Increasing Public Access to Recreation Act This bill increases the amount made available from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for recreational public access projects on federal land.
Impact
If enacted, the bill is expected to facilitate greater investment in recreational infrastructure, thereby improving the experience for visitors to federal lands. By increasing funding availability, more projects aimed at enhancing access to parks, trails, and other recreational facilities can be initiated. This could lead to the development of new pathways, the renovation of existing facilities, and greater opportunities for outdoor activities, ultimately encouraging more people to engage with their natural environment.
Summary
House Bill 95, titled the "Increasing Public Access to Recreation Act", aims to enhance public access to recreational areas on federal land significantly. The bill proposes to increase the portion of funding allocated from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for public access projects from 3 percent to 10 percent. In addition, it seeks to boost the maximum amount available for such projects from $15 million to $50 million. The vision behind this legislation is to promote the enjoyment and utilization of the country's natural resources and recreational spaces, benefiting both the public and local economies.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise concerning funding priorities and the potential environmental impacts of increased recreational access. Proponents of the bill argue that it will lead to more sustainable tourism and improve public health by encouraging outdoor activities. However, critics may express concerns about how increased access could strain natural resources or lead to environmental degradation if not managed properly. Additionally, there may be debates on whether the funding should prioritize access improvements over conservation efforts, raising questions on how the balance between recreation and preservation should be struck.
Increasing Public Access to Recreation ActThis bill increases the amount made available from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for recreational public access projects on federal land.
Working to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California Act or the WATER for California Act This bill addresses the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP. Specifically, the bill requires that Reclamation operate the CVP and SWP pursuant to a specified alternative to a proposed action in a final environmental impact statement and 2019 agency published Biological Opinions (BiOps). The bill also requires Reclamation and the Department of Commerce to submit a justification to Congress that meets certain requirements prior to requesting or completing a reinitiation of consultation that will result in new BiOps. This bill also requires Reclamation to allocate water to existing agricultural water service contractors within the CVP's Sacramento River Watershed based on the water year type (e.g., dry, wet). These allocations must not affect the United States' ability or obligations to deliver water under other designated contracts. Further, the bill repeals certain eligibility requirements for water infrastructure construction funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in California eligible for funding. The bill also requires that Reclamation funds made available but not used for this project in previous appropriations years be made available to the project. Finally, the bill reauthorizes Reclamation's support for the construction or expansion of water storage projects.
Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2023This bill sets forth provisions regarding development of geothermal, solar, or wind energy on public lands. The Department of the Interior shall establish priority areas on its land for geothermal, solar, and wind energy projects, consistent with the principles of multiple use and the renewable energy permitting goal. Among applications for a given renewable energy source, proposed projects located in priority areas for that renewable energy source shall be given the highest priority for incentivizing deployment, and be offered the opportunity to participate in any regional mitigation plan developed for the relevant priority areas. The bill provides for the disposition of revenues from the development of wind or solar energy. The bill establishes the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund to make funds available to federal, state, and tribal agencies for distribution in regions in which renewable energy projects are located on federal land for (1) restoring and protecting natural water bodies and fish and wildlife habitat and corridors, and (2) preserving and improving recreational access to federal land and water in an affected region.
American Sovereignty and Species Protection Act This bill limits the protection of endangered or threatened species to species that are native to the United States. In addition, the bill prohibits certain funding for endangered or threatened species from being used to acquire lands, waters, or other interests in foreign countries.