Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008
Encyclopedia
The Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 was an act
passed in the 110th United States Congress
and enacted on May 8, 2008.
Jeff Bingaman
of New Mexico
, a Democrat
and the chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
, on March 10, 2008, as S. 2739. It was a "bicameral
and bipartisan" package of land and water federal lands
bills considered as an omnibus bill
.
The bill was reported by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee on March 11. It passed the full Senate on April 10 on a 91-4 vote, with five Senators not voting. It passed the United States House of Representatives
on April 29 on a 291-117 vote, with 23 Representatives not voting. The bill passed the House under a motion to suspend the rules and pass (usually used for non-controversial legislation and requiring a two-thirds majority
to pass). It was signed into law by President
George W. Bush
on May 8, 2008.
The long title
of the act is A bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, to implement further the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003, and for other purposes.
Authorizations":
Title II is entitled "Bureau of Land Management
Authorizations":
Title III is entitled "National Park Service
Authorizations":
Subtitle A—Cooperative Agreements has only one section, Sec. 301, which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to "enter into cooperative agreements with State, local, or tribal governments, other Federal agencies, other public entities, educational institutions, private nonprofit organizations, or participating private landowners for the purpose of protecting natural resources of units of the National Park System through collaborative efforts on land inside and outside of National Park System units," and sets terms and conditions, limitations, and authorizes appropriations for such cooperative agreements. One of the terms is that cooperative agreements must provide clear and direct benefits to natural resources in units of the NPS such as the preservation of riparian systems
, eradication of invasive
exotic species
, and restoration of native wildlife habitat" (S. 241 and H.R. 658)
Subtitle B—Boundary Adjustments and Authorizations includes three sections:
Subtitle C—Studies includes seven sections:
Subtitle D—Memorials, Commissions, and Museums includes the following sections:
and League of Conservation Voters
supported the bill.
Act of Congress
An Act of Congress is a statute enacted by government with a legislature named "Congress," such as the United States Congress or the Congress of the Philippines....
passed in the 110th United States Congress
110th United States Congress
The One Hundred Tenth United States Congress was the meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, between January 3, 2007, and January 3, 2009, during the last two years of the second term of President George W. Bush. It was composed of the Senate and the House of...
and enacted on May 8, 2008.
Legislative history
The bill was introduced by SenatorUnited States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
Jeff Bingaman
Jeff Bingaman
Jesse Francis "Jeff" Bingaman, Jr. , is the senior U.S. Senator from New Mexico and a member of the Democratic Party...
of New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, a Democrat
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
and the chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
The United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has jurisdiction over matters related to energy and nuclear waste policy, territorial policy, native Hawaiian matters, and public lands....
, on March 10, 2008, as S. 2739. It was a "bicameral
Bicameralism
In the government, bicameralism is the practice of having two legislative or parliamentary chambers. Thus, a bicameral parliament or bicameral legislature is a legislature which consists of two chambers or houses....
and bipartisan" package of land and water federal lands
Federal lands
Federal lands are lands in the United States for which ownership is claimed by the U.S. federal government.-Primary federal land holders:*Bureau of Land Management*United States Forest Service*United States Fish and Wildlife Service*National Park Service...
bills considered as an omnibus bill
Omnibus bill
An omnibus bill is a proposed law that covers a number of diverse or unrelated topics. Omnibus is derived from Latin and means "for everything"...
.
The bill was reported by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee on March 11. It passed the full Senate on April 10 on a 91-4 vote, with five Senators not voting. It passed the United States House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
on April 29 on a 291-117 vote, with 23 Representatives not voting. The bill passed the House under a motion to suspend the rules and pass (usually used for non-controversial legislation and requiring a two-thirds majority
Supermajority
A supermajority or a qualified majority is a requirement for a proposal to gain a specified level or type of support which exceeds a simple majority . In some jurisdictions, for example, parliamentary procedure requires that any action that may alter the rights of the minority has a supermajority...
to pass). It was signed into law by President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
on May 8, 2008.
The long title
Long title
The long title is the formal title appearing at the head of a statute or other legislative instrument...
of the act is A bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, to implement further the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003, and for other purposes.
Provisions
Title I is entitled "Forest ServiceUnited States Forest Service
The United States Forest Service is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture that administers the nation's 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands, which encompass...
Authorizations":
- Sec. 101 creates the Wild Sky WildernessWild Sky WildernessThe Wild Sky Wilderness is a wilderness area in the western Cascade Range of Washington state. The wilderness is within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest north of the U.S. Highway 2 towns of Index and Skykomish. The wilderness flanks, but does not include, the North Fork Skykomish River...
in Washington, designating 106577 acres (431.3 km²) of national forestUnited States National ForestNational Forest is a classification of federal lands in the United States.National Forests are largely forest and woodland areas owned by the federal government and managed by the United States Forest Service, part of the United States Department of Agriculture. Land management of these areas...
in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National ForestMount Baker-Snoqualmie National ForestThe Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington extends more than along the western slopes of the Cascade Range from the Canadian border to the northern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. Forest headquarters are located in the city of Everett....
as wilderness areaNational Wilderness Preservation SystemThe National Wilderness Preservation System of the United States protects federally managed land areas designated for preservation in their natural condition. It was established by the Wilderness Act upon the signature of President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 3, 1964...
