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U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall, II, a West Virginia native who represents his state's Third Congressional district, has served on the House Natural Resources Committee for 34 years - his entire tenure in Congress.  After serving as the Committee's ranking member for six years, Rahall was selected to serve as the Committee's Chairman for the 110th Congress and 111th Congress.  Since taking the helm of the Committee in 2007, Rahall has worked diligently to strike an appropriate balance between the job-providing, economy-boosting development of America's natural resources and their wise conservation.

First elected in 1976, Chairman Rahall is currently serving his 17th term in the House of Representatives, and is recognized as the youngest elected longest serving member in the history of the House.  He has received national recognition for his strong dedication to protecting and preserving our nation's environment, while continuing to provide employment and tourism opportunities for our citizens.

An outspoken proponent of the National Park Service, in 2009, Rahall helped shepherd into law [P.L. 111-11] a legislative package containing over 160 individual measures, which added new wilderness designations, wild and scenic rivers, NPS units, hiking trails, heritage areas, water projects, and historic preservation initiatives.  Included in the package was legislation authored by Rahall - the "Wild Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for West Virginia's Special Places" - that designated as wilderness over 37,000 acres of federal land within the Monongahela National Forest in his home State of West Virginia.

A leader in the effort to end royalty holidays and giveaways to big oil companies who have reaped record profits while American taxpayers are forced to pay skyrocketing gas prices, Rahall has used his Chairmanship to conduct extensive oversight of allegations of mismanagement within the Minerals Management Service's royalty collection program.  Chairman Rahall has continued his commitment to conducting the necessary oversight of these issues, as well as ensuring continued accountability and integrity at the Department of the Interior.  

Rahall is a longtime champion of protecting landmark environmental and public participation laws, such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which gives the American people the right to know about and participate in proposed federal actions.  Rahall has led the Committee in multiple visibility-raising oversight hearings on the endangered species program, which revealed political tampering within the ranks of the Interior Department. 

He has also long been a Congressional leader on mining-related issues.  In 1985, Rahall assumed the chairmanship of the House Subcommittee on Mining and Natural Resources, a position he held until 1993.  As Subcommittee Chairman, Rep. Rahall transformed what had been a moribund panel into one engaged in the aggressive oversight and reform of many of the Nation's antiquated federal mining laws to bring them in line with public interest

During this period, Rahall also led the enactment of legislation overhauling the federal onshore oil and gas and geothermal stream leasing systems, seeking to fulfill stewardship responsibilities in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner.  In 2006, Rahall worked to ensure passage of legislation that extended authorization of the Abandoned Mine Lands program, one of his long-running priorities. 

A quest he has pursued for over 20 years, Rahall has led efforts in the House to secure passage of legislation to reform the antiquated Hardrock Mining Law of 1872.  Legislation introduced by Rahall would provide a new framework to guide in the mining of valuable hardrock minerals, such as gold, silver and copper, on federal lands.  For the past 138 years, the law has allowed these minerals to be extracted with no royalty paid to the American people - unlike oil and gas and coal developers

Additionally, he is the author of 1978 legislation establishing the New River Gorge National River as a unit of the National Park System in southern West Virginia.  Ten years later, he gained enactment of legislation to designate the Gauley River National Recreation Area and the Bluestone National Scenic River, in the process creating the largest network of federally protected rivers in the eastern United States.  These efforts have helped to promote these scenic rivers as a place for public enjoyment, employment, and tourism, as well as ensure that these areas are carefully maintained for future generations to enjoy

Numerous national organizations have recognized Rahall for his work.  He is the recipient of the National Parks Conservation Association's prestigious 2008 "William Penn Mott, Jr., Park Leadership Award"; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's 2009 Patriot Award, for his work in facilitating a visitor center at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.; the International Fund for Animal Welfare's 2007 "U.S. Animal Action Award"; the Ansel Adams Award from the Wilderness Society in 2004; and the Mountaineer Conservation Leadership Award from the West Virginia Wilderness Coalition on Earth Day 2005.

A 33rd degree Mason, Rep. Rahall is a life member of the National Rifle Association, Elks, Moose, and the NAACP, and was made an honorary member of the United Mine Workers of America in 2003.  Before his election to Congress, Rahall served as staff assistant to U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, and also made a career as a businessman.  Chairman Rahall has three children: Rebecca, Nick Joe, III, and Suzanne Nicole, married to S.Sgt. U.S. Navy Chris Brown.  He has one granddaughter, Madison Kaylee, and is married to the former Melinda Ross of Ashland, Kentucky.

Jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources

Rule X of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, 111th Congress

  • Fisheries and wildlife, including research, restoration, refuges, and conservation.
  • Forest reserves and national parks created from the public domain.
  • Forfeiture of land grants and alien ownership, including alien ownership of mineral lands.
  • Geological Survey.
  • International fishing agreements.
  • Interstate compacts relating to apportionment of waters for irrigation purposes.
  • Irrigation and reclamation, including water supply for reclamation projects and easements of public lands for irrigation projects; and acquisition of private lands when necessary to complete irrigation projects.
  • Native Americans generally, including the care and allotment of Native American lands and general and special measures relating to claims that are paid out of Native American funds.
  • Insular possessions of the United States generally (except those affecting the revenue and appropriations).
  • Military parks and battlefields, national cemeteries administered by the Secretary of the Interior, parks within the District of Columbia, and the erection of monuments to the memory of individuals.
  • Mineral land laws and claims and entries thereunder.
  • Mineral resources of public lands.
  • Mining interests generally.
  • Mining schools and experimental stations.
  • Marine affairs, including coastal zone management (except for measures relating to oil and other pollution of navigable waters).
  • Oceanography.
  • Petroleum conservation on public lands and conservation of the radium supply in the United States.
  • Preservation of prehistoric ruins and objects of interest on the public domain.
  • Public lands generally, including entry, easements, and grazing thereon.
  • Relations of the United States with Native Americans and Native American tribes.
  • Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline (except ratemaking).
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RULES FOR THE COMMITTEE
ON
NATURAL RESOURCES
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 111th CONGRESS
Adopted February 4, 2009


RULE 1.  RULES OF THE HOUSE; VICE CHAIRMEN

(a) Applicability of House Rules.
(1) The Rules of the House of Representatives, so far as they are applicable, are the rules of the Committee on Natural Resources (hereinafter in these rules referred to as the "Committee")  and its Subcommit­tees.(2) Each Subcommittee is part of the Committee and is subject to the authority, direction and rules of the Committee.  References in these rules to "Committee" and "Chairman" shall apply to each Subcommittee and its Chairman wherever applicable.
(3) House Rule XI is incorporated and made a part of the rules of the Committee to the extent applicable.

(b) Vice Chairmen.--Unless inconsistent with other rules, the Chairman shall appoint a Vice Chairman of the Committee and the Subcommittee Chairmen will appoint Vice Chairmen of each of the Subcommittees.  If the Chairman of the Committee or Subcommittee is not present at any meeting of the Committee or Subcommittee, as the case may be, the Vice Chairman shall preside.  If the Vice Chairman is not present, the ranking Member of the Majority party on the Committee or Subcommittee  who is present shall preside at that meeting.

RULE 2.  MEETINGS IN GENERAL

(a) Scheduled Meetings.--
The Committee shall meet at 10 a.m. every Wednesday when the House is in session, unless canceled by the Chairman.  The Committee shall also meet at the call of the Chairman subject to advance notice to all Members of the Commit­tee.  Special meetings shall be called and convened by the Chairman as provided in clause 2(c)(1) of House Rule XI.  Any Committee meeting or hearing that conflicts with a party caucus, conference, or similar party meeting shall be resched­uled at the discretion of the Chairman, in consul­tation with the Ranking Minority Member.  The Committee may not sit during a joint session of the House and Senate or during a recess when a joint meeting of the House and Senate is in progress.

(b) Open Meetings.--Each meeting for the transaction of business, including the markup of legislation, and each hearing of the Committee or a Subcommittee shall be open to the public, except as provided by clause 2(g) and clause 2(k) of House Rule XI.

(c) Broadcasting.--Whenever a meeting for the transaction of business, including the markup of legislation, or a hearing is open to the public, that meeting or hearing shall be open to coverage by television, radio, and still photography in accordance with clause 4 of House Rule XI.  The provisions of clause 4(f) of House Rule XI are specifically made part of these rules by reference.  Operation and use of any Committee Internet broadcast system shall be fair and nonpartisan and in accordance with clause 4(b) of House Rule XI and all other applicable rules of the Committee and the House.

(d) Oversight Plan.--No later than February 15 of the first session of each Congress, the Committee shall adopt its oversight plans for that Congress in accordance with clause 2(d)(1) of House Rule X.

RULE 3.  PROCEDURES IN GENERAL

(a) Agenda of Meetings; Information for Members.--
An agenda of the business to be considered at meetings shall be delivered to the office of each Member of the Committee no later than 48 hours before the meeting.  This requirement may be waived by a majority vote of the Committee at the time of the consideration of the measure or matter.   To the extent practicable, a summary of the major provisions of any bill being considered by the Committee, including the need for the bill and its effect on current law, will be available for the Members of the Committee no later than 48 hours before the meeting.

(b) Meetings and Hearings to Begin Promptly.--Each meeting or hearing of the Committee shall begin promptly at the time stipulated in the public announcement of the meeting or hearing.

