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CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS

Senate Budget Committee Hearing

On February 8^th the Senate Budget Committee met to discuss the liabilities and future actions that would be caused by the President’s FY’06 Request.  Senator Conrad (D-ND) said that “Bush’s plan will drive us deeper and deeper into debt.”  He made it clear that he did not approve of the president’s plan for Social Security reform and called instead for a full review of the program, and of Medicare, in order to see if changes were really needed.   Several other Senators disagreed, observing that Social Security and Medicare obligations were of great budgetary concern.

Mr. Walker of the Government Accountability Office stressed an urgent need to pay off the existing debt as soon as possible, stating that by the year 2040 “the only thing the government can [afford to] do is pay off debt.”  Senator Conrad said there was little credibility with what the President had been saying about the deficit, and questioned whether the United States was experiencing an increase in economic growth.  Mr. Walker said that although economic growth would help a great deal we must not depend upon that alone, and it was his opinion that the main issue was the national debt level.

The Senate Budget Committee will continue to meet on the president’s Budget Request before they vote on the Congressional Budget Resolution, but it doesn’t appear they will be agreeing across the aisle on the key issues.

Senate Environment & Public Works Committee Hearing

On February 9^th the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee held a hearing to discuss the President’s proposed reduction to the EPA budget, and heard from EPA Acting Administrator Stephen Johnson.  Senator Jeffords (I-VT) announced that if the President’s budget was enacted there would be a 5% reduction for EPA; Senator Boxer (D-CA) stated that the core mission of the EPA was to protect the people and the proposed budget for the Agency would keep it from meeting that commitment; Senator Obama (D-IL) said that “the notion that we are cutting back on our resources is very troubling.”

Senate Energy Committee Markup

The Senate Energy Committee met February 9^th to announce the passing of various bills. Of note: S.177 which is a bill to asses water savings on public lands; S.178, a bill to provide assistance to New Mexico for the development of water plans and other purposes; S.214 to conduct a hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, and modeling program for priority transboundary aquifers on the border with New Mexico; S.229 to clear title to certain real property in New Mexico; S.231 that will authorize BuRec to participate in the rehabilitation of the Wallowa Lake Dam in Oregon; and S.232, that authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to assist in the implementation of fish passage and screening facilities at non-Federal water projects.

House Homeland Security Hearing

On February 10^th the House Select Committee on Homeland Security met for a Hearing to discuss the President’s Budget Request, and Chairman Peter King (R-NY) said he believed that while the Request should be reviewed it remained his belief that because Homeland Security was central to the safety of the country, no money would go to waste.  Dr. Penrose C. Albright testified that more funding should be provided for the technology and research accounts useful to thwart potential terrorist attacks.

House Water and Power Subcommittee Hearing

The House Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power met on February 10^th to discuss “Opportunities and Challenges on Enhancing Federal Power Generation and Transmission”.  There were proposals from seven witnesses, all of whom had compelling ideas.  Ms. Leslie James, Executive Director of the Colorado River Energy Distributors Association, believed the Colorado Water basin is in desperate need of funds as a result of six years of drought, and said the Basin would be able to pay loans back to the Federal government.  Mr. Jim Feider, a California Electric Utility Director, said he believed the Central Valley Project pays its own way, and with the proper funding it could increase profits.  Ms. Leone of the Public Power Council, testified that it was not right to raise the cost of energy at this time.  Mr. Ted Coombes, Executive Director of Southwestern Power Resources Association stated that hydrogen resources would make money for the Federal Government if sufficient funds were appropriated to encourage such a program.

AGENCY BUDGET BRIEFINGS

INTERIOR

On Monday February 7^th, the President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2006 was released.  Some of the new initiatives for Interior this coming fiscal 

year are to pursue responsible energy development, increase forest health, promote energy conservation, ensure stable energy supply, reclaim abandoned mines, and to work “smarter” through partnerships.  In order to accomplish these projects, the Department has asked for $10.8B; $30M will go towards water efficiency and $530M will go towards energy projects.  During the brief Q&A session, it was asked if the ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) would be apart of an Energy Bill and although no definite answer was given, there appeared to be a good chance that development of ANWR would be part of this year’s comprehensive energy legislation.

