US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal 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

US HCM2014

Arizona national monuments

US HB5392

Northern Arizona Protection Act

US HB266

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

US HCR3

Expressing the sense of Congress condemning the recent attacks on pro-life facilities, groups, and churches.

US HB5393

Southern Arizona Protection Act

US HB149

Protecting Our Democracy by Preventing Foreign Citizens from Voting Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being made available to state or local governments that allow noncitizens to vote in federal, state, or local elections.

US HB135

No Pay Raise for Congress Act This bill cancels the automatic adjustment to the pay of Members of Congress that is based on the employment cost index if the Congressional Budget Office determines that there was a federal budget deficit in the last fiscal year.

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 HB90

Voter Integrity Protection Act This bill imposes additional immigration-related penalties for non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who vote in an election for federal office. It shall be an aggravated felony for a non-U.S. national who is unlawfully present to violate an existing prohibition against a non-U.S. national voting in a federal election. (An aggravated felony conviction carries various immigration consequences, such as rendering the non-U.S. national inadmissible, deportable, and barred from establishing good moral character for naturalization.) A non-U.S. national who is unlawfully present and who knowingly violates the prohibition against voting in a federal election shall be deportable.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.