in New York State; H.R. 4285 promoting tourism at national parks ahead of the nation's semiquincentennial anniversary; H.R. 4503 implementing a technology strategy for federal permitting processes; H.R. 5131 extending military use of public lands in Alaska, California, and New Mexico by another quarter-century; H.R. 2290 designating a site in Washington D.C., for a World War II women’s memorial; as well as two acts placing lands into trust for tribes in Washington state—the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act (H.R. 2388) and Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act (H.R. 2389).
These legislative actions are intended to address longstanding issues involving tribal sovereignty, natural resources management, military readiness on public lands, recognition of historical contributions by Americans during World War II, wildlife management challenges affecting fisheries ecosystems, improvements in government efficiency regarding environmental reviews and permitting processes as well as enhanced opportunities for tourism connected with major national anniversaries.