(c) Addressing the Committee.--A Committee Member may address the Committee or a Subcommittee on any bill, motion, or other matter under consideration or may question a witness at a hearing only when recognized by the Chairman for that purpose.  The time a Member may address the Committee or Subcommittee for any purpose or to question a witness shall be limited to five minutes, except as provided in Committee Rule 4(g).  A Member shall limit his remarks to the subject matter under consideration.  The Chairman shall enforce the preceding provision.

(d) Quorums.
(1) A majority of the Members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the reporting of any measure or recommendation, the authorizing of a subpoena, the closing of any meeting or hearing to the public under clause 2(g)(1), clause 2(g)(2)(A) and clause 2(k)(5)(B) of House Rule XI, and the releasing of executive session materials under clause 2(k)(7) of House Rule X.  Testimony and evidence may be received at any hearing at which there are at least two Members of the Committee present.  For the purpose of transacting all other business of the Committee, one third of the Members shall constitute a quorum.
(2) When a call of the roll is required to ascertain the presence of a quorum, the offices of all Members shall be notified and the Members shall have not less than 15 minutes to prove their attendance.  The Chairman shall have the discretion to waive this requirement when a quorum is actually present or whenever a quorum is secured and may direct the Chief Clerk to note the names of all Members present within the 15-minute period.

(e) Participation of Members in Committee and Subcommittees.--Any Member of the Committee may sit with any Subcommittee during any meeting or hearing, and by unanimous consent of the Members of the Subcommittee may participate in such meeting or hearing.  However, a Member who is not a Member of the Subcommittee may not vote on any matter before the Subcommittee, be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum or raise points of order.

(f) Proxies.--No vote in the Committee or its Subcommittees may be cast by proxy.

(g) Record Votes.--Record votes shall be ordered on the demand of one-fifth of the Members present, or by any Member in the apparent absence of a quorum.

(h) Postponed Record Votes.
(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Chairman may, after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, postpone further proceedings when a record vote is ordered on the question of  approving any measure or matter or adopting an amendment.  The Chairman shall resume proceedings on a postponed request at any time after reasonable notice, but no later than the next meeting day.
(2) Notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous question, when proceedings resume on a postponed question under paragraph (1), an underlying proposition shall remain subject to further debate or amendment to the same extent as when the question was postponed.
(3) This rule shall apply to Subcommittee proceedings.

(i) Privileged Motions.--A motion to recess from day to day, a motion to recess subject to the call of the Chairman (within 24 hours), and a motion to dispense with the first reading (in full) of a bill or resolution if printed copies are available, are nondebatable motions of high privilege.

(j) Layover and Copy of Bill.--No measure or recommendation reported by a Subcommittee shall be considered by the Committee until two calendar days from the time of Subcommittee action.  No bill shall be considered by the Committee unless a copy has been delivered to the office of each Member of the Committee requesting a copy.  These requirements may be waived by a majority vote of the Committee at the time of consideration of the measure or recommendation.

(k) Access to Dais and Conference Room.--Access to the hearing rooms' daises [and to the conference rooms adjacent to the Committee hearing rooms] shall be limited to Members of Congress and employees of the Committee during a meeting of the Committee, except that Committee Members' personal staff may be present on the daises if their employing Member is the author of a bill or amendment under consideration by the Committee, but only during the time that the bill or amendment is under active consideration by the Committee.   Access to the conference rooms adjacent to the Committee hearing rooms shall be limited to Members of Congress and employees of Congress during a meeting of the Committee.

(l) Cellular Telephones.--The use of cellular telephones is prohibited on the Committee dais or in the Committee hearing rooms during a meeting of the Committee.

(m) Motion to go to Conference with the Senate.--The Chairman may offer a motion under clause 1 of Rule XXII whenever the Chairman considers it appropriate.

RULE 4.  HEARING PROCEDURES

(a) Announcement.--
The Chairman shall publicly announce the date, place, and subject matter of any hearing at least one week before the hearing unless the Chairman, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, determines that there is good cause to begin the hearing sooner, or if the Committee so determines by majority vote.  In these cases, the Chairman shall publicly announce the hearing at the earliest possible date.  The Chief Clerk of the Committee shall promptly notify the Daily Digest Clerk of the Congressional Record and shall promptly enter the appropriate information on the Committee's web site as soon as possible after the public announcement is made.

(b) Written Statement; Oral Testimony.--Each witness who is to appear before the Committee or a Subcommittee shall file with the Chief Clerk of the Committee or Subcommittee Clerk, at least two working days before the day of his or her appearance, a written statement of their proposed testimony.  Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the exclusion of the written testimony from the hearing record and/or the barring of an oral presentation of the testimony.   Each witness shall limit his or her oral presentation to a five-minute summary of the written statement, unless the Chairman, in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, extends this time period.  In addition, all witnesses shall be required to submit with their testimony a resume or other statement describing their education, employment, professional affiliations and other background information pertinent to their testimony.

(c) Minority Witnesses.--When any hearing is conducted by the Committee or any Subcommittee upon any measure or matter, the Minority party Members on the Committee or Subcommittee shall be entitled, upon request to the Chairman by a majority of those Minority Members before the completion of the hearing, to call witnesses selected by the Minority to testify with respect to that measure or matter during at least one day of hearings thereon.

(d) Information for Members.--After announcement of a hearing, the Committee shall make available as soon as practicable to all Members of the Committee a tentative witness list and to the extent practicable a memorandum explaining the subject matter of the hearing (including relevant legislative reports and other necessary material).  In addition, the Chairman shall make available to the Members of the Committee any official reports from departments and agencies on the subject matter as they are received.

(e) Subpoenas.--The Committee or a Subcommittee may authorize and issue a subpoena under clause 2(m) of House Rule XI if authorized by a majority of the Members voting.  In addition, the Chairman of the Committee may authorize and issue subpoenas during any period of time in which the House of Representatives has adjourned for more than three days.  Subpoenas shall be signed only by the Chairman of the Committee, or any Member of the Committee authorized by the Committee, and may be served by any person designated by the Chairman or Member.

(f) Oaths.--The Chairman of the Committee or any Member designated by the Chairman may administer oaths to any witness before the Committee.  All witnesses appearing in hearings may be administered the following oath by the Chairman or his designee prior to receiving the testimony: "Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony that you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"

(g) Opening Statements; Questioning of Witnesses.
(1) Opening statements by Members may not be presented orally, unless the Chairman or his designee makes a statement, in which case the Ranking Minority Member or his designee may also make a statement.  If a witness scheduled to testify at any hearing of the Committee is a constituent of a Member of the Committee, that Member shall be entitled to introduce the witness at the hearing.
(2) The questioning of witnesses in Committee and Subcommittee hearings shall be initiated by the Chairman, followed by the Ranking Minority Member and all other Members alternating between the Majority and Minority parties.  In recognizing Members to question witnesses, the Chairman shall take into consideration the ratio of the Majority to Minority Members present and shall establish the order of recognition for questioning in a manner so as not to disadvan­tage the Members of the Majority or the Members of the Minority.  A motion is in order to allow designated Majority and Minority party Members to question a witness for a specified period to be equally divided between the Majority and Minority parties.  This period shall not exceed one hour in the aggregate.

(h) Materials for Hearing Record.--Any materials submitted specifically for inclusion in the hearing record must address the announced subject matter of the hearing and be submitted to the relevant Subcommittee Clerk or Chief Clerk no later than 10 business days following the last day of the hearing.

(i) Claims of Privilege.--Claims of common-law privileges made by witnesses in hearings, or by interviewees or deponents in investigations or inquiries, are applicable only at the discretion of the Chairman, subject to appeal to the Committee.

RULE 5.  FILING OF COMMITTEE REPORTS

(a) Duty of Chairman.--
Whenever the Committee authorizes the favorable reporting of a measure from the Committee, the Chairman or his designee shall report the same to the House of Representatives and shall take all steps necessary to secure its passage without any additional authority needing to be set forth in the motion to report each individual measure.  In appropriate cases, the authority set forth in this rule shall extend to moving in accordance with the Rules of the House of Representatives that the House be resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for the consideration of the measure; and to moving in accordance with the Rules of the House of Representatives for the disposition of a Senate measure that is substantially the same as the House measure as reported.

(b) Filing.--A report on a measure which has been approved by the Committee shall be filed within seven calendar days (exclusive of days on which the House of Representatives is not in session) after the day on which there has been filed with the Committee Chief Clerk a written request, signed by a majority of the Members of the Committee, for the reporting of that measure.  Upon the filing with the Committee Chief Clerk of this request, the Chief Clerk shall transmit immediately to the Chairman notice of the filing of that request.

(c) Supplemental, Additional or Minority Views.--Any Member may, if notice is given at the time a bill or resolution is approved by the Committee, file supplemental, additional, or minority views.  These views must be in writing and signed by each Member joining therein and be filed with the Committee Chief Clerk not less than two additional calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays except when the House is in session on those days) of the time the bill or resolution is approved by the Committee.  This paragraph shall not preclude the filing of any supplemental report on any bill or resolution that may be required for the correction of any technical error in a previous report made by the Committee on that bill or resolution.

(d) Review by Members.--Each Member of the Committee shall be given an opportunity to review each proposed Committee report before it is filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives.  Nothing in this paragraph extends the time allowed for filing supplemental, additional or minority views under paragraph (c).

(e) Disclaimer.--All Committee or Subcommittee reports printed and not approved by a majority vote of the Committee or Subcommittee, as appropriate, shall contain the following disclaimer on the cover of the report: "This report has not been officially adopted by the {Committee on Natural Resources} {Subcommittee} and may not therefore necessarily reflect the views of its Members."

