Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3195

Introduced
5/10/23  
Refer
5/10/23  
Refer
5/10/23  
Report Pass
5/17/23  

Caption

Superior National Forest Restoration Act

Impact

The act has significant implications for state laws related to land management and environmental regulation. It allows for the reinstatement of mineral leases that were previously canceled, thereby enabling mining companies to resume operations under the same terms that existed prior to the cancellations. This change could encourage economic activity in the region, as mineral extraction becomes more feasible in the Superior National Forest.

Summary

House Bill 3195, known as the Superior National Forest Restoration Act, rescinds Public Land Order 7917, which previously withdrew federal lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties in Minnesota from mineral leasing and development. By reinstating mineral leases and permits in the Superior National Forest, the bill aims to facilitate economic development through increased mining operations in the area. The bill also mandates the timely review of Mine Plans of Operations, ensuring a streamlined regulatory process for mining activities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3195 reflects a divide between economic interests and environmental concerns. Proponents of the bill highlight its potential to boost local economies through job creation and increased revenue from mineral extraction. However, opponents worry about the environmental impacts that increased mining activities could have on the forest ecosystem, expressing concerns that relaxing regulations might lead to ecological degradation.

Contention

Notable points of contention in the discussions surrounding the bill include debates about the environmental assessments required for mining operations and the precedence it sets for federal land management practices. Critics argue that the swift reinstatement of leases without thorough reviews undermines public interest and ecological integrity. Additionally, the absence of judicial review for the reissued leases poses questions regarding accountability and oversight in managing natural resources.

Companion Bills

US HR1173

Related Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 615) to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain Federal land or water under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2925) to amend the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to provide for security of tenure for use of mining claims for ancillary activities, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3195) to rescind Public Land Order 7917, to reinstate mineral leases and permits in the Superior National Forest, to ensure timely review of Mine Plans of Operations, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 764) to require the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3397) to require the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to conservation and landscape health; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6285) to ratify and approve all authorizations, permits, verifications, extensions, biological opinions, incidental take statements, and any other approvals or orders issued pursuant to Federal law necessary for the establishment and administration of the Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6090) to provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.