Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB297

Introduced
2/7/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SB297 is expected to facilitate the development of nurseries that can serve regional conservation needs. The pilot programs outlined in the bill will operate in selected western states, with the intention of establishing a solid framework for tree production. This development is designed not just for aesthetic improvements but also to address issues like carbon sequestration, erosion prevention, and the enhancement of air and water quality.

Summary

SB297 seeks to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 by authorizing specific construction activities on public lands. The bill outlines the establishment of pilot programs to create and operate nurseries on federal and national forest lands, which aim to support conservation efforts through tree planting. This initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing the management and sustainability of public resources, particularly in the context of increasing environmental challenges.

Contention

Discussion around SB297 is likely to focus on the balance between developmental activities and environmental protections. Stakeholders might express concerns regarding the impact of construction activities on public lands—debating whether the benefits of improved management and conservation will outweigh potential risks to the ecosystem. The bill's provisions for cooperation with non-federal entities could also raise questions about the extent of privatization and management of public resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB1540

A bill to amend the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to provide for circumstances under which reinitiation of consultation is not required under a land and resource management plan or land use plan under those Acts, and for other purposes.

US HB209

Permitting for Mining Needs Act of 2023 This bill expedites the review of mining projects on federal lands and limits judicial review of mining projects. For example, the bill expands the federal permitting and review processes under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for critical minerals. Under the act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, to the maximum extent practicable, must complete the federal permitting and review processes related to critical mineral mines on federal lands with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. This bill expands this process to include all minerals as defined by the bill, not only critical minerals. The bill also establishes deadlines for completing the review of mining projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In addition, the bill also expands the meaning of covered projects under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to include (1) certain mineral production projects, and (2) certain actions taken by the Department of Defense. Such projects qualify for expedited environmental review. It also establishes requirements to expedite the review or authorization of certain mineral projects, such as (1) mineral exploration activities with a surface disturbance of no more than five acres of public lands, (2) ancillary mining activities, and (3) uranium projects. Finally, the bill limits judicial review of a permit, license, or approval issued by a lead agency for a mining project by requiring the filing of claims within a certain time period.

US HR53

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 471) to expedite under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and improve forest management activities on National Forest System lands, on public lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and on Tribal lands to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested lands, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 5) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes.

US SB1776

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

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 HB1874

To amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to establish a conclusive presumption that a State concurs to certain activities, and for other purposes.

US SB3045

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

US HB6070

To amend the Military Lands Withdrawal Act of 1999 to clarify the authority of Department of Defense to conduct certain military activities at the Nevada test and training range, and for other purposes.

US SB5629

A bill to support marine carbon dioxide removal activities, and for other purposes.

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.

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