, the most-protected class of federalFederal government of the United StatesThe federal government of the United States is the national government of the constitutional republic of fifty states that is the United States of America. The federal government comprises three distinct branches of government: a legislative, an executive and a judiciary. These branches and...
lands. The Senate has passed the legislation for the Wild Sky Wilderness three previous Congresses, but because legislation had previously failed to pass the House, it was not until the enactment of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act that the wilderness area was designated (S. 520 and H.R. 886). - Sec. 102 designates a 19.6 miles (31.5 km) trail around Waldo LakeWaldo LakeWaldo Lake is a lake in the Cascade Mountains of the U.S. state of Oregon. It is the second largest natural non-alkali lake in Oregon with more than 10 square miles of water and a maximum depth of . The lake is named after Oregon politician, judge, and conservationist John B....
in Oregon'sOregonOregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
Willamette National ForestWillamette National ForestThe Willamette National Forest is a National Forest located in the central portion of the Cascade Range of US state of Oregon.It comprises 1,675,407 acres making it one of the largest national forests. Over 380,000 acres are designated wilderness which include seven major mountain peaks...
in Oregon as the "Jim Weaver Loop Trail." Jim Weaver was the U.S. Representative of Oregon's 4th congressional districtOregon's 4th congressional districtOregon's 4th congressional district represents the southern half of Oregon's coastal counties, including Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, and Linn counties and most of Benton and Josephine counties...
from 1975 to 1987 (H.R. 247).
Title II is entitled "Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management is an agency within the United States Department of the Interior which administers America's public lands, totaling approximately , or one-eighth of the landmass of the country. The BLM also manages of subsurface mineral estate underlying federal, state and private...
Authorizations":
- Sec. 201 authorizes the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), part of the United States Department of the InteriorUnited States Department of the InteriorThe United States Department of the Interior is the United States federal executive department of the U.S. government responsible for the management and conservation of most federal land and natural resources, and the administration of programs relating to Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native...
, to designate the Piedras Blancas Light StationPiedras Blancas LightPiedras Blancas Light Station is a lighthouse on Point Piedras Blancas, about five and half miles west by NW of San Simeon, California.-History:...
in CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
(H.R. 276) an Outstanding Natural AreaOutstanding Natural AreaOutstanding Natural Area is a protected area designation in the United States. The designations are managed by the Bureau of Land Management within the National Landscape Conservation System. There are a number of outstanding natural areas and open space reserves in the country, three of which have...
s within the BLM's National Landscape Conservation SystemNational Landscape Conservation SystemThe National Landscape Conservation System is a collection of the lands considered to be the crown jewels of the American west. NLCS is also known as National Conservation Lands. These lands represent 10% of the managed by the Bureau of Land Management... - Sec. 202 authorizes the BLM to designate the Jupiter Inlet LightJupiter Inlet LightThe Jupiter Inlet Light is located in Jupiter, Florida, on the north side of the Jupiter Inlet. The site for the lighthouse was chosen in 1853. It is located between Cape Canaveral Light and Hillsboro Inlet Light. The lighthouse was designed by then Lieutenant George G. Meade of the Bureau of...
house and surrounding federal lands in FloridaFloridaFlorida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
as an Outstanding Natural Area within the National Landscape Conservation System (S. 1143 and H.R. 1922) - Sec. 203 permit the conveyanceConveyancingIn law, conveyancing is the transfer of legal title of property from one person to another, or the granting of an encumbrance such as a mortgage or a lien....
without considerationConsiderationConsideration is the central concept in the common law of contracts and is required, in most cases, for a contract to be enforceable. Consideration is the price one pays for another's promise. It can take a number of forms: money, property, a promise, the doing of an act, or even refraining from...
of approximately 51 acres (206,389.9 m²) of BLM land by Clark County, NevadaClark County, Nevada-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,375,765 people, 512,253 households, and 339,693 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 71.6% White , 9.1% Black, 5.7% Asian, 0.8% American Indian and 12.8% of other or mixed race. 22.0% were Hispanic of any race...
to the Nevada Division of State Lands for use by the Nevada National GuardNevada National GuardThe Nevada National Guard consists of the:*Nevada Army National Guard *Nevada Air National Guard ** 152nd Airlift Wing "High Rollers"-External links:* compiled by the United States Army Center of Military History* printed by AQP Publishing, Inc...
(S. 1608 and H.R. 815).
Title III is entitled "National Park Service
National Park Service
The National Park Service is the U.S. federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations...
Authorizations":
Subtitle A—Cooperative Agreements has only one section, Sec. 301, which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to "enter into cooperative agreements with State, local, or tribal governments, other Federal agencies, other public entities, educational institutions, private nonprofit organizations, or participating private landowners for the purpose of protecting natural resources of units of the National Park System through collaborative efforts on land inside and outside of National Park System units," and sets terms and conditions, limitations, and authorizes appropriations for such cooperative agreements. One of the terms is that cooperative agreements must provide clear and direct benefits to natural resources in units of the NPS such as the preservation of riparian systems
Riparian zone
A riparian zone or riparian area is the interface between land and a river or stream. Riparian is also the proper nomenclature for one of the fifteen terrestrial biomes of the earth. Plant habitats and communities along the river margins and banks are called riparian vegetation, characterized by...
, eradication of invasive
Invasive species
"Invasive species", or invasive exotics, is a nomenclature term and categorization phrase used for flora and fauna, and for specific restoration-preservation processes in native habitats, with several definitions....
exotic species
Introduced species
An introduced species — or neozoon, alien, exotic, non-indigenous, or non-native species, or simply an introduction, is a species living outside its indigenous or native distributional range, and has arrived in an ecosystem or plant community by human activity