AGRICULTURE

On February 7^th the Department of Agriculture released their plans on the FY’06 Budget Request.  Although it did increase from FY’04 to FY’05 due to farmers’ disaster relief, the budget has gone down a bit since last year to $94.6B, the discretionary portion of the budget will be about $19.4B.  Many items in the budget were not mentioned in detail or discussed at the meeting, but funding for a nationwide Animal ID program and testing for Mad Cow disease were highlighted.  

ENERGY

Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman released the President’s FY’06 funding proposal for his department on Feb. 7^th, beginning with the comment that the entitlements portion of the Budget Request (Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid) greatly limited the discretionary portion and his department’s budget “was off 4% this year”.  The total reduction in the Energy, Science and Environment (ESE) account would be about $565M, to $13.372B overall.

Sec. Bodman stated that his overall priorities for the Energy Department were: protection of facilities; the repair and maintenance of electrical infrastructure; nuclear waste clean-up projects; and the opening of a training center in Albuquerque, NM to study design-based threats to the nation’s energy infrastructure that a terrorist might exploit.  He also mentioned the need for further nanotechnology research by the DOE lab at Sandia, and the handouts indicate Sandia’s future transfer from under OEM to the NNSA (National Nuclear Security Administration).

EPA

Acting Administrator Stephen Johnson and other Agency officials announced President Bush's 2006 budget proposal for EPA, totaling $7.6B, down $219M from the previous year.  Mr. Johnson said, “The President's budget, coupled with our proven ability to leverage outcomes through strategic partnerships, insures we will continue to pick up the pace of protecting the public and the environment, while fulfilling EPA's role in homeland security.”

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund was targeted for a $120M reduction, down to $730M from last year.  Congress did not support the President’s cut to this program for FY’05 and refunded it back to its FY’04 level, and may do so again this year.  Benjamin Grumbles highlighted the EPA commitment to “regional approaches” to watershed protection, and when questioned about the cuts to the Clean Water SRF replied, “we are committed to better efficiencies with our state and local partners.”  The Science & technology account rises $71M to $760M; Water Quality Research is up slightly; but the Water Quality Cooperative Agreements have been entirely de-funded.

NOAA

NOAA Administrator, Navy Vice Admiral (Ret.) Conrad Lautenbacher, briefed the public on the President’s Request on Feb. 8^th, providing NOAA with $3.585B -a net decrease of $332M or 8.5%- below the FY2005 Enacted Budget.  It is an increase, however, from last year’s $3.4B Request.

Most of the funding increases were directed towards several accounts:  The U.S Ocean Action Plan, which is the Administration’s response to the 2004 “Ocean Commission” Report (see Federal Register notice below on IOOS); spending to improve the Global Earth Observations program;  more funding for the Satellite Systems account; an expanded Tsunami Warning Network; expanded Climate Observations and Services program; major Facilities Maintenance & Construction plans; and an ecosystems-based Fisheries Management program.

New Reports of Interest 

Tracking Metropolitan America into the 21st Century: A Field Guide to the New Metropolitan and Micropolitan Definitions
The Brookings Institution November, 2004
”An overhaul of the widely-recognized metropolitan classification system by the Federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will refashion the way research is conducted and Federal dollars are spent.  The new system, designed to capture 21st-century settlement patterns, alters the names, types, 

and boundaries for metropolitan areas and creates new "micropolitan" areas.”

http://www.brook.edu/metro/pubs/20041115_metrodefinitions.htm

Shred the Roadmap to Salmon Extinction

by: Bruce Babbitt (Secretary of the Interior from 1993 to 2001)

http://www.waterchat.com/

American Water Works Association to Announce Results of Perchlorate Study in Feb. 9 Webcast

