Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB96

Introduced
1/9/23  
Refer
1/9/23  

Caption

Protecting Arizona from Federal Land Grabs Act This bill prohibits any further extension or establishment of national monuments in Arizona except by express authorization of Congress.

Impact

If enacted, HB 96 would significantly alter the existing federal process for establishing national monuments in Arizona. Currently, national monuments can be designated by the president or Congress, which grants considerable federal control over land use and conservation efforts. With this new restriction, stakeholders at the state and local level would gain more control, as any new designation would require Congressional action. Proponents argue that this will allow Arizona to govern its own land more effectively while retaining local interests at the forefront of land management decisions.

Summary

House Bill 96, titled the "Protecting Arizona from Federal Land Grabs Act," seeks to amend title 54 of the United States Code by prohibiting any further extension or establishment of national monuments in Arizona without explicit approval from Congress. This legislation is primarily a response to concerns among lawmakers and constituents regarding federal authority over land designations, particularly in regions where local stakeholders believe that federal designations could hinder state and local development efforts.

Contention

The bill is expected to face opposition from environmental groups and advocates for federal land preservation, who argue that national monuments are critical to protecting unique landscapes and ecosystems from degradation or exploitation. They contend that local concerns might not adequately address broader ecological considerations, potentially leading to harmful consequences for Arizona's environmental heritage. Furthermore, the bill raises questions about federal and state jurisdiction in land use and the balance of power in environmental governance, indicating a broader ideological divide on land management strategies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB104

Protecting Arizona from Federal Land Grabs Act This bill prohibits any further extension or establishment of national monuments in Arizona except by express authorization of Congress.

US HB5635

Northern Arizona Protection Act

US HB4377

To amend the Military Lands Withdrawal Act of 1999 with respect to extensions, additions, and revisions to the Barry M. Goldwater Range in Arizona.

US HR623

Censuring Paul Gosar, Representative of the 9th Congressional District of Arizona.

US HB351

Ban Congressmen Lobbyists Act This bill prohibits Members of Congress from lobbying Congress or federal agencies at any point after leaving office. Currently, Senators are prohibited from lobbying Congress for two years after leaving office. Members of the House of Representatives are prohibited from lobbying Congress for one year after leaving office. The bill applies to any person who is a Member of Congress during the 118th Congress or any succeeding Congress.

US HB266

National Lighthouse Museum Act This bill grants a federal charter to the National Lighthouse Museum.

US HB98

Federal Land Freedom Act This bill sets forth a process that allows a state (including the District of Columbia) to seek to transfer the responsibility of energy development on available federal land within its boundaries from the federal government to the state. Available federal land does not include land that, as of May 31, 2013, is (1) held for the benefit of an Indian tribe, (2) in the National Park System, (3) in the National Wildlife Refuge System, or (4) in a congressionally designated wilderness area. To qualify for such a transfer of responsibility, a state must have a program that regulates the exploration and development of oil, natural gas, and other forms of energy on its land. The federal responsibility transfers to the state once the state submits to the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Energy a declaration that it has such a program and that it seeks to transfer the responsibility. Any action taken by a state to lease, permit, or regulate the exploration and development of energy on federal land in lieu of the federal government is not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, or the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

US HB51

Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the admission of the state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the United States. The commonwealth consists of all the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding certain federal property. The excluded property shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of federal government; it includes the principal federal monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building, and the federal office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and Capitol Building. In addition, the bill maintains the federal government's authority over military lands and specified other property and prohibits the commonwealth from taxing federal property except as permitted by Congress. Within 30 days of this bill's enactment, the DC mayor must call for the election of two Senators and one Representative for the commonwealth. The commonwealth shall be admitted into the United States upon a presidential proclamation announcing the results of that election. The bill applies current DC laws to the commonwealth and continues pending judicial proceedings. It also continues certain federal authorities and responsibilities, including regarding employee benefits, agencies, and courts, until the commonwealth certifies that it is prepared to take over those authorities and responsibilities. Further, the bill provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution to repeal the Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution (which allows DC citizens to vote in presidential elections). The bill also establishes a commission to advise the President, Congress, and DC and commonwealth leaders on the transition.

US HB158

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Public Service Act or the CLEAN Public Service Act This bill excludes Members of Congress from further retirement coverage under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System following the enactment of the bill. It also prohibits further government contributions or deductions from a Member's basic pay for deposit in the Treasury to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. This exclusion does not affect a Member's eligibility to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan.

US HB270

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2023 This bill divides the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit into two judicial circuits: (1) the Ninth Circuit, and (2) a new Twelfth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit is composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and Northern Mariana Islands. The new Twelfth Circuit is composed of Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.