RULE 6.  ESTABLISHMENT OF SUBCOMMITTEES; FULL COMMITTEE JURISDICTION; BILL REFERRALS

(a) Subcommittees.--
There shall be four standing Subcommittees of the Committee, with the following jurisdiction and responsibilities:

Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands
(1) Measures and matters related to the National Park System and its units, including Federal reserved water rights.
(2) The National Wilderness Preservation System.
(3) Wild and Scenic Rivers System, National Trails System, national heritage areas and other national units established for protection, conservation, preservation or recreational development, other than coastal barriers.
(4) Military parks and battlefields, national cemeteries administered by the Secretary of the Interior, parks in and within the vicinity of the District of Columbia and the erection of monuments to the memory of individuals.
(5) Federal and non-Federal outdoor recreation plans, programs and administration including the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 and the Outdoor Recreation Act of 1963.
(6) Preservation of prehistoric ruins and objects of interest on the public domain and other historic preservation programs and activities, including national monuments, historic sites and programs for international cooperation in the field of historic preservation.
(7) Matters concerning the following agencies and programs: Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program, Historic American Buildings Survey, Historic American Engineering Record, and U.S. Holocaust Memorial.
(8) Public lands generally, including measures or matters relating to entry, easements, withdrawals, grazing and Federal reserved water rights.
(9) Forfeiture of land grants and alien ownership, including alien ownership of mineral lands.
(10) Cooperative efforts to encourage, enhance and improve international programs for the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources otherwise within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.
(11) Forest reservations, including management thereof, created from the public domain.
(12) Public forest lands generally, including measures or matters related to entry, easements, withdrawals, grazing and Federal reserved water rights.
(13) General and continuing oversight and investigative authority over activities, policies and programs within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.

Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife 
(1) All matters regarding insular areas of the United States.
(2) All measures or matters regarding the Freely Associated States and Antarctica.
(3) Fisheries management and fisheries research generally, including the management of all commercial and recreational fisheries, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, interjurisdictional fisheries, international fisheries agreements, aquaculture, seafood safety and fisheries promotion.
(4) Wildlife resources, including research, restoration, refuges and conservation.
(5) All matters pertaining to the protection of coastal and marine environments, including estuarine protection.
(6) Coastal barriers.
(7) Oceanography.
(8) Ocean engineering, including materials, technology and systems.
(9) Coastal zone management.
(10) Marine sanctuaries.
(11) U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.
(12) Sea Grant programs and marine extension services.
(13) Cooperative efforts to encourage, enhance and improve international programs for the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources otherwise within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.
(14) General and continuing oversight and investigative authority over activities, policies and programs within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.

Subcommittee on Water and Power
(1) Generation and marketing of electric power from Federal water projects by Federally chartered or Federal regional power marketing authorities.
(2) All measures and matters concerning water resources planning conducted pursuant to the Water Resources Planning Act, water resource research and development programs and saline water research and development.
(3) Compacts relating to the use and apportionment of interstate waters, water rights and major interbasin water or power movement programs.
(4) All measures and matters pertaining to irrigation and reclamation projects and other water resources development and recycling programs, including policies and procedures.
(5) Indian water rights and settlements.
(6) Cooperative efforts to encourage, enhance and improve international programs for the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources otherwise within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.
(7) General and continuing oversight and investigative authority over activities, policies and programs within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.

Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
(1) All measures and matters concerning the U.S. Geological Survey, except for the activities and programs of the Water Resources Division or its successor.
(2) All measures and matters affecting geothermal resources.
(3) Conservation of United States uranium supply.
(4) Mining interests generally, including all matters involving mining regulation and enforcement, including the reclamation of mined lands, the environmental effects of mining, and the management of mineral receipts, mineral land laws and claims, long-range mineral programs and deep seabed mining.
(5) Mining schools, experimental stations and long-range mineral programs.
(6) Mineral resources on public lands.
(7) Conservation and development of oil and gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf.
(8) Petroleum conservation on the public lands and conservation of the radium supply in the United States.
(9) Measures and matters concerning the transportation of natural gas from or within Alaska and disposition of oil transported by the trans-Alaska oil pipeline.
(10) Rights of way over public lands for underground energy-related transportation.
(11) Cooperative efforts to encourage, enhance and improve international programs for the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources otherwise within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.
(12) General and continuing oversight and investigative authority over activities, policies and programs within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.

(b) Full Committee.--The following measures and matters shall be retained at the Full Committee:
(1) Environmental and habitat measures of general applicability.
(2) Measures relating to the welfare of Native Americans, including management of Indian lands in general and special measures relating to claims which are paid out of Indian funds.
(3) All matters regarding the relations of the United States with Native Americans and Native American tribes, including special oversight functions under Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
(4) All matters regarding Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiians.
(5) All matters related to the Federal trust responsibility to Native Americans and the sovereignty of Native Americans.
(6) Cooperative efforts to encourage, enhance and improve international programs for the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources otherwise within the jurisdiction of the Full Committee under this paragraph.
(7) All other measures and matters retained by the Full Committee, including those retained under Committee Rule 6(e).
(8) General and continuing oversight and investigative authority over activities, policies and programs within the jurisdiction of the Committee under House Rule X.

(c) Ex-officio Members.--The Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee may serve as ex-officio Members of each standing Subcommittee to which the Chairman or the Ranking Minority Member have not been assigned.  Ex-officio Members shall have the right to fully participate in Subcom­mittee activities but may not vote and may not be counted in establishing a quorum.

(d) Powers and Duties of Subcommittees.--Each Subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold hearings, receive evidence and report to the Committee on all matters within its jurisdiction.  Each Subcommittee shall review and study, on a continuing basis, the application, administration, execution and effectiveness of those statutes, or parts of statutes, the subject matter of which is within that Subcommittee's jurisdiction; and the organization, opera­tion, and regula­tions of any Federal agency or entity having responsibilities in or for the administra­tion of such statutes, to determine whether these statutes are being implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent of Congress.  Each Subcommittee shall review and study any conditions or circumstanc­es indicating the need of enacting new or supplemental legislation within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.  Each Subcommittee shall have general and continuing oversight and investigative authority over activities, policies and programs within the jurisdiction of the Subcom­mittee.

(e) Referral to Subcommittees; Recall.
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) and for those measures or matters retained at the Full Committee, every legislative measure or other matter referred to the Commit­tee shall be referred to the Subcommittee of jurisdiction within two weeks of the date of its referral to the Committee.  If any measure or matter is within or affects the jurisdiction of one or more Subcommittees, the Chairman may refer that measure or matter simultaneously to two or more Subcommittees for concurrent consideration or for consideration in sequence subject to appropriate time limits, or divide the matter into two or more parts and refer each part to a Subcommittee.
(2) The Chairman, with the approval of a majority of the Majority Members of the Committee, may refer a legislative measure or other matter to a select or special Subcommittee.  A legislative measure or other matter referred by the Chairman to a Subcommittee may be recalled from the Subcommittee for direct consideration by the Full Committee, or for referral to another Subcommittee, provided Members of the Committee receive one week written notice of the recall and a majority of the Members of the Committee do not object.  In addition, a legislative measure or other matter referred by the Chairman to a Subcommittee may be recalled from the Subcommittee at any time by majority vote of the Committee for direct consideration by the Full Committee or for referral to another Subcommittee.

(f) Consultation.--Each Subcommittee Chairman shall consult with the Chairman of the Full Committee prior to setting dates for Subcommittee meetings with a view towards avoiding whenever possible conflicting Committee and Subcommittee meetings.

(g) Vacancy.--A vacancy in the membership of a Subcommittee shall not affect the power of the remaining Members to execute the functions of the Subcommittee.

RULE 7.  TASK FORCES, SPECIAL OR SELECT SUBCOMMITTEES

(a) Appointment.--
The Chairman of the Committee is authorized, after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, to appoint Task Forces, or special or select Subcommittees, to carry out the duties and functions of the Committee.

(b) Ex-Officio Members.--The Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee may serve as ex-officio Members of each Task Force, or special or select Subcommittee if they are not otherwise members.  Ex-officio Members shall have the right to fully participate ­in activities but may not vote and may not be counted in establishing a quorum.

(c) Party Ratios.--The ratio of Majority Members to Minority Members, excluding ex-officio Members, on each Task Force, special or select Subcommittee shall be as close as practicable to the ratio on the Full Committee.

(d) Temporary Resignation.--A Member can temporarily resign his or her position on a Subcommittee to serve on a Task Force, special or select Subcommittee without prejudice to the Member's seniority on the Subcommittee.

(e) Chairman and Ranking Minority Member.--The Chairman of any Task Force, or special or select Subcommittee shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Committee.  The Ranking Minority Member shall select a Ranking Minority Member for each Task Force, or standing, special or select Subcommittee.

RULE 8.  RECOMMENDATION OF CONFEREES

Whenever it becomes necessary to appoint conferees on a particular measure, the Chairman shall recommend to the Speaker as conferees those Majority Members, as well as those Minority Members recommended to the Chairman by the Ranking Minority Member, primarily responsible for the measure.  The ratio of Majority Members to Minority Members recommended for conferences shall be no greater than the ratio on the Committee.


