Recent Federal Bills

Below are summaries of Bills Introduced, Committee Reports, Chamber Actions, and Public Laws reported in the most recent issue of ELR's Weekly Update.

would withdraw all federal land located within the Rainy River Basin in Minnesota from all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws, location, entry, and patent under the mining laws, and operation under the mineral leasing laws.

would amend the Atomic Energy Act to provide for consultation with state and local governments, the consideration of state and local concerns, and the approval of post-shutdown decommissioning activities reports by NRC.

would facilitate certain pinyon-juniper projects in Lincoln County, Nevada, modify the boundaries of certain wilderness areas in Nevada, and provide for the implementation of a conservation plan for the Virgin River in Nevada. 

would eliminate the taxable income limit on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal properties.

would amend the Nuclear Waste Policy Act to provide for the expansion of emergency planning zones and the development of plans for dry cask storage of spent nuclear fuel.

would amend the Atomic Energy Act to prohibit certain waivers and exemptions from emergency preparedness, emergency response and security regulations.

would provide a categorical exclusion under NEPA to allow BLM and the Forest Service to remove pinyon-juniper trees to conserve and restore the habitat of greater sage-grouse and mule deer.

would amend FLPMA to authorize DOI to enter into cooperative agreements to provide for state management of grazing permits and leases.

would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for the recognition of voluntary verification programs for air conditioning, furnace, boiler, heat pump, and water heater products.

would establish the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area in Texas.