“The American Water Works Association (AWWA) will present results of a national perchlorate occurrence study during a Feb. 9^th Webcast, providing a comprehensive picture of where the substance has been found in water supplies and potential impacts on water systems.  The Webcast runs from 1:00 

to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.”  Registration is available at http://www.awwa.org/education/webcasts

Natural Resources Conservation Service: ‘This Week’

“The snowpack at Wallowa County’s two mountain  SNOwpack TELemetry (SNOTEL) sites was well below average last Sunday, a condition that holds true for the entire state of Oregon.”  Go to: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/thisweek/2005/020905/oregonsnotel.html

Timeliness of the Tribal Recognition Process Has Improved, but It Will Take Years to Clear the Existing Backlog of Petitions

GAO: Testimony Before the House Committee on Resources, Statement of Robin M. Nazzaro, Director Natural Resources and Environment

Released on Thursday, February 10, 2005

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05347t.pdf

Read the GAO abstract:  http://www.gao.gov/docsearch/abstract.php?rptno=GAO-05-347T

Key Agency News Releases

........................................................................................................................................................................................

President's 2006 Budget Request More Than Doubles Great Lakes Legacy Funding

EPA - Washington, D.C. February 4, 2005  “President Bush is requesting $50 million in the FY 2006 Budget to implement the Great Lakes Legacy Act.  This 

is an increase of nearly $28 million and more than doubles the level funded by Congress in FY 2005.  ‘Ensuring the health of the Great Lakes is a high 

priority for this administration, said Ben Grumbles, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water. ‘The President is requesting this substantial increase in the funding to support the commitment to leave the Great Lakes better than we found them.’”

For more information, go to:

http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/b1ab9f485b098972852562e7004dc686/b4a373899be041b885256f9e0065487f!OpenDocument

"EPA's FY 2006 Budget Request Protects Public Health and the Environment"

EPA - Washington, D.C. - February 7, 2005  “President Bush's 2006 budget provides $7.6 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency and its partners across the nation.  EPA Acting Administrator Steve Johnson and key Agency officials announced the budget at a Washington, D.C., news briefing today.  The budget supports the Agency's core work of protecting public health and improving the environment, addresses needs identified in the EPA's Strategic Plan, and increases resources for EPA's critical role in security against terrorist acts.”  For more information, go to:  http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/b1ab9f485b098972852562e7004dc686/3d439e2c740183c885256fa1006682c1!OpenDocument

The President's FY 2006 Budget Request for USGS

Feb. 7, 2005  “The 2006 budget request for USGS is $933.5 million and refocuses research priorities to ensure that USGS not only maintains, but also builds upon its expertise in the areas of science most needed by today’s land managers and other decision-makers.  The budget strengthens USGS efforts in earth observation, natural hazards research and warning systems, ecosystem studies, biology, and water availability by adding $50.5 million in new funding, which is offset by redirecting $36.7 million from lower priority research activities.”

For more information, go to:  http://www.usgs.gov/public/press/public_affairs/press_releases/pr2029m.html

FY 2006 Interior Budget Emphasizes Commitments, Cooperative Efforts, Performance and Fiscal Restraint

Interior Dept. - Feb. 7, 2005  “President Bush's proposed fiscal year 2006 budget of $10.8 billion for the Department of the Interior continues to meet his commitments to Interior's strategic goals, demonstrates the power of partnerships to spur conservation and supports critical investments that help Interior to work more efficiently.  The President's proposal also demonstrates the fiscal restraint necessary to halve the deficit by 2009 and maintain the nation's dynamic economy.”  For more information, got to:  http://www.doi.gov/news/05_News_Releases/050207a

Assistant Secretary Announces W. Patrick Ragsdale As New Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs

Washington, DC  Feb. 7^th – “Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs David W. Anderson today announced he has named W. Patrick Ragsdale to be Director of 

the Bureau of Indian Affairs(BIA) effective Feb. 13, 2005”  For more information, go to: http://www.doi.gov/news/05_News_Releases/050207d

President's FY 2006 Budget Request for the Bureau of Land Management; Proposes $1.75 Billion to Strengthen Management of Public Lands

Feb. 7, 2005 - Washington  “The Bush Administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2006 budget request for the Bureau of Land Management is $1.75 billion, 

which strongly supports reforms to strengthen management of public lands and improve agency efficiency and will enable the BLM to address its highest-priority needs and commitments.  For BLM’s main operating accounts, the budget provides a net increase of $15.9 million.”