RULE 9.  COMMITTEE RECORDS

(a) Segregation of Records
.--All Committee records shall be kept separate and distinct from the office records of individual Committee Members serving as Chairmen or Ranking Minority Members.  These records shall be the property of the House and all Members shall have access to them in accordance with clause 2(e)(2) of House Rule XI.

(b) Availability.--The Committee shall make available to the public for review at reasonable times in the Committee office the following records:
(1) transcripts of public meetings and hearings, except those that are unrevised or unedited and intended solely for the use of the Committee; and
(2) the result of each rollcall vote taken in the Committee, including a description of the amendment, motion, order or other proposition voted on, the name of each Committee Member voting for or against a proposition, and the name of each Member present but not voting.

(c) Archived Records.--Records of the Committee which are deposited with the National Archives shall be made available for public use pursuant to House Rule VII.  The Chairman of the Committee shall notify the Ranking Minority Member of any decision, pursuant to clause 3(b)(3) or clause 4(b) of House Rule VII, to withhold, or to provide a time, schedule or condition for availability of any record otherwise available.  At the written request of any Member of the Committee, the matter shall be presented to the Committee for a determination and shall be subject to the same notice and quorum requirements for the conduct of business under Committee Rule 3.

(d) Records of Closed Meetings.--Notwithstanding the other provisions of this rule, no records of Committee meetings or hearings which were closed to the public pursuant to the Rules of the House of Representatives shall be released to the public unless the Committee votes to release those records in accordance with the procedure used to close the Committee meeting.

(e) Classified Materials.--All classified materials shall be maintained in an appropriately secured location and shall be released only to authorized persons for review, who shall not remove the material from the Committee offices without the written permission of the Chairman.

(f) Record Votes.--In addition to any other requirement of these rules or the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Chairman shall make available to the public on the Committee's website a record of the votes on any question on which a recorded vote is demanded. Such record shall be posted no later than two business days after the vote is taken. The record shall include:
(1) a copy of the amendment or a detailed description of the motion, order or other proposition; and
(2) the name of each Member voting for and each Member voting against such amendment, motion, order, or proposition, the names of those Members voting present, and the names of any Member not present.

RULE 10.  COMMITTEE BUDGET AND EXPENSES

(a) Budget.--At the beginning of each Congress, after consultation with the Chairman of each Subcommittee and the Ranking Minority Member, the Chairman shall present to the Committee for its approval a budget covering the funding required for staff, travel, and miscellaneous expenses.

(b) Expense Resolution.-Upon approval by the Committee of each budget, the Chairman, acting pursuant to clause 6 of House Rule X, shall prepare and introduce in the House a supporting expense resolution, and take all action necessary to bring about its approval by the Committee on House Administration and by the House of Representatives.

(c) Amendments.--The Chairman shall report to the Committee any amendments to each expense resolution and any related changes in the budget.

(d) Additional Expenses.--Authorization for the payment of additional or unforeseen Committee expenses may be procured by one or more additional expense resolutions processed in the same manner as set out under this rule.

(e) Monthly Reports.--Copies of each monthly report, prepared by the Chairman for the Committee on House Administration, which shows expenditures made during the reporting period and cumulative for the year, anticipated expenditures for the projected Committee program, and detailed information on travel, shall be available to each Member.

RULE 11.  COMMITTEE STAFF

(a) Rules and Policies
.--Committee staff members are subject to the provisions of clause 9 of House Rule X, as well as any written personnel policies the Committee may from time to time adopt.

(b) Majority and Nonpartisan Staff.--The Chairman shall appoint, determine the remuneration of, and may remove, the legislative and administrative employees of the Committee not assigned to the Minority.  The legislative and administrative staff of the Committee not assigned to the Minority shall be under the general supervision and direction of the Chairman, who shall establish and assign the duties and responsibilities of these staff members and delegate any authority he determines appropriate.

(c) Minority Staff.--The Ranking Minority Member of the Committee shall appoint, determine the remuneration of, and may remove, the legislative and administrative staff assigned to the Minority within the budget approved for those purposes.  The legislative and administrative staff assigned to the Minority shall be under the general supervision and direction of the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee who may delegate any authority he determines appropriate.

(d) Availability.--The skills and services of all Committee staff shall be available to all Members of the Committee.

RULE 12.  COMMITTEE TRAVEL

In addition to any written travel policies the Committee may from time to time adopt, all travel of Members and staff of the Committee or its Subcommittees, to hearings, meetings, conferences and investigations, including all foreign travel, must be authorized by the Full Committee Chairman prior to any public notice of the travel and prior to the actual travel.  In the case of Minority staff, all travel shall first be approved by the Ranking Minority Member.  Funds authorized for the Committee under clauses 6 and 7 of House Rule X are for expenses incurred in the Committee's activities within the United States.

RULE 13.  CHANGES TO COMMITTEE RULES

The rules of the Committee may be modified, amended, or repealed, by a majority vote of the Committee, provided that 48 hours' written notice of the proposed change has been provided each Member of the committee prior to the meeting date on which the changes are to be discussed and voted on.  A change to the rules of the Committee shall be published in the Congressional Record no later than 30 days after its approval.

RULE 14.  OTHER PROCEDURES

The Chairman may establish procedures and take actions as may be necessary to carry out the rules of the Committee or to facilitate the effective administration of the Committee, in accordance with the rules of the Committee and the Rules of the House of Representatives.

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COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

OVERSIGHT PLAN

111TH CONGRESS


Under clause 2 of Rule X of the House of Representatives, each standing committee of the House has general oversight responsibilities to determine whether laws and programs addressing subjects within its jurisdiction are being implemented in accordance with the intent of Congress and to determine whether they should be continued, curtailed or eliminated. The Committee intends to review the following laws, programs and issues within the Committee's jurisdiction during the 111th Congress:

CLIMATE CHANGE


Planning for the Impacts of Climate Change:  Federal land, water, fish, and wildlife resources will be vulnerable to a wide range of physical, biological, economic, and social effects as a result of climate change.  At the same time, public lands and resources represent some of the best opportunities we have for implementing natural resource adaptation strategies to help mitigate some of those effects.  Unfortunately, a recent Government Accountability Office report found that federal resource agencies have largely failed to address climate change in their strategic plans; resource managers have limited guidance concerning whether or how to address climate change and are unsure of what actions to take; and resource managers do not have sufficient site specific information to plan for and address the effects of climate change on the federal resources they manage.  The Committee expects to consider and promote legislation that would establish an integrated federal program to address the impacts of climate change on our natural resources.

ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

Endangered Species Act Implementation:  The Bush Administration spent eight years seeking to undermine the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the protection it provides our nation's most imperiled species.  High ranking political appointees used their positions and influence to meddle in scientific decisions under the ESA and alter policy outcomes, potentially harming species and certainly harming the integrity of the law, as well as the morale and reputation of the agencies charged with its implementation.  The Committee will work closely with the new Administration to restore transparency, consistency, and accountability in the implementation of the ESA, ensuring that sound science is the basis for decision-making under the law.

                       

INDIAN AFFAIRS


Budget Oversight:  The Committee will review the President's budget request for programs and activities related to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other Department of the Interior agencies with tribal-related programs.

 

Consultation: The Committee intends to schedule an oversight hearing with the new Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), and the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) to discuss the goals of the Obama Administration for Indian Country and their plan for consultation with tribal governments.


Trust Reform:  The Department of the Interior (DOI) has moved several programs and millions of dollars out of the BIA and into the Office of Special Trustee (OST).  The Office of Special Trustee was established by the American Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act of 1994 to oversee trust fund management reform throughout the DOI.  The Committee will review the effect this expansion of OST has had on Indian tribes, including resource and trust management, trust fund management, appraisals, and probate.


Tribal Justice, Law Enforcement and Homeland Security related issues: Several issues related to tribal justice and law enforcement will be addressed.  Twenty-five Indian tribes govern over 260 miles of land that is either adjacent, or directly accessible, by boat, to international borders.  In addition, tribal lands are home to several potential terrorist targets such as dams, hydroelectric systems, and oil and gas pipelines, but Indian tribes have been excluded from receiving direct funding under the Homeland Security Act.  The Committee intends to conduct a hearing on the efforts of Indian tribes to protect US/tribal borders. The Committee plans to explore the effects of placing this responsibility on Indian tribes, while providing few resources or assistance.


In addition, tribal governments are the primary law enforcement agents and emergency responders for over 56 million acres, or 2%, of the United States.  With staggering rates of unemployment (over 80% on some reservations), devastating poverty, and underfunded police and rescue agencies, many Indian reservations are prime targets for crime.  The Committee will conduct hearings to explore the funding shortages that cause some tribal police forces to severely restrict activities part way through the fiscal year.  The issue of gangs and drugs on reservations and how to address the violence they bring will also be considered.


Moreover, the Committee will build on its work from the 110th Congress to examine the status of detention facilities throughout Indian Country.  In September of 2004, the DOI Office of Inspector General (IG) released a report entitled, Neither Safe nor Secure - an Assessment of Indian Detention Facilities.  This report found longstanding neglect and BIA indifference toward safety and security concerns at the detention centers.  Almost all facilities were found to be operating below minimum staffing levels.  All aspects -- from funding, to staffing, to maintenance, to training, to record-keeping -- were found wanting.  It is anticipated that oversight activities will also include a review of the response of BIA to the report, including what, if any, improvements have been made since 2004.


