Expressing disapproval of the withdrawal by the Secretary of the Interior of approximately 22,684 acres of Bureau of Land Management lands in the Railroad Valley of Nye County, Nevada, from all forms of mineral entry under United States law, subject to valid existing rights.
Impact
The bill underscores the long-standing return to local jurisdictions and the precedence that Nye County should be included as a cooperating agency during federal land management decisions. The resolution argues that the decision to withdraw these lands from mineral entry endangers economic growth and poses risks to national security by limiting domestic mineral production, thereby increasing reliance on foreign countries, particularly China, for critical minerals. This aspect makes the bill significant for potential economic and environmental policy discussions in both local and federal arenas.
Summary
House Resolution 478 expresses disapproval of the recent withdrawal made by the Secretary of the Interior, which removed approximately 22,684 acres of Bureau of Land Management lands in the Railroad Valley, located in Nye County, Nevada, from all forms of mineral entry. This resolution highlights the strategic importance of these lands given their potential for critical mineral resources, particularly lithium, barite, and magnesium, which are essential for various industries and national interests.
Contention
The notable points of contention surrounding HR478 revolve around calls for increased transparency and local participation in federal decisions impacting state lands. Critics of the withdrawal argue that federal agencies, particularly NASA in this case, have failed to consider local jurisdictions' input adequately. The rejection of Nye County’s requests to participate as a cooperating agency in the decision-making process raises questions about accountability and the balance of power between state and federal authorities concerning land use and resource extraction.
Expressing disapproval of the withdrawal by the Secretary of the Interior of approximately 225,504 acres of National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota, from disposition under the United States mineral and geothermal leasing laws.
A bill 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.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Management of Lands and Resources for fiscal year 2024.
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process".
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.