Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/25/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-400.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the implementation of the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement. 6/25/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Title I: San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act - San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act - (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to implement the Stipulation of Settlement dated September 13, 2006, in Natural Resources Defense Council, et al. v. Kirk Rodgers, et al., in cooperation with the state of California, including measures to: (1) design and construct channel and structural improvements; (2) modify Friant Dam operations to provide Restoration Flows and Interim Flows; (3) acquire water, water rights, or options to acquire water from willing sellers; (4) implement terms and conditions related to recirculation, recapture, reuse, exchange, or transfer of water released for such flows; and (5) develop and implement the Recovered Water Account.Directs [...]

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Latest Action: 06/25/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-401.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Colorado River Storage Project Act and Public Law 87-483 to authorize the construction and rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Northwestern New Mexico, to authorize the use of the reclamation fund to fund the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund, to authorize the conveyance of certain Reclamation land and infrastructure, to authorize the Commissioner of Reclamation to provide for the delivery of water, and for other purposes. 4/19/2007--Introduced. Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act - Amends the Colorado River Storage Project Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Supply Project. Establishes in the Treasury a Reclamation Water Settlements Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to request a transfer from the Fund to implement a congressionally approved settlement agreement that requires the Bureau of Reclamation to plan, design, and construct: (1) water supply [...]

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Latest Action: 06/16/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman with an amendment. With written report No. 110-366.

Bill Text
A bill to clear title to certain real property in New Mexico associated with the Middle Rio Grande Project, and for other purposes.

6/16/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Albuquerque Biological Park Title Clarification Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue a quitclaim deed conveying any right, title, and interest the United States may have in and to Tingley Beach, San Gabriel Park, and the BioPark Parcels in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the City of Albuquerque. Provides that the City shall not be required to pay any additional costs for the value of such Beach, Park, and Parcels.

Prohibits this Act from being construed or utilized to affect or otherwise interfere with any position set forth by any party in the lawsuit pending before the U.S. District Court entitled Rio Grande Silvery Minnow v. John W. Keys, III concerning the right to any property associated with the Middle Rio Grande Project.

Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.

Bill Text
To ensure that hunting remains a purpose of the New River Gorge National River.

3/4/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to require (current law authorizes) the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) permit hunting and fishing on lands and waters within the boundaries of the New River Gorge National River; and (2) designate zones where, and establish periods when, no hunting or fishing shall be permitted.

Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5530)

Bill Text
A bill to provide assistance to the State of New Mexico for the development of comprehensive State water plans, and for other purposes. 2/15/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) New Mexico Water Planning Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, at the request of the governor of New Mexico and acting through the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey, to: (1) provide to New Mexico technical assistance and grants for the development of comprehensive state water plans; (2) conduct water resources mapping in New Mexico; and (3) conduct a comprehensive study of groundwater resources in New Mexico to assess the quantity, quality, and interaction of groundwater and surface water resources. Lists types of technical assistance that may be provided, including [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5530)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the modification of an amendatory repayment contract between the Secretary of the Interior and the North Unit Irrigation District, and for other purposes.

2/16/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

North Unit Irrigation District Act of 2007 - Modifies a repayment contract between the Secretary of the Interior and the North Unit Irrigation District, Oregon. Permits the District to engage in, or take advantage of, conserved water projects authorized by Oregon law. Authorizes the Secretary to renegotiate in the future such contract terms as the District directors determine to be necessary, only upon the written request of the District directors and the consent of the Commissioner of Reclamation.

Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5530)

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area in the State of New York, and for other purposes. 9/17/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Niagara Fall National Heritage Area in New York, which shall comprise the area from the western boundary of the town of Wheatfield, extending to the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario, including the City of Niagara Falls, the villages of Youngstown and Lewiston, land and water within the boundaries of the Area in Niagara County, and any additional thematically related sites within Erie and Niagara Counties that are identified in the management plan. Establishes within the Department of the Interior the Niagara Falls National Heritage Commission. Requires the Commission to submit a management plan for the Area. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the federal cost share of any activity carried [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5530)

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission and the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission, and for other purposes. 9/17/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Establishes: (1) the Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission to plan, develop, and execute programs and activities to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Samuel de Champlain (the first European to discover and explore Lake Champlain); and (2) the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission to plan, develop, and execute programs and activities to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Henry Hudson (the first European to sail up the Hudson River) and the 200th anniversary of the voyage of Robert Fulton (the first person to use steam navigation on a commercial basis). (Sec. 6) Sets forth requirements regarding [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5530)

Bill Text
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the implementation of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Species in the Central and Lower Platte River Basin and to modify the Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir. 10/22/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and Pathfinder Modification Authorization Act - Title I: Platte River Recovery Implementation Program - (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation and in cooperation with the Governance Committee established under the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program Cooperative Agreement, to: (1) participate in such Program; (2) carry out any projects or activities that are designated for implementation during the Program's first 13 years (First Increment); (3) acquire interests in land, water, and facilities from willing sellers; (4) transfer [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5530)

Bill Text
To establish the Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission, the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission, and for other purposes. 9/24/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Act of 2007 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - (Sec. 101) Sets forth findings and purposes concerning the establishment of a Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission and a Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission. Title II: Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission - (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission to plan and execute programs and activities to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Samuel de Champlain [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Text
A bill to modify the project area for the project for navigation, Atchafalaya River, Bayous Chene, Bouef, and Black, Louisiana.

