[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
NFC: Fw: river policy update for week of 7-9
To read the River Policy Update online, visit American Rivers' Online
Newsroom at www.americanrivers.org/policyupdates/default.htm and
click on "River Policy Update."
American Rivers' Policy Update
Week of July 9, 2001
IN THIS WEEK'S UPDATE:
* Energy policy
* Appropriations
* Congressional leadership
* Global warming
* Water policy
* Take action
* Jobs
ENERGY POLICY
House energy legislation
House Resources Committee:
The House Resources Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday to
review legislation that will be included in the House Republican
energy package, called the Energy Security Act. The legislation is
expected to include, among other things, provisions that would open
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas development,
promote offshore oil and gas development, provide for studies aimed
at maximizing hydroelectric generation under the jurisdiction of the
Interior Department, and implement measures to increase efficiency at
some hydropower dams under the Interior's jurisdiction. Secretary of
Interior Gale Norton is scheduled to testify.
10 a.m., Wednesday, July 11 in 1324 Longworth.
House Energy and Commerce Committee:
This week, the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on energy and
air quality will begin markup of an energy conservation bill. The
comprehensive energy legislation addresses five key areas including
conservation, reformulated gasoline, hydropower relicensing, nuclear
energy, and so-called "clean coal" technology. Hydropower industry
advocates have criticized the lengthy licensing process brought on
by "mandatory conditioning," which gives federal resource agencies
the authority to demand some environmental safeguards during the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) dam relicensing
process. Conservationists argue that the energy bill would change
the relicensing process in a way that would limit the authority of
the Interior Department, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service,
and National Marine Fisheries Service to adequately protect aquatic
resources and riparian lands.
Opening Statements: 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 10, in 2123 Rayburn
Markup: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 11, in 2123 Rayburn
House Ways and Means Committee:
This Thursday, the House Ways and Means subcommittee on revenue
measures is tentatively planning to meet to markup energy tax
legislation. Expanded tax incentives for domestic oil and gas
production, incentives for production of electricity from renewable
resources, and tax code changes to promote energy conservation and
alternative fuel vehicles may be included in the legislation.
However, some members of the committee are expected to question
whether the federal government can afford these tax credits in the
wake of the recent tax cut.
Tentative subcommittee markup: Thursday, time and location to be
announced
APPROPRIATIONS
Supplemental appropriations bill
Floor action on the Supplemental Appropriations Act for FY '01 was
scheduled to begin Monday in the Senate. Prior to the Independence
Day recess, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the $6.5
billion bill. An agreement was reached last week to include $20
million in the supplemental funding bill for drought-stricken Klamath
Basin farmers.
Interior funding
Action in the Senate on the FY '02 Interior bill is expected this
week following debate on the supplemental appropriations bill. Not
included in the bill are several funding limitations approved in the
House Interior bill, including language that would block final action
on a controversial lease sale off the Florida coast, prevent the
administration from opening new national monuments to energy
exploration, and stop the Interior Department from revising recently
finalized mining regulations. The Senate will take a second look at
these issues on the floor or in conference with the House.
Energy and Water funding
This Thursday the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on energy and
water development will mark up the FY '02 energy and water funding
bill. The conservation community is vigorously opposed to a rider
that Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) inserted in the House version of the bill
that would prevent the Army Corps of Engineers from revising Missouri
and Mississippi river operations to benefit wildlife, and plans to
fight the rider's inclusion in the Senate bill and in conference
committee. Conservationists argue that allowing a more natural
seasonal rise and fall of water levels would not prevent traditional
uses of the rivers or their floodplains, but that it is critical to
the survival of several endangered species, including the pallid
sturgeon, piping plover, and interior least tern. To encourage the
Army Corps to revise its operation of Missouri River dams, American
Rivers listed the Missouri as its number one Most Endangered River
this year. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) blocked a
similar rider last year and is expected fight it again this year.
Time TBA, Thursday, 366 Dirksen
Agriculture funding
The Appropriations committee will continue to work on amendments to
the FY '02 Agriculture Appropriations Act on Wednesday. Reps. Dennis
Kucinich (D-OH) and Peter DeFazio (D-OR) are expected to offer an
amendment that would place a one year moratorium on Food and Drug
Administration approval of genetically modified fish for human
consumption. The environmental community has expressed concern that
genetically altered fish may have unintended and unpredictable
affects on wild fish and natural ecosystems. Fishermen and consumer
groups have expressed similar concerns. In addition, Rep. Frank
Lucas (R-OK) is expected to seek an additional $5 million for flood
control operations. Also, Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) will offer an
amendment to ensure that the Natural Resources Conservation Service
does not withdraw existing support for the American Heritage Rivers
Initiative. Two American Heritage Rivers, the Hudson River and the
Upper Susquehanna/Lackawanna Watershed, are supported by funding
through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Final passage of
the agriculture funding bill is expected on Thursday.
EPA funding
This Tuesday, the House Appropriations subcommittee will markup the
FY '02 EPA funding bill, which is included in the appropriations bill
for Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and independent
agencies. The Bush administration seeks to reduce funding by $500
million below the amount appropriated for FY '01.
