If enacted, HB 1614 would directly affect various federal land management practices. It would require collaboration between federal agencies and local stakeholders to ensure that shooting ranges are not only created but also adhere to safety and environmental standards. The bill also emphasizes that shooting ranges established under this act should be free of charge for public use, ensuring accessibility. By doing this, the legislation may enhance recreational opportunities for shooting enthusiasts and promote safe shooting practices in designated areas rather than random locations.
Summary
House Bill 1614, known as the 'Range Access Act', aims to facilitate the establishment of designated shooting ranges on National Forest System land and public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This legislation seeks to promote recreational target shooting by creating managed areas where the public can engage in shooting activities. The bill mandates that by a year after its enactment, an assessment identifying where target shooting ranges could be established will be made public. Following this, new shooting ranges must be constructed or modified within five years at suitable locations identified as appropriate for such use.
Contention
Some notable points of contention surrounding HB 1614 include the potential environmental implications and local opposition to expanding shooting sports within federal lands. Advocates argue that designated ranges will help alleviate unauthorized shooting in sensitive areas, leading to better conservation of natural resources. Opponents express concern about increased noise, safety issues, and the potential impact on wildlife, highlighting that the establishment of more shooting ranges could create conflicts with other recreational activities in these public lands. Additionally, the requirement for federal consultation with local and tribal governments may not fully address the concerns of all stakeholders involved.
Lower Energy Costs Act This bill provides for the exploration, development, importation, and exportation of energy resources (e.g., oil, gas, and minerals). For example, it sets forth provisions to (1) expedite energy projects, (2) eliminate or reduce certain fees related to the development of federal energy resources, and (3) eliminate certain funds that provide incentives to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill expedites the development, importation, and exportation of energy resources, including by waiving environmental review requirements and other specified requirements under certain environmental laws, eliminating certain restrictions on the import and export of oil and natural gas, prohibiting the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing (a type of process used to extract underground energy resources), directing the Department of the Interior to conduct sales for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specified by the bill, and limiting the authority of the President and executive agencies to restrict or delay the development of energy on federal land. In addition, the bill reduces royalties for oil and gas development on federal land and eliminates charges on methane emissions. It also eliminates a variety of funds, such as funds for energy efficiency improvements in buildings as well as the greenhouse gas reduction fund.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)