Additionally, the Committee proposes to undertake an assessment and oversight of tribal court systems.  Indian tribal courts across the country operate with various degrees of competency and support.  Strengthening tribal court systems and clarifying court jurisdiction is paramount to the operation of strong tribal governments and vibrant, self-sufficient Indian economies.  Unfortunately, for decades there has existed a lack of clarity regarding the jurisdiction of tribal courts that is impeding the delivery of justice to Indian communities.

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA):  The Committee has requested that the GAO study the use of funds appropriated for the implementation of NAGPRA.  Upon receipt of the study, the Committee intends to hold a hearing on the results as well as proposals to strengthen implementation and enforcement of the Act.  In the interim, the Committee will continue to focus on other NAGPRA issues, such as the status of the culturally unidentified remains database, and sacred sites issues.


Tribal Recognition: The Committee can anticipate that federal tribal recognition reform bills will again be introduced in the 111th Congress as well as bills to address the recognition of individual tribes.  The Committee will continue to work on these bills and will collaborate with the Obama Administration to reform the current federal administrative process.


Economic Development:  The Committee expects to examine what is needed to spur economic development on Indian reservations.  This endeavor will extend in several directions including:  the need for infrastructure conducive to development; established tribal plans, tribal laws and regulations relating to business operations and possible environmental effects;  incentives that would encourage businesses to locate on Indian reservations; effective tribal court systems; and increased access for tribes to financial capital seed money.  In short, the Committee's goal with this examination will be to ensure strong, stable tribal government structures that are prepared to operate business development and foster relationships with outside enterprises for the betterment of all involved.


Infrastructure:  Many of the most dangerous roads, bridges, and dams in the United States are located on Indian land.  In addition, the lack of basic infrastructure on Indian land impedes the health, safety, education, and economic development of Native peoples.  It is expected that the Obama Administration will pursue an aggressive program to improve infrastructure nationwide.  The Committee intends to conduct a hearing to collect needed information to ensure Indian lands and Indian tribes are included in any new infrastructure initiatives during the 111th Congress. 


Energy:  Several issues related to energy in Indian Country are likely to be addressed.  With regard to renewable energy development, many of the best locations to develop wind and solar energy exist on Indian land.  The Committee intends to hold a hearing on how best the federal government can assist Indian tribes in the development and retailing of renewable energy resources.  Legislation, if warranted, will be pursued.  In addition the Committee will facilitate the inclusion of Indian resources in any energy initiative proposed during the 111th Congress.

Regarding oil and gas development, 20% - 30% of all onshore oil and gas resources are located on Indian lands.  Often  mining leases on Indian land bring far less revenue to the Indian owner than do leases on non-Indian land.  The Committee expects to conduct oversight into the causes of these disparities and contemplates pursuing any changes needed to address such inequities.

Regarding energy efficiency, the Committee intends to conduct a hearing to determine the energy efficiency of federal buildings and facilities located on Indian lands, the cost of inefficient buildings, and the steps necessary to make  those buildings more energy efficient.


Missing Indian Health Service (IHS) Equipment:  After receiving information regarding missing IHS equipment, the Committee, jointly with the House Oversight Committee, requested the General Accountability Office (GAO) conduct an investigation of the management of IHS equipment in certain offices.  The GAO reported to the Committee that millions of dollars worth of equipment is missing from the IHS.  In addition the GAO recommended new policy and procedures to the IHS to ensure that this problem does not reoccur.  The Committee intends to hold a hearing to determine what the IHS has done to address the situation.

INSULAR AFFAIRS, OCEANS AND WILDLIFE


Budget Oversight: The Committee will oversee that portion of the President's budget which relates to the insular areas of the United States, including five principal U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and three freely associated states (Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau).  The Committee will review the President's budget requests for the programs and activities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).


Regulation Reform: The Committee anticipates reviewing the need for, and advisability of, reducing or enhancing those federal rules and regulations falling within its jurisdiction which relate to the insular areas of the United States.


Normalizing Immigration and Border Security: The Committee recognizes that U.S. territories are also U.S. borders and that certain U.S. territories are viewed as strategic and vital to the defense of the U.S. because of their locations.  Two U.S. territories (American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) have previously been allowed local control over immigration policy by Congress, and were exempt from U.S. immigration law.  The enactment of Public Law 110-229 provides for extending U.S. immigration laws to the Northern Marianas in a flexible manner and over a transition period scheduled to commence in the summer of 2009.  The Committee intends to hold hearings on the rules and regulations being promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and the Department of Labor, providing for this transition period.


Puerto Rico Self-Determination:  In the 110th Congress, the Committee convened two legislative hearings on competing measures to advance Puerto Rico's political status.  The Full Committee, consequently, favorably reported H.R. 900 (as amended) to the House.  The Committee will continue to examine legislation to resolve Puerto Rico's political status.


Guam Military Buildup:  The Committee will continue to exercise its oversight responsibility to examine the effects of relocating U.S. military forces from Okinawa, Japan, to Guam.  The Committee recognizes the many challenges facing both the government of Guam and the federal government to address issues which will impact Guam's civilian community.


Infrastructure and Alternative Energy Development:  The Committee plans to explore initiatives to increase and expedite infrastructure development in all U.S. territories.  In addition, the Committee anticipates reviewing alternative energy proposals and plans which would reduce reliance on imported fuel and maximize the use of both alternative and indigenous sources of energy.


Compacts of Free Association: The Committee will exercise its oversight authority of  funding and program assistance to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, in accordance with the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-188).  Additionally, Public Law 99-658, which established the free association relationship between the United States and the Republic of Palau, contemplates a review of the terms and related agreements of the Compact in the fifteenth year of the political relationship.  The Committee intends to oversee any formal negotiations leading up to the fifteenth anniversary between the United States and the Republic of Palau.


Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species:  Roughly 169 countries are party to this international agreement that provides worldwide protection for endangered plants and animals by ensuring that trade does not threaten their survival.  In 2010, member countries will assemble in Doha, Qatar for their regular meeting where proposals for protecting new species under the Convention will be considered.  The Committee intends to hold hearings on proposals by the United States and other countries and will examine the strategies that the United States plans to pursue to achieve and promote species conservation.

Coastal Management in the 21st Century:  Over the past two years, NOAA's National Ocean Service and the coastal states have engaged in a comprehensive visioning process involving federal, state, and non-governmental stakeholders to redefine our national approach to managing the nation's coastal zone.  During the 110th Congress, several bills were introduced that offered potential amendments to the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), specifically regarding alternative renewable ocean energy, coastal climate change adaptation,  retention of working waterfronts, preserving coastal open space and wildlife habitat, and strengthening our system of National Estuarine Research Reserves. In addition, legislation was also considered to facilitate and promote regional federal-state ocean governance partnerships. The Committee plans to refine these ideas and further collaborate with NOAA, the coastal states, and other stakeholders to shape CZMA legislation to provide a new vision and the necessary tools to manage our dynamic ocean and coastal regions in the 21st century.

Improving Ocean Governance:  Two national commissions released reports earlier this decade offering recommendations to improve collaboration among federal agencies and federal programs and policies that are aimed at the management and conservation of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.  As economic and energy development in our oceans increases at a rapid pace, the need for the reforms recommended by these Commissions to resolve conflicts and facilitate effective decision-making becomes even more urgent.  In the last Congress, the Committee held hearings on these reforms and began the process of considering legislation to implement the highest priority recommendations of the Commissions.  The Committee expects to continue that effort in the 111th Congress.

Implementation of the Magnuson Act:  Among other changes to our federal fishery management system, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act (MSRA) of 2006 mandated: 1) the implementation of annual catch limits and accountability measures to end overfishing; 2) the revision of National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) procedures for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act; and 3) the development of new criteria and standards for any Limited Access Privilege Program. The Committee will continue to conduct oversight regarding policies, rules, and fishery management plan amendments designed to fulfill these and other mandates set out in MSRA to ensure that the law is being implemented as Congress intended.  The Committee will also examine the appropriate levels of funding needed to implement the law effectively.

International Fisheries Management and Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) Fishing:   Internationally, IUU fishing is a significant marine resource conservation problem that has serious impacts on U.S. fishermen and on economies around the globe.  The MSRA of 2006 directed NMFS to publish a biennial report on the status of IUU fishing (including the occurrence of unacceptable levels of bycatch), to establish procedures for certifying those nations, and to evaluate subsequent progress to reduce the impacts of such fishing practices on protected living marine resources. The Committee will monitor these activities and may advance legislation to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to discourage IUU fishing.

Marine Mammals:  A number of discrete marine mammal issues merit the Committee's attention during the 111th Congress.  These include increasing protections for North Atlantic Right Whales, bolstering recovery efforts for Southern California Sea Otters, and assessing the impacts of ocean noise associated with a wide range of activities. The Committee intends to conduct oversight hearings on these issues and consider legislative initiatives as appropriate.

Shark Conservation:  The Committee will advance legislation to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of the Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000. In addition to eliminating an unintended enforcement loophole and addressing the difficulty that has become apparent in implementing the statute's percentage-based standard, the Shark Conservation Act of 2009 will promote the conservation of sharks internationally and in a manner consistent with the expectations placed on U.S. fishermen.

Marine Aquaculture in Federal waters: Currently, there exists no comprehensive federal permitting and regulatory system for the siting of aquaculture facilities in the Exclusive Economic Zone, and NOAA has sought legislation to establish this authority.  Such a system is needed to avoid the piecemeal approach to permitting that now poses threats to both the marine environment and public health. The Committee intends to hold hearings on legislation to authorize a coordinated set of enforceable federal regulations to address program administration, permitting and site selection issues, and characterize, monitor, and mitigate the potential, specific and cumulative ecological impacts of offshore aquaculture operations.