For more information, go to:  http://www.blm.gov/nhp/news/releases/pages/2005/pr050207_budget.htm

Reclamation's FY 2006 Budget Request is $946.7 Million

Feb. 7, 2005  “President George W. Bush's FY 2006 budget request, released today, includes a total of $946.7 million in new budget authority for the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation. The President's request is in keeping with the administration's commitment to reduce the federal deficit by one-half by 2009.”  For more information, got to: http://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/newsrelease/detail.cfm?RecordID=3941

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service  Feb. 7 – “President George W. Bush is requesting more than $1.3 billion - a $30.9 million increase - for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2006 budget.  The request represents the Administration's continuing commitment to conserve America's wildlife and natural resources 

and to support conservation partnerships in communities across the country.”  For more information, go to:  http://news.fws.gov/NewsReleases/showNews.cfm?newsId=EE407F21-1143-3066-40F4DEA607025B3F

Interior, Agriculture, Commerce and EPA Officials to Hold Press Conference To Discuss Cooperative Conservation Funding in President's Budget  

Feb. 8, 2005  “Officials from the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce departments and the Environmental Protection Agency will hold a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 9 to discuss President Bush's continued commitment to cooperative conservation in his 2006 budget.

The funding supports the president's Executive Order signed last year on "Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation" and will support a variety of partnership programs with the American people to conserve our nation's land and water, wildlife and other natural resources.”

For more information, got to:  http://www.doi.gov/news/05_News_Releases/050208a

President Bush Reinforces Commitment to Cooperative Conservation In 2006 Budget

USDA - Feb. 9, 2005 “President Bush continued to build on the legacy of cooperative conservation established in his first term by supporting programs in 

the 2006 budget that promote partnerships with the American people to conserve our nation's land and water, wildlife and other natural resources.”  For more information, go to:  http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2005/02/0045.xml

Statement By Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns

USDA - February 9, 2005  “On Dec. 29, 2004, USDA released a final rule that establishes criteria for geographic regions to be recognized as presenting minimal risk of introducing BSE into the United States.”  For more information, go to:  http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2005/02/0047.xml

USDA Awards More Than $22M in Environmental Quality Incentives Program Funds to 17 States

Washington, DC - Feb. 9, 2005 “Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that $22.2 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds would be provided to 17 states for their high levels of performance in implementing the program during 2004.”  For more information, go to:  http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2005/02/0044.xml

Reclamation To Release Storage Study Assessment Report of Black Rock Alternative

Feb. 9, 2005  “The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that the Summary Report: Appraisal Assessment of the Black Rock Alternative; A Component of the Yakima River Basin Water Storage Feasibility Study, Washington will be available by February 18.  An executive summary of that report is available now.”

For more information, got to:  http://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/newsrelease/detail.cfm?RecordID=4001

Agencies Agree to Joint Regulatory Framework for Processing Applications for Surface Coal Mining Operations

Feb. 10, 2005 - Washington, D.C. - “Four Federal agencies released today a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that offers a joint framework to improve permit application procedures for surface coal mining operations that place dredged or fill material in waters of the United States.”

For more information, go to:  http://news.fws.gov/NewsReleases/showNews.cfm?newsId=FDDB8789-1143-3066-4018F61263959D01

2004 Deadliest in Nearly 500 years for Earthquakes

USGS - Feb. 10, 2005  “According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 2004 was the deadliest year for earthquakes since the Renaissance Age, making it the second most fatal in recorded history, with more than 275,950 deaths reported from the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26.  The total death toll for earthquakes in 2004 was 276,856; less than 1,000 casualties were reported around the world prior to the Indian Ocean event.”

