Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB3045

Introduced
10/16/23  
Refer
10/16/23  

Caption

A bill to provide for the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over certain Federal land in the State of California, and for other purposes.

Impact

The legislative move has implications for state laws that pertain to land management and usage within national parks. By facilitating the transfer of these federal lands, the bill encourages improved oversight and stewardship, as lands transferred will now adhere to the guidelines of the National Park System and the National Forest System. The bill also stipulates that any existing rights and authorizations will remain intact, thus maintaining stability for prior land agreements and usage rights, which could alleviate concerns for local communities and stakeholders.

Summary

SB3045 aims to provide for the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over certain federal lands within California to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture. Specifically, the bill addresses the management of approximately 160 acres of National Forest System land to be included in Yosemite National Park and 170 acres of National Park System land to be managed as part of Stanislaus National Forest. This transition is intended to enhance the management and preservation of these lands and ensure they are governed under the regulations that apply to national parks and forests, respectively.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB3045 appears to be supportive among environmental groups and advocate circles who prioritize conservation and enhanced management of federal lands. However, there may be contention among some local stakeholders who are concerned about federal oversight, fearing potential restrictions on land use. Discussion about the careful balance between preservation and local access to resources is crucial in assessing the bill's broader reception.

Contention

Notably, a point of contention could stem from how the bill addresses hazardous substances found on the transferred federal lands. The bill specifies the need for the identification and management of known hazardous sites, raising concerns about the environmental clean-up responsibilities and potential liabilities. Stakeholders may argue about the responsibilities for cleanup duties between state and federal authorities, making this an important aspect of discussions surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB3042

A bill to require the collection of certain data relating to Bureau of Land Management land acquisitions, and for other purposes.

US HR383

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2) to secure the borders of the United States, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1163) to provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compensation, and for other purposes.

US SB1776

PUBLIC Lands Act Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California Lands Act

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 HB172

Acre In, Acre Out Act This bill prescribes a new requirement for any acquisition of land by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture that would result in a net increase of total land acreage under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, or the Forest Service. The department concerned must offer for sale an equal number of acres of federal land that is under the same jurisdictional status. The bill exempts from this requirement any easements acquired to facilitate management of federal lands. Land sold pursuant to this bill shall be offered for sale at fair market value (based on local comparable sales), with monthly price reductions if the land is not sold in six months. All net proceeds from the sale of federal lands pursuant to this bill shall be deposited directly into the Treasury for reduction of the public debt.

US SB297

A bill to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to authorize certain construction activities on public lands, and for other purposes.

US HB423

Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of the Interior to take approximately 721.12 acres of land in San Diego County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, if the tribe transfers title to that land to the United States. The land is made part of the Pala Indian Reservation. The bill generally prohibits gaming on any of the land taken into trust.

US HB482

Western Wildfire Support Act of 2023 This bill establishes activities to address wildfires. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to establish spatial fire management plans before the end of FY2026. The bill establishes accounts in the Treasury for addressing wildfires, a program to train and certify citizens who wish to be able to volunteer to assist USDA or Interior during a wildland fire incident, a program to award grants to eligible states or units of local government to acquire slip-on tank and pump units for a surge capacity of resources for fire suppression, the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species, and the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board. The bill also requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to reimburse a state or federal agency for the costs of wildfire suppression as a result of a fire caused by DOD activity, requires the Joint Fire Science Program to work with unmanned aircraft test ranges to carry out research and development of unmanned aircraft system fire applications, requires federal and state disaster preparedness programs to include postdisaster assistance, and authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funding to a state agency to establish and operate a website to provide information relating to postfire recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a wildland fire.

US HB7479

To authorize certain States to take certain actions on certain Federal land to secure an international border of the United States, and for other purposes.

US HB878

To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to appoint an Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Technology, and for other purposes.

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