International Whaling Commission:  The Committee will continue to monitor the activities of the U.S. Delegation as it participates in negotiations on the future of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The Committee intends to hold an oversight hearing to elucidate the new Administration's position heading into the 61st meeting of the IWC, with an emphasis on maintaining the United States' commitment to the commercial whaling moratorium.


Invasive Species:  Invasive, nonnative species can harm the economy, the environment, other animal species' health and human health.  The Committee's evaluation of these negative impacts and the inadequacies of the current injurious wildlife provisions of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 identified the need for a proactive approach.  The Committee expects to advance legislation authorizing the FWS to establish a risk assessment process to control the importation of invasive wildlife species. 


Reaffirming U.S. Global Leadership in Coral Reef Conservation and Science:  In recognition of the persistent threats and tenuous health of global coral reef resources, the Committee, during the 110th Congress, reported and the House passed comprehensive legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Coral Reef Conservation Act.   Although the Senate did not act on this initiative, the need for this legislation remains undiminished.  The Committee will look to pass legislation in the 111th Congress to amend the Act to increase support for local coral reef action strategies, to strengthen international cooperation and enforcement of coral reef protections, to enhance effective federal coordination by giving statutory authority to the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, and to explicitly authorize the Secretary of the Interior to protect coral reef resources under the department's jurisdiction.


Advancing Bird Conservation in the 21st Century: The Committee remains concerned that many bird populations around the world, including some populations of popular waterfowl species that are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), are depleted or in rapid decline due to factors related to climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, disease, and incidental mortality.  The Committee will review implementation of the MBTA and assess whether this venerable wildlife statute and other migratory bird conservation strategies, such as the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI), remain effective in addressing contemporary impacts affecting bird populations, especially the escalating development of wind energy.  In addition, the Committee anticipates considering whether legislation to authorize migratory bird joint ventures or legislation to incrementally increase the price in the Federal Duck Stamp is necessary at this time.


Addressing U.S. Needs for Advancement and Innovation in U.S. Ocean Science, Research and Technologies: Recognizing the need to jumpstart efforts to address the declining investments in  and attention to U.S. ocean science, research, and technology, the Committee moved through the House, during the 110th Congress, a substantial legislative package regarding ocean mapping, integrated ocean observations, undersea research and exploration and enhanced science and research concerning ocean acidification.  While none of these non-controversial bills became law, the Committee will again move this package in recognition of the broad bipartisan support they garnered and the substantial scientific, economic and environmental benefits these bills will generate for the American public.


Enhancing Our Understanding and Use of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): The underlying science justifying the use of marine protected areas as a resource management tool - including the use of no-take marine reserves - has matured in recent years, and the use of MPAs has become more widespread.  The Committee expects to carry forward efforts initiated during the 110th Congress to reauthorize the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.  The Committee plans to also examine the establishment of three new marine national monuments in the Western Pacific Ocean and the release of a final management plan for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument for the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.  In addition, the Committee anticipates  investigating the Administration's implementation of Executive Order 13158 regarding marine protected areas and the release of final guidelines for the development of a national system of marine protected areas.


Strengthening the U.S. Commitment to International Wildlife Conservation: The Committee invested substantial time during the 110th Congress considering reauthorizations of and additions to the Multinational Species Conservation Fund and conducted oversight concerning illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products.  During this Congress, the Committee intends to move legislation to expand the Multinational Species Conservation Fund to address the needs of great cats, canids and cranes.  In addition, the Committee will look to advance legislation to provide a comprehensive authority to clarify the Secretary of the Interior's responsibilities in international wildlife conservation and to coordinate the activities of the federal government in this regard.  Additionally, considering the global reach of U.S. Armed Services, the Committee might also consider legislation to reauthorize the Sikes Act to improve its effectiveness and coordination with broader conservation initiatives.


ENERGY AND MINERALS


Budget Oversight: The Committee will examine the budgets and capacities of energy and minerals related programs within the U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Minerals Management Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. 


1872 Mining Law:  The Committee will again consider comprehensive legislation to reform the nation's mining law, and examine issues germane to bringing the nation's hardrock minerals policy into the 21st century.  Unlike nearly every other country in the world, the 1872 Mining Law conveys rather than leases hardrock minerals on public lands, and development occurs on a claim without a production royalty paid to the federal government.  Considerations for the Committee include how to structure a royalty for mining gold, copper, uranium and other valuable hardrock minerals which produces fair return to the taxpayer but also supports a healthy industry, and the lack of a clear and enforceable national environmental standard for mining. 


Regulation of Coal Ash:  Approximately129 million tons of coal ash (combustion "byproducts" or "wastes") was produced in the United States during 2006.  By one estimate, coal ash generation will increase at least 25% by 2020.  In the 111th Congress, the Committee will consider legislation to address the appropriate role of the federal government in assuring the safe disposal or reuse of coal combustion waste. A 2007 draft assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency revealed risks to human health and the environment from the disposal of coal waste in landfills and surface impoundments, and a 2006 National Research Council report recommended enforceable federal standards for coal waste disposal in mines. 


Offshore Drilling:  The Committee will consider the question of whether, where and under what terms future offshore oil and gas development should occur during the 111th Congress. The federally-owned Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) is responsible for producing nearly 15% of the nation's domestically produced gas and over a quarter of domestically produced oil.  In Fiscal Year 2008, oil and gas activities on the OCS brought in over $18 billion in bonus bids, rentals, and royalties. As a major source of energy and revenue for the United States, vigorous and extensive oversight of the offshore oil and gas program is critical. Further, with over 500 million acres of the OCS now open for leasing activity due to the recent expiration of the executive withdrawal and Congressional moratorium, questions about where, when, and how drilling should occur in the previously protected areas of the OCS must be addressed by the Committee.


The Committee intends to aggressively pursue oversight of these issues by conducting a comprehensive review that examines all facets of the oil and gas program on the Outer Continental Shelf.  The rate of development of existing leases, the environmental impact of drilling, the effect of OCS oil and gas production on energy security and energy prices, the views of local communities on drilling activities, and more will all be addressed. The Committee will ensure that any new oil and gas activity in the OCS is done in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner - protecting not only the scenic beauty of our shorelines, but also the return that the American people deserve from the use of their oil and gas resources.


Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Programs:  During the 111th Congress, the Committee will continue to assess the strengths and weaknesses of federal onshore energy program management, organization, and policies.  Reviews are anticipated to include:


  • Recent analyses by the General Accounting Office on ways the Department of the Interior can encourage diligent development, the use of categorical exclusions as allowed by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and fluid minerals bonding.
  • Recommendations by western governors for improvements in energy development, particularly coordination and planning between federal officials and policies and state and local officials to facilitate leasing while also protecting wildlife corridors and crucial habitat.
  • Concerns raised by conservationists and western state citizens that resource management plans and leasing decisions are increasingly inconsistent with agency stewardship requirements. For example, six Utah Resource Management Plans (RMPs) covering 11 million acres completed in 2008 allow oil and gas exploration and development across a majority of lands which BLM itself identified as having important wilderness characteristics, and in some areas abut our national parks.
  • Questions about community impacts from energy development, and the pressure that various kinds of energy development places on water supplies

Accountability in Royalty Management/Royalty in Kind Program:  The Committee will continue to aggressively review the collection of royalties, rents and bonus bids accrued from leasing federal oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters-$24 billion in FY 2008, the second largest revenue stream to the federal Treasury after taxes.


Historically, the federal agencies tasked with tracking and collection of these revenues have not performed in an adequate or transparent manner.  As evidenced by a series of independent assessments undertaken at the insistence of the Committee, there has been gross malfeasance in the federal oil and gas program.  As Interior Department Inspector General Earl Devaney has said, "Short of a crime, anything goes at the Department of the Interior." Sadly, as the Committee learned from a series of reports issued in the past two years, Interior employees did not stop short of committing crimes. 


During the 110th Congress, the Committee used its authority to investigate allegations of corruption at the Department of the Interior, requesting additional Inspector General (IG) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigations of the Minerals Management Service (MMS), and holding four oversight hearings into the federal royalty management program. These efforts culminated with a hearing in September 2008 on the latest findings by the Inspector General detailing an array of ethical problems at MMS, including inappropriate outside employment, rigged contracts, drug abuse, and sexual relationships between MMS supervisors and oil and gas industry employees. 


The Committee will continue its work to rectify the gross malfeasance and inadequacies unearthed in the federal oil and gas royalty program by closely tracking MMS' implementation of the GAO and IG recommendations, requesting additional investigations by these entities, and by taking a fresh look at the overall structure of the federal royalty system to determine what improvements can be made in the collection of rents, bonus bids and production royalties from oil and gas development both onshore and offshore.


Renewable Energy On- and Off-shore:  The Committee plans to perform oversight on programs and policies for renewable energy development on federal lands and waters, including reviews to ensure that permitting processes- whether for solar, wind, or geothermal resources- are fair and efficient, assure that transmission needs are met, and that fees and rental rates are appropriate.


There is a growing body of renewable energy laws and regulations governing siting and development.  The Bureau of Land Management will prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) to determine where large-scale deployment of solar power is compatible with other land management goals by 2010.  At the same time, BLM faces a backlog of more than 130 applications representing a combined total of more than 70 gigawatts of solar potential.  The agency also recently proposed new rules to encourage geothermal energy development on federal lands via competitive leasing.  Additionally, the Minerals Management Service is currently drafting regulations for the OCS Alternative Energy and Alternate Use Program.  The Committee intends to conduct oversight of these agency activities, and examine how to facilitate development of clean, renewable resources in the most appropriate places on public lands and waters, consistent with other land management responsibilities, and in light of the potential to create jobs and a low-carbon economy. 