For more information, go to:  http://www.usgs.gov/public/press/public_affairs/press_releases/pr2031m.html

Reclamation Expands Opportunities to Participate in Klamath Basin 2005 Pilot Water Bank Programs

Feb.11, 2005  “The Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Basin Area Office has announced opportunities to participate in the 2005 Pilot Water Bank programs.  The water bank is required by a 2002 NOAA Fisheries Biological Opinion on Klamath Project Operations and is used to augment Klamath River flows to benefit threatened coho salmon.  The water bank consists of several programs, including on- and off-Project storage, groundwater pumping, groundwater substitution, and dryland operation.” For more information, got to:  http://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/newsrelease/detail.cfm?RecordID=4021

Reclamation and the U.S. Army Sign Partnership Agreement

Feb.11, 2005  “During a special ceremony today, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) (OASA-CW) signed a partnership agreement designed to increase the coordination, collaboration and cooperation between the two agencies.”

For more information, got to:  http://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/newsrelease/detail.cfm?RecordID=4041

Reclamation Commissioner John W. Keys, III (left) 

visits with George S. Dunlop, Deputy Assistant 

Secretary of the Army (Policy and Legislation) 

after signing the partnership agreement.

Margaret Chu, Director of the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management

DOE.  Feb. 11, 2005 “The Department of Energy today announced that Dr. Margaret Chu, director of the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, has resigned effective on or about February 25, 2005.   Dr. Chu indicated she will return to her home in New Mexico due to personal circumstances.”  For more information, go to:  http://www.energy.gov/engine/content.do?PUBLIC_ID=17451&BT_CODE=PR_PRESSRELEASES&TT_CODE=PRESSRELEASE

Western Newspaper Headlines

[click on headlines to be taken to articles]

Funding for Great Lakes cleanup not likely to survive Congress
San Luis Obispo Tribune, CA - Feb 6, 2005

States Experiment With Cloud Seeding To Make Rain, Snow
Arizona Capitol Times, AZ - Feb 7, 2005

Western drought continues in north
Arizona Daily Sun, AZ - Feb 5, 2005

Drought may be factor in leukemia
KMSB, AZ - Feb 7, 2005

Salt River Project restores full water deliveries following storms
Tucson Citizen, AZ - Feb 8, 2005

Proposed water law updates squeaks through
Arizona Daily Sun, AZ - Feb 8, 2005

Canal ecosystem tuned up
Arizona Republic, AZ - 16 hours ago

‘A seat at the table'
Helena Independent Record, MT - Feb 6, 2005

Schweitzer begins negotiations on Missouri River water plan
Billings Gazette, MT - Feb 7, 2005

Missouri River states meet to discuss water, drought
Billings Gazette, MT - Feb 7, 2005

Missouri River states in hopeless impasse
Great Falls Tribune, MT - Feb 9, 2005

New snow helps, but not much
Billings Gazette, MT - Feb 7, 2005

California avoids Western drought
Contra Costa Times (subscription), CA - Feb 6, 2005

Buffer never got off ground
San Bernardino Sun, CA - Feb 6, 2005

After the Deluge, a Brighter Outlook for State's Farmers
Los Angeles Times (subscription), CA - Feb 6, 2005

Western governors seek relief from drought
San Luis Obispo Tribune, CA - Feb 5, 2005

Enron Shutdown of Power Plant Didn't Mean Diddly Squat to California Crisis
ChronWatch, CA - Feb 7, 2005

Pass area boosts water supply
San Bernardino Sun, CA - Feb 7, 2005

Area leaders of past saw the flood coming
Redlands Daily Facts, CA - Feb 6, 2005

Missouri officials scoff at Dorgan plan for Corps to buy barge industry
San Luis Obispo Tribune, CA - Feb 9, 2005