3/11/2008--Introduced.

Authorizes the Chief of Engineers to: (1) include in the project area for the project for navigation, Atchafalaya River and Bayous Chene, Boeuf, and Black, Louisiana, the portion of the Lower Atchafalaya River known as the Crewboat Cut; and (2) carry out projects for bank stabilization on the eastern shore of Crewboat Cut to prevent erosion from wave action and scouring.

Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, to implement further the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003, and for other purposes. 5/8/2008--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 - Title I: Forest Service Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Designates certain lands in the Skykomish River Valley, Washington, as the Wild Sky Wilderness, to be managed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary to establish a trail plan. Authorizes the use of helicopter access to construct and maintain a joint [...]

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Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Bill Text
To modify the project for navigation, Atchafalaya River and Bayous Chene, Boeuf, and Black, Louisiana, to include an additional area, and for other purposes.

3/11/2008--Introduced.

Modifies the project for navigation, Atchafalaya River and Bayous Chene, Boeuf, and Black, Louisiana, to authorize the Secretary of the Army to: (1) include as part of the project the portion of the Lower Atchafalaya River known as the Crewboat Cut; and (2) carry out projects for bank stabilization on the eastern shore of Crewboat Cut to prevent erosion from wave action and scouring.

Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.

Bill Text
To ensure that hunting remains a purpose of the New River Gorge National River.

3/4/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to require (current law authorizes) the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) permit hunting and fishing on lands and waters within the boundaries of the New River Gorge National River; and (2) designate zones where, and establish periods when, no hunting or fishing shall be permitted.

Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S14658-14659; text as passed Senate: CR S14659; text of measure as introduced: CR S14643-14644)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the degradation of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea and welcoming cooperation between the peoples of Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority. 11/16/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Calls the world's attention to the serious degradation of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. Applauds the cooperative manner with which the governments of Israel and Jordan, as well as the Palestinian Authority (PA) have worked to address the declining water level and quality of the Dead Sea and other water-related challenges in the region. Supports efforts to assess the environmental, social, health, and economic impacts, costs, and feasibility of a Red Sea-Dead Sea pipeline in comparison to alternative proposals. [...]

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Latest Action: 06/16/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman with an amendment. With written report No. 110-366.

Bill Text
A bill to clear title to certain real property in New Mexico associated with the Middle Rio Grande Project, and for other purposes.

6/16/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Albuquerque Biological Park Title Clarification Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue a quitclaim deed conveying any right, title, and interest the United States may have in and to Tingley Beach, San Gabriel Park, and the BioPark Parcels in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the City of Albuquerque. Provides that the City shall not be required to pay any additional costs for the value of such Beach, Park, and Parcels.

Prohibits this Act from being construed or utilized to affect or otherwise interfere with any position set forth by any party in the lawsuit pending before the U.S. District Court entitled Rio Grande Silvery Minnow v. John W. Keys, III concerning the right to any property associated with the Middle Rio Grande Project.

Latest Action: 05/13/2008 - Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 110-633.

Bill Text
To authorize the implementation of the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement, and for other purposes. 5/13/2008--Reported to House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Title I: The San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act - (Sec. 101) San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary), in cooperation with the state of California, to implement the Stipulation of Settlement dated September 13, 2006, in Natural Resources Defense Council, et al. v. Kirk Rodgers, et al., United States District Court, Eastern District of California. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into agreements with California to facilitate or expedite Settlement implementation; and (2) identify impacts and measures to mitigate impacts on adjacent and downstream [...]

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Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Bill Text
To authorize the conveyance of certain parcels of public land in Clark County, Nevada, to the City of Mesquite, Nevada, and the Virgin Valley Water District, and for other purposes.

10/31/2007--Introduced.

Mesquite Lands Act of 2007 - Grants the city of Mesquite, Nevada, the exclusive right to purchase certain parcels of public land in Clark County, Nevada.

Extends withdrawal and purchase authority with respect to the fifth and sixth areas.

Requires proceeds from certain sales to be used for the implementation of the Virgin River Multispecies Habitat Conservation Plan, including any associated groundwater monitoring plans.

Directs the Secretary to convey certain public land in Clark County to the Virgin Valley Water District.

Latest Action: 04/08/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Prado Basin Natural Treatment System Project, to authorize the Secretary to participate in the Lower Chino Dairy Area desalination demonstration and reclamation project, and for other purposes. 10/30/2007--Introduced. Santa Ana River Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with: (1) the Orange County Water District (the District), to participate in the design, planning, and construction of natural treatment systems and wetlands for the flows of the Santa Ana River, California, and its tributaries into the Prado Basin; and (2) the Chino Basin Watermaster, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of the [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5530)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, and to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003, and for other purposes. 10/17/2007--Introduced. Natural Resource Projects and Programs Authorization Act of 2007 - Authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy concerning, among other things, national monuments, conservation areas, resource protection, historic sites, national trails, national heritage areas, and the clean coal power initiative. Makes amendments to various public laws, including the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act, the National Trails System Act, the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996, the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor [...]

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