Oil Shale and Tar Sands Leasing:  In 2008, the Bureau of Land Management hastily finalized rules to facilitate commercial oil shale leasing on 2 million acres of public land in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming after a congressional ban on the final rules expired at the end of September 2008.  The many unknowns about oil shale as an energy commodity make it incumbent upon the Committee to question calls for large scale oil shale development.  While the Energy Information Administration's long-term forecast envisions commercial oil shale production in the United States eventually if oil prices are high ($102 per barrel of oil in 2020 and $118 in 2030) the EIA also notes "considerable uncertainty" about future unconventional crude production, citing potential climate rules that would increase costs, possible water access restrictions in the West and other environmental limits.  The Committee proposes to examine such questions as the water requirements for oil shale production, the status of the six research and development leases currently underway to test technologies for extraction, the impacts of oil shale and tar sands development in other nations, the amount of energy needed for full-scale production (and accordant increases in U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide) and potential western community impacts.


Carbon Sequestration:  Coal plays a major role in meeting U.S. energy needs, and will continue to do so in coming decades.  Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is the key enabling technology to ensuring that the U.S. can continue to take advantage of our vast domestic resources of coal without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.  CCS entails injecting carbon dioxide underground in ultra-deep geological reservoirs.  The U.S. has the geological capacity to store carbon emissions in depleted oil and gas reservoirs for several decades.  Capacity in other geological reservoirs is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of tons, enough to store current levels of domestic emissions for over 300 years.  This technology is still under development, but many experts are optimistic about its advancement.  The Committee is committed to advancing carbon sequestration on public lands and ensuring this technology is safely developed and disseminated, and anticipates performing oversight on the Administration's implementation of Section 714 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which was drafted by the Committee and directs the Department of the Interior to develop a recommended framework for managing geological sequestration on public lands. The Committee will also oversee the United States Geological Survey's efforts to develop geological and terrestrial carbon dioxide sequestration capacity assessments.


Abandoned Mines:  The Committee will also examine shortcomings in hardrock abandoned mine management and funding, and the potential to create economic and employment benefits through mine reclamation.  In 2008, the Inspector General found that thousands of abandoned mines pose dangerous physical safety and serious environmental hazards, and the GAO determined that while the BLM has improved its management of financial assurances for hardrock mining, for about 52 mining operations financial assurances are still about $61 million less than needed to fully cover estimated reclamation costs-leaving the taxpayer vulnerable to growth in an already enormous reclamation cost burden. 


NATIONAL PARKS, FORESTS AND PUBLIC LANDS


Budget Oversight: The Committee will review the Administration's budget requests for the National Park Service (NPS), Forest Service (FS), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) programs and activities. 


Fire: Combating wildfires continues to be the most serious challenge facing the Forest Service.  The costs of such emergency activities have overwhelmed the agency's entire budget, to the point of syphoning funds away from fire prevention programs.  The Committee will continue examining this issue in an attempt to develop solutions which might break this current destructive cycle.


Land Exchanges and Conveyances: The Committee intends to explore development of consistent standards governing disposal of federal land.  The purpose of such standards will be to insure proper environmental review of disposals as well as a fair rate of return for taxpayers.


Fee Authority: The Committee expects to continue reviewing implementation of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and the impacts of new and higher fees on resources and visitors.


National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): The Committee remains concerned regarding the Forest Service's aggressive use of categorical exclusions from NEPA's environmental analysis requirements for activities impacting forest resources.  Implementation of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act and other laws and policies impacting NEPA implementation will be explored.


Roadless Areas: The Committee plans to continue examining the Bush Administration's efforts to evade and undermine the Roadless Rule along with efforts by the Obama Administration to fully implement the rule.


Wilderness: The Committee expects to conduct oversight on the role wilderness is to play in federal land management.  Much of the debate on this issue over the last several years has mischaracterized the value of wilderness and the impacts of wilderness designations.  The Committee will explore these misconceptions.


Wild Horses and Burros:  BLM has announced the agency's intent to euthanize thousands of wild horses and burros currently living on public lands due to a lack of funding and acreage on which to manage them.  The Committee will continue examining the management of these iconic animals to develop alternatives to slaughter.


Energy Development: Aggressive energy development under the Bush Administration has had significant impacts on public lands and resources.  The Committee will continue examining these impacts, including difficulties for owners of split estates, appropriate corridor placement and construction, and the role public lands could play in combating global climate change.


Bison: The federal agencies and states involved in the partnership to manage Yellowstone Bison have made progress in updating the existing Inter-Agency Bison Management Plan in response to concerns identified in a Government Accountability Office report conducted at the Committee's request.  The Committee will continue monitoring this progress and examining strategies for avoiding lethal removal of these iconic animals.


Exclusive Use Agreements: The Committee proposes to examine instances where private entities, some for profit, are granted exclusive use of land or facilities owned by the National Park Service.  The Committee will explore such arrangements to insure that they occur only in limited circumstances and are clearly in the public interest.


Concessions: The last significant changes to NPS concessions management policy were made more than a decade ago.  The Committee intends to examine implementation of the Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998 to identify continuing problems and possible solutions.


U.S. Park Police (USPP): The Park Police continue to be underfunded, undermanned and under-equipped as the demands placed on the agency continue to increase.  The Committee intends to conduct oversight on the mission and challenges facing the USPP. 


Environmental Education: The Bush Administration engaged in an effort to undercut interpretation and education programs. The Committee plans to examine the state of environmental education in our parks, forests and public lands; assess what needs to be done to revitalize these programs; and spotlight the importance of these efforts, including those that connect urban and disadvantaged youth to parks.


Land acquisition: The Bush Administration pursued a strategy of starving federal land acquisitions that left federal agencies without the means to acquire crucial inholdings, such as an important property in the heart of Zion National Park.  Further, property owners who want to sell their lands to federal agencies have often waited for years for money to become available. The Committee expects to examine the backlog of critical acquisitions, and will also consider the need to acquire land to connect ecosystems and provide migration corridors and open space needed to give species a fighting chance for adaptation and survival in the face of climate change.

WATER AND POWER


Budget Oversight:  The Committee intends to hold hearings to review the spending priorities of the Bureau of Reclamation, the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs).


New Era of Western Water Management:  Water is the lifeblood of communities and economies throughout the West.  Drought conditions, climate change impacts, and water use conflicts are undermining the reliability of water supplies for municipal and agricultural use.  Small farmers are feeling the pressure to convert their lands for development.  Improving the reliability of water supplies requires innovative approaches and coordination with local water managers. 


Over the past fifteen years, it is clear that the era of large, new federal water projects is ending.  New water supplies for a growing West will come from water reuse projects, water conservation efforts, or appropriately-scaled storage.  The demand for water reuse projects is increasing yearly and outpacing federal funding.  At present, there is a nearly $1 billion backlog in water reuse funding at the Bureau of Reclamation.  The Committee plans to examine whether the Bureau of Reclamation and the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey are adapting to the changing needs of water managers facing a host of new challenges.  Specifically, the Committee will conduct oversight on how water reuse and conservation can ameliorate water shortages related to drought and competing water resource demands.  The Committee expects to also examine aging water infrastructure across the West, and how the health of the economy and climate change could have detrimental impacts on water infrastructure.


The Committee proposes to also review information related to the potential for groundwater storage through the USGS aquifer study program, and examine the effects from less USGS stream-gage data for water supply.


Planning for Climate Change Impacts:  Climate change is altering the historic cycle of snowfall and snowmelt that regulates the flow of water from the high mountains into streams. Generally, there is less snow, earlier snowmelt, and more rain.  The water delivery infrastructure of reservoirs and canals was designed to capture snowmelt and steadily provide water for municipal and agricultural uses throughout the year.  Changing precipitation patterns impact the ability to capture and deliver water in traditional ways.  Further, less water at critically dry times impacts both aquatic and terrestrial species.  The U.S. Drought Assessment indicates that many western states continue to experience unprecedented drought.  It is critical that we better understand how climate change impacts the hydrologic cycle for both humans and their environment.  The Committee intends to hold hearings to better define what role federal agencies need to play in identifying both the impacts of climate change on water supplies and ecosystems, and problem-solving adaptation strategies.


Klamath River, California and Oregon:  The Klamath River is heavily impacted by a Bureau of Reclamation irrigation project and federally-licensed hydropower projects.  Salmon populations of vital importance to Indian tribes and non-Indian fisheries have reached historically low levels. Federal improvements to the river have caused controversy for years.  There have been ongoing settlement discussions among affected interests and the governors of California and Oregon directed at resolving river management disputes.  The Committee expects to conduct hearings on a settlement proposal, and will consider, among other things, the relationship of a Klamath River settlement to other fishery restoration and river management initiatives in the region.

California Bay-Delta:  The ecological health of California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is in a crisis.  Water deliveries from the federal and state system are being driven by federal court rulings.  Drought conditions are exacerbating the impact of reduced water deliveries and forcing water restrictions throughout the state.  Meanwhile, state-level initiatives are seeking to address the long-term management issues associated with the Delta ecosystem.  The Committee intends to actively engage federal and state water managers on the range of issues impacted by water deliveries in California through oversight and, potentially, through legislative hearings.  The Committee is sensitive to the economic and social impacts of the reduced water deliveries, as well as the governance of new water infrastructure.  The Committee will seek to highlight those impacts.