Hetch Hetchy costs draw fiery reaction; draw criticism of project
San Francisco Chronicle, CA - Feb 9, 2005

Compton, MWD Launch Water Storage Program Benefiting City, Region
Business Wire (press release), CA - Feb 8, 2005

Water Agencies Hail Increased Federal Financing for CALFED
Business Wire (press release), CA - Feb 8, 2005

Calif. Sues PowerEx for Energy Gouging
Contra Costa Times (subscription), CA - Feb 10, 2005

Canadian firm gouged state in energy crisis, rules AG in lawsuit
The Desert Sun, CA - Feb 11, 2005

Angling group makes plea
Whittier Daily News, CA - Feb 10, 2005

Oregon could face wet spring
Bend.com, OR - Feb 9, 2005

State climatologist: A wet spring is likely
Albany Democrat Herald, OR - Feb 11, 2005

Senators say plan would hurt economy
Salem Statesman Journal, OR - Feb 11, 2005

Bills Introduced in the SENATE

Week of Feb. 6-11, 2005

S.305 CRAIG

A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to recruit volunteers to assist with or facilities the activities of various agencies and offices of the Department of the Interior; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S. 308 LAUTENBERG

A bill to require that Homeland Security grants related to terrorism preparedness and prevention be awarded based strictly on assessment of risk, threat, and vulnerabilities; to the Committee of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

S.310 ENSIGN

A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey the Newlands Project Headquarters and Maintenance Yard Facility to the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District in the State of Nevada; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.326 SMITH

A bill to reauthorize and revise the Renewable Energy Production Incentive program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

S.339 REID

A bill to reaffirm the authority of States to regulate certain hunting and fishing activities; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 342  McCAIN

A bill to provide for a program of scientific research on abrupt climate change, to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by establishing a market-driven system of greenhouse gas tradeable allowances, to limit greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and reduce dependence upon foreign oil, and ensure benefits to consumers from the trading in such allowances; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

S. 346  STABENOW

A bill to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the importation of Canadian municipal solid waste without State consent; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

S. 353  CONRAD

A bill to amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 to direct the Secretary of the Army to provide assistance to design and construct a project to provide a continued safe and reliable municipal water supply system for Devils Lake, North Dakota; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

S. 360  SNOWE

A bill to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

S. 361  SNOWE

A bill to develop and maintain an integrated system of ocean and coastal observations for the Nation’s coasts, oceans and Great Lakes, improve warnings of tsunamis and other natural hazards, enhance homeland security, support maritime operations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

S. 362  INOUYE

A bill to establish a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric  Administration and the United States Coast Guard to help identify, determine sources of, assess, reduce, and prevent marine debris and its adverse impacts on the marine environment and navigation safety, in coordination with non-Federal entities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

S. 363   INOUYE

A bill to amend the Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish vessel ballast water management requirements, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

S. 364  INOUYE
A bill to establish a program within the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration to integrate Federal coastal and ocean mapping activities; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bills Introduced in the HOUSE

Week of Feb. 6-11, 2005

H.R. 610 BIGGERT

A bill to provide for Federal energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R. 612 BIGGERT

A bill to provide for Federal energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Science.

H.R. 614 McINTYRE

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives and job training grants for communities affected by the migration of businesses and jobs to Canada or Mexico as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R. 622 BONO

A bill to reauthorize and revise the Renewable Energy Production Incentive program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 624  CAMP

A bill to amend the federal water pollution control Act to authorize appropriations for sewer overflow control grants; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

H.R. 630 GRIJALVA

A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Federal lands to the City of Yuma, Arizona, in exchange for certain lands owned by the City of Yuma, Arizona, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Resources.

H.R. 631 GRIJALVA

A bill to provide for acquisition of subsurface mineral rights to land owned by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and land held in trust for the Tribe, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Resources.

H.R. 3 YOUNG

A bill to authorize funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and for other purposes.