Markup: 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 10, in H-140 of the Capitol
NOAA Funding
This Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee will markup a $38.5
billion funding bill for National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, which includes the National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS). NMFS's Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, which funds
state, local, and tribal salmon habitat and monitoring projects,
would receive $110 million - $20 million more the Bush administration
requested. NMFS would receive an additional $25 million for
activities related to the Pacific Salmon Treaty between the United
States and Canada.
Markup: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 10, in 2359 Rayburn
CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
After weeks of negotiations between parties, the Senate returns to
work with Democrats in full control of its committees. Democrats
will have a one-seat majority on every committee except the Ethics
Committee, which has traditionally been equally divided, and no
senator will lose his or her current committee assignments.
GLOBAL WARMING
This Tuesday the Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing to
examine possible options for limiting the effects of human activities
on the Earth's climate. According to a committee announcement, "the
committee seeks to achieve a balanced presentation of different views
of technology and policy options, the benefits and consequences of
each, and steps our nation could begin taking to address climate
change."
Hearing: 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 10, in 253 Russell
WATER RESOURCES
Colorado River
The House Resources water and power subcommittee held a hearing
Monday in Salt Lake City to examine the water supply interests and
concerns of the seven states through which the Colorado River flows.
The hearing will focus on general oversight of river management
issues and is expected to touch on California's ongoing attempts to
comply with its allotment of Colorado River water.
Hearing: 9:30 a.m., Monday, July 9, at the Department of Natural
Resources in Salt Lake City, UT
CONGRESSIONAL CALENDAR
Senate:
Hearing on climate change
Commerce Committee
9:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 10, 253 Russell
Hearing on energy tax incentives
Finance Committee
10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 10, in 215 Dirksen.
Hearing on energy tax incentives (continued)
Finance Committee
10 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, in 215 Dirksen.
Energy and water spending bill subcommittee markup
Appropriations subcommittee on energy and water development
9:00 a.m., Thursday, July 12, S-128 of the Capitol
Hearing on national energy policy
Energy and Natural Resources
9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 12, in 366 Dirksen.
Energy and water spending bill full committee markup
Appropriations Committee
2 p.m., Thursday, July 12, S-128 of the Capitol
Hearing on national energy policy (continued)
Energy and Natural Resources
9:30 am, Friday, July 13, in 366 Dirksen
House:
Field Hearing on Colorado River use
Resources Committee
9:30 am, Monday, July 9, Department of Natural Resources in Salt Lake
City, UT
Markup of energy bill
Energy and Commerce Committee
11:00 am, Tuesday, July 10, 1324 Longworth
Markup on EPA appropriations
Appropriations Committee
3:00 pm, Tuesday, July 10, H-140 Capitol
Opening statements on energy conservation bill
Subcommittee on energy and air quality
4:00 pm, Tuesday, July 10, 2123 Rayburn
Markup of CJS appropriations (NOAA Funding)
Appropriations Committee
5:30 pm, Tuesday, July 10, 2359 Rayburn
Markup of energy conservation bill
Subcommittee on energy and air quality
10:00 am, Wednesday, July 11, 2123 Rayburn
Hearing on Energy Security Act
Resources Committee
10:00 am, Wednesday, July 11, 1324 Longworth
TAKE ACTION
Follow the latest American Rivers' Action Alerts and Press Releases!
Take action to help save America's Rivers. Visit
http://www.amrivers.org/takeaction/.
SPECIAL TRIP DEAL
Go rafting in Cataract Canyon!
Rapids, waterfalls, and ancient Pueblo ruins, all in the heart of
Utah's Canyonlands National Park. Discount rate; several dates are
available. A great trip for families! Click here for the itinerary
and more information:
http://www.away.com/postcards/american_rivers_members
JOBS
American Rivers currently has a number of job openings. See our
employment page for the following opportunities:
* Online Community Manager
* Conservation Assistant-Outreach
* Organizer/Outreach Specialist-Missouri River Campaign
* Communications Assistant
* River Restoration Financing Associate
Questions?
Contact Michael Garrity, Conservation Associate, at 202-347-7550.
Legislative information taken from sources including: Environment and
Energy Daily, Greenwire, Congressional Green Sheets, and members of
the American Rivers conservation staff.
*************************************
Thank you robertrice at juno_com for helping to protect and
restore America's rivers.
To contact American Rivers, send an email to Rebecca
Sherman at outreach at amrivers_org or call 202-347-7550.
To update your information, please visit:
http://amriversaction.ctsg.com/profileEditor
Encourge friends to become an online river activist, by visiting
www.americanrivers.org/takeaction. To become a member of American
Rivers, visit www.americanrivers.org/joindonate
Join the nation's online river community at www.americanrivers.org
for free online resources, toolkits, and ways to unite with other
activists on your important issues. AOL Keyword: American Rivers
To unsubscribe from this distribution list, reply to this
email (action at action_amrivers.org) and include "remove" in the subject
line.
*************************************