Lower Colorado River Basin Operation and Management:  The Colorado River Basin states have demonstrated their ability to work together to resolve complex water management problems, but many challenges remain.  Committee oversight activities will include consideration of the nexus between water supply and demand in the Lower Colorado River Basin, a continued examination of invasive species like the Quagga mussel and its effects on hydropower and water deliveries, and a look at the Shortage Sharing Agreement and its application in an era of climate change. 


The Committee also expects to consider how California's changing administration of its share of the Colorado River will affect the agriculture-dependent communities and coastal urban areas that are dependent on, or expect to use, Colorado River water.

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Members of the
Committee on Natural Resources

U.S. House of Representatives

111th Congress

1324 Longworth House Office Building
(202) 225-6065 Fax: (202) 225-1931

MR. NICK J. RAHALL, II, West Virginia, Chairman
MR. DOC HASTINGS, Washington, Ranking Republican Member 

(Ratio 29-20)
 
Dale E. Kildee, Michigan
Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, American Samoa
Frank Pallone, Jr., New Jersey
Grace F. Napolitano, California
Rush D. Holt, New Jersey
Raúl M. Grijalva, Arizona
Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Guam
Jim Costa, California
Dan Boren, Oklahoma
Gregorio "Kilili" Sablan, Mariana Islands
Martin Heinrich, New Mexico
Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico
George Miller, California
Edward J. Markey, Massachusetts
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon
Maurice D. Hinchey, New York
Donna M. Christensen, Virgin Islands
Diana DeGette, Colorado
Ron Kind, Wisconsin
Lois Capps, California
Jay Inslee, Washington
Joe Baca, California
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, South Dakota
John P. Sarbanes, Maryland
Carol Shea-Porter, New Hampshire
Niki Tsongas, Massachusetts
Frank Kratovil, Jr., Maryland
Pedro R. Pierluisi, Puerto Rico
Don Young, Alaska
Elton Gallegly, California
John J. Duncan, Jr., Tennessee
Jeff Flake, Arizona
Henry E. Brown, Jr., South Carolina
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Washington
Louie Gohmert, Texas
Rob Bishop, Utah
Bill Shuster, Pennsylvania
Doug Lamborn, Colorado
Adrian Smith, Nebraska
Robert J. Wittman, Virginia
Paul C. Broun, Georgia
John Fleming, Louisiana
Mike Coffman, Colorado
Jason Chaffetz, Utah
Cynthia M. Lummis, Wyoming
Tom McClintock, California
Bill Cassidy, Louisiana


Members of the
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
  1626 Longworth House Office Building
(202) 225-9297 Fax: (202) 225-5255

Mr. Jim Costa, California, Chairman
Mr. Doug Lamborn, Colorado, Ranking Republican Member

 

Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, American Samoa
Rush D. Holt, New Jersey
Dan Boren, Oklahoma
Gregorio "Kilili" Sablan, Mariana Islands
Martin Heinrich, New Mexico
Edward J. Markey, Massachusetts
Maurice D. Hinchey, New York
John P. Sarbanes, Maryland
Niki Tsongas, Massachusetts
Nick J. Rahall, II, West Virginia (ex officio)
Don Young, Alaska
Louie Gohmert, Texas
John Fleming, Louisiana
Jason Chaffetz, Utah
Cynthia M. Lummis, Wyoming
Doc Hastings, Washington (ex officio)

 

Members of the
Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife
1337 Longworth House Office Building (Insular Affairs)
(202) 225-0691 Fax: (202) 225-0521

187 Ford House Office Building (Oceans and Wildlife)
(202) 226-0200 Fax: (202) 225-1542

Mrs. Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Guam, Chairwoman
Mr. Henry E. Brown, Jr., South Carolina, Ranking Republican Member


Dale E. Kildee, Michigan
Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, American Samoa
Frank Pallone, Jr., New Jersey
Gregorio "Kilili" Sablan, Mariana Islands
Donna M. Christensen, Virgin Islands
Diana DeGette, Colorado
Ron Kind, Wisconsin
Lois Capps, California
Carol Shea-Porter, New Hampshire
Frank Kratovil, Jr., Maryland
Pedro R. Pierluisi, Puerto Rico
Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico
Nick J. Rahall, II, West Virginia (ex officio) 
Don Young, Alaska
Jeff Flake, Arizona
Doug Lamborn, Colorado
Robert J. Wittman, Virginia
John Fleming, Louisiana
Jason Chaffetz, Utah
Bill Cassidy, Louisiana
Doc Hastings, Washington (ex officio)


Members of the
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands

1333 Longworth House Office Building
(202) 226-7736 Fax: (202) 226-2301

Mr. Raúl M. Grijalva, Arizona, Chairman
Mr. Rob Bishop, Utah, Ranking Republican Member

Dale E. Kildee, Michigan
Grace F. Napolitano, California
Rush D. Holt, New Jersey
Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Guam
Dan Boren, Oklahoma
Martin Heinrich, New Mexico
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon
Maurice D. Hinchey, New York
Donna M. Christensen, Virgin Islands
Diana DeGette, Colorado
Ron Kind, Wisconsin
Lois Capps, California
Jay Inslee, Washington
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, South Dakota
John P. Sarbanes, Maryland
Carol Shea-Porter, New Hampshire
Niki Tsongas, Massachusetts
Pedro R. Pierluisi, Puerto Rico
Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico
Nick J. Rahall, II, West Virginia (ex officio) 
Don Young, Alaska
Elton Gallegly, California
John J. Duncan, Jr., Tennessee
Jeff Flake, Arizona
Henry E. Brown, Jr., South Carolina
Louie Gohmert, Texas
Bill Shuster, Pennsylvania
Robert J. Wittman, Virginia
Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Mike Coffman, Colorado
Cynthia M. Lummis, Wyoming
Tom McClintock, California
Doc Hastings, Washington (ex officio)


Members of the
Subcommittee on Water and Power

1522 Longworth House Office Building
(202) 225-8331 Fax: (202) 226-6953

Mrs. Grace F. Napolitano, California, Chairwoman
Mr. Tom McClintock, California, Ranking Republican Member

George Miller, California
Raúl M. Grijalva, Arizona
Jim Costa, California
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon
Jay Inslee, Washington
Joe Baca, California
Nick J. Rahall, II, West Virginia (ex officio)
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Washington
Adrian Smith, Nebraska
Mike Coffman, Colorado
Doc Hastings, Washington (ex officio)

 

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Staff of the
Committee on Natural Resources

U.S. House of Representatives

111th Congress

1324 Longworth House Office Building
(202) 225-6065 Fax: (202) 225-1931



Office of the Chief of Staff

Chief of Staff – Jim Zoia
Deputy Chief of Staff – Ann Adler
Senior Policy Advisor – David McMaster
Executive Assistant – Lisa James
Staff Assistant – Julie Watkins


Office of the Chief Counsel

Chief Counsel – Rick Healy
Legislative Advisor – Amy Haskell
Clerk – Katherine Waring


Communications Office

(202) 226-9019 Fax: (202) 226-4631
Communications Director – Blake Androff
Deputy Press Secretary – Matthew Spencer
Press Assistant - Julia Rowe


Administration Office

Chief Financial Officer – Linda Booth
Chief Administrator – Heather Walrath
Chief Clerk – Nancy Locke
Legislative Calendar Clerk – Joycelyn Coleman
Editor/Printer – Kathy Miller
Director of IT – Matt Vaccaro
Senior IT Engineer – Ed Van Scoyoc
Administrative Assistant - Kim Le


Office of Indian Affairs

140 Cannon House Office Building
(202) 226-9725 Fax: (202) 225-7094

Counsel - Jennifer Romero
Legislative Staff – Joshua Pitre
Clerk – Teresa Bravo


Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources

1626 Longworth House Office Building
(202) 225-9297 Fax: (202) 225-5255

Staff Director - Deborah Lanzone
Legislative Staff - Steve Feldgus
Clerk - Nahal Hamidi


Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife

1337 Longworth House Office Building (Insular Affairs)
(202) 225-0691 Fax: (202) 225-0521
Staff Director - Brian Modeste (Insular Affairs)
Legislative Staff - Jed Bullock
Clerk/Legislative Advisor - Domenick Carroll

187 Ford House Office Building (Oceans and Wildlife)
(202) 226-0200 Fax: (202) 225-1542
Staff Director - Jean Flemma (Oceans and Wildlife)
Legislative Staff - Dave Jansen
Legislative Staff - Julia Hathaway
Legislative Staff - Karen Hyun
Clerk/Legislative Advisor - Katherine Romans
Sea Grant Fellow - Corey Ridings


Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands

1333 Longworth House Office Building
(202) 226-7736 Fax: (202) 226-2301
Staff Director – David Watkins
Legislative Staff – Leslie Duncan
Legislative Staff – Laurel Angell
Legislative Staff – Christina Goldfuss
Clerk - Anna McGeehan
National Park Service Fellow – David Smith


Subcommittee on Water and Power

1522 Longworth House Office Building
(202) 225-8331 Fax: (202) 226-6953
Staff Director – David Wegner
Legislative Staff – Camille Calimlim Touton
Legislative Staff - Joshua Mahan
Clerk/Legislative Advisor – Marissa Strickfaden