H.R. 679 CANNON

A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey a parcel or real property to Beaver County, Utah; to the Committee on Resources.

H.R. 680 CANNON

A bill to direct the Secretary of Interior to convey certain land held in trust for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah to the City of Richfield, Utah, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Resources.

H.R. 681 CANNON

A bill to amend the Mineral Leasing Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue separately, for the same area, a lease for tar sand and a lease for oil and gas, and for the other purposes; to the Committee on Resources.

H.R. 682 MANZULLO

A bill to amend chapter 6 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Regulatory Flexibility Act), to ensure complete analyses of potential impacts on small entities of rules, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall with in the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R.718 Miller (Michigan)

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Great Lakes National Program Office of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop, implement, monitor, and report on a series of indicators of water quality and related environmental factors in the Great Lakes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

H.R. 721 NEUGEBAUER

A bill to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to require the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to offer farmers supplemental crop insurance based on an area yield and loss plan of insurance, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture.

H.R. 722 OBERSTAR

A bill to authorize programs and activities to improve energy use related to transportation and infrastructure facilities; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Ways and Means, and Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall with in the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R. 723 POMBO

A bill to direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study to determine feasibility of constructing a highway in California connecting State Route 130 in Santa Clara County with Interstate Route 5 in San Joaquin County, and to determine the feasibility of constructing a fixed guide-way system along the right-of-way of the highway; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

H.R. 737 WOOLSEY

A bill to establish an energy program for the United States that unlocks the potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Science.

H.R. 754  CALVERT

A bill to amend the Act of August 13, 1946, to raise the maximum amount that may be allotted by the Secretary of the Army for the construction of small shore and beach restoration and protection projects, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

H.R. 755  COSTELLO

A bill to provide for the external regulation of nuclear safety and occupational safety and health responsibilities at any nonmilitary energy laboratory owned or operated by the Department of Energy; to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R. 757  DINGELL

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to increase certain criminal penalties, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R. 759  GILCHREST

A bill to provide for a program of scientific research on abrupt climate change, to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by establishing a market-driven system of greenhouse gas tradeable allowances that will limit greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, reduce dependence upon foreign oil, and ensure benefits to consumers from the trading in such allowances, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R. 760  HEFLEY

A bill to establish a program and criteria for National Heritage Areas in the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Resources.

H.R. 773  McKEON

A bill to discourage frivolous, vexatious, or objectively baseless lawsuits; to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

H.R. 774  MUSGRAVE

A bill to adjust the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park in the State of Colorado; to the Committee on Resources.

H.R. 775  OSBORNE

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an exclusion for gain from the sale of farmland which is similar to the exclusion from gain on the sale of a principal residence; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R. 779  RADANOVCH

A bill to provide for a study of the potential for increasing hydroelectric power production at existing Federal facilities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

H.R. 788  UDALL

A bill to provide permanent funding for the payment in lieu of taxes program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Resources.

Federal Register Notices

COMMERCE.  NOAA.  National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).  Endangered and Threatened Species; Extension of Public Comment Period on 

Proposed Critical Habitat Designations for West Coast Salmonids.  We, the National Marine Fisheries Service, are extending the comment 

period on proposed critical habitat designations for 20 Evolutionarily Significant Units  of Pacific salmon and O. mykiss (inclusive of 

anadromous steelhead and resident rainbow trout) listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA).  The proposed 

designations include habitat areas in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.  These extensions will allow the public additional time to 

provide information related to the proposed designations and will provide NMFS with the time needed to review, consider, and respond to 

comments. We are soliciting information and comments from the public on all aspects of the proposals, including information on the economic, 

national security, and other relevant impacts of the proposed designations.  Written comments are due by March 14, 2005.   FR  1/07/05  p.6394
  

