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 amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to permit the collection of user fees by non-federal entities in connection with the challenge cost-sharing program for management of recreation facilities.

would ensure that proper information gathering and planning are undertaken to secure the preservation and recovery of the salmon and steelhead of the Columbia River Basin and would direct the Secretary of Commerce to seek scientific analysis of federal efforts to restore salmon and steelhead listed under the ESA.

would make supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2014 for the tree and wood pests activities of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and for certain forest health management and urban and community forestry activities of the Forest Service.

would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy as the lead federal agency for coordinating federal, state, and local assistance provided to promote the energy retrofitting of schools.

would amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the National Estuary Program.

would address shortages and interruptions in the availability of propane and other home heating fuels in the United States.

which reauthorizes the National Integrated Drought Information System, was passed by the Senate.

would exchange trust and fee land to resolve land disputes created by the realignment of the Blackfoot River along the boundary of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation.

would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to facilitate the transfer to non-federal ownership of appropriate reclamation projects or facilities.

would modify the efficiency standards for grid-enabled water heaters.