ENERGY.  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  Assessing the State of Wind Energy in Wholesale Electricity Markets; Initial Notice of Technical Workshop.  Take notice that the staffs of Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) will participate with the staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) at a workshop on March 16-17, 2005, in Portland, Oregon.  The workshop is open for the public to attend, and pre-registration is not required.  For more information about the conference, please contact Jignasa Gadani at 202-502-8608, jignasa.gadani@ferc.gov  FR  2/08/05  p.6649

COMMERCE. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: National Marine Fisheries Service. Endangered and Threatened Species: Concerning Oregon Coast Coho Salmon Currently Proposed for Threatened Status; Notice of New Information Available. In June 2004, NMFS proposed that Oregon Coast coho salmon be listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  The State of Oregon has recently made publicly available a draft assessment of the viability of Oregon Coast coho salmon, as well as of the contributions of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OPSW) to conserving Oregon Coast coho salmon.  Accordingly, notice is hereby given of the availability of the State's draft Coho Project Report for public review and comment.  All comments received will become part of the public record and will be available for review.  FR  2/09/05  p.6840

ENERGY. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. From the California Department of Water Resources, a Notice of Application; a hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection.  Type of Application: New--major license; Name of Project: Oroville Facilities; Location: On the Feather River near Oroville, California.  FERC Contact: James Fargo at (202) 502-6211, or james.fargo@ferc.gov.  They are asking Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to environmental issues to cooperate with them in the preparation of the environmental document.  FR  2/10/05  p.7100

INTERIOR.  Bureau of Land Management, Montana, Billings and Miles City Field Offices.  Notice of Public Meeting, Eastern Montana Resource Advisory Council Meeting.  Notice of public meeting on March 10, 2005, in Miles City, MT.  FR  2/10/05  p.7116

COMMERCE.  NOAA.  Fisheries Off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Highly Migratory Species Fisheries; Data Collection Requirements for U.S. Commercial and Recreational Charter Fishing Vessels.  Final rule; effectiveness of collection-of-information Requirements for U.S. West Coast Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan.  The intent of this notice is to inform the public of the effective date of the requirements approved by OMB.  This rule is effective February 10, 2005. FR  2/10/05  p.7022

AGRICULTURE.  Farm Service Agency.  Revision of Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program Loan Regulations.  Final rule.  This rule clarifies the Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program (ITLAP) regulations for borrowers who apply for a rental value write-down. The rule clarifies the method for determining the rental value of security for purposes of a write-down, adds a definition of “rental value”, clarifies other write-down eligibility provisions, and limits new loan eligibility for borrowers who have received a write-down in the past. These clarifications are intended to reduce the borrower's costs of applying for a rental value write-down, and reduce the burden on Agency employees in processing requests.  Effective date: March 14, 2005.  FR  2/11/05  p.7165

AGRICULTURE.  Forest Service.  Notice of Tri-County Advisory Committee Meeting on Thursday, March 3, 2005, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Deer Lodge, 

Montana, for a business meeting.  The meeting is open to the public.  The meeting will be held at the USDA Service Center, 1002
Hollenback Road, Deer Lodge, Montana.  FR  2/11/05  p.7227
  

INTERIOR.  Bureau of Land Management  Notice of Availability of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement.  This planning activity encompasses approximately 52,947 acres of public land located in Jackson County in southwestern Oregon.  The BLM has and will continue to work closely with all interested parties to identify management decisions that best protect public lands in the monument.  Comments on the Proposed Plan and Final EIS may be submitted to Medford District Office, Attn: Howard Hunter, Project Manager.  FR  2/11/06  p.7299

COMMERCE.  NOAA.  Public Comment for Enhancement of the Initial Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS).  Notice of opportunity for written public comment.  Ocean.US will host an Implementation Conference on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 and Wednesday, May 4, 2005.  The purpose of this conference is to enable coordinated implementation of the First Annual IOOS Development Plan (available a http://www.ocean.us).  The public is invited to submit written comments on the plan and priorities for implementation by close of business on Friday, April 22, 2005.  Please submit comments via e-mail to k.stump@ocean.us  FR  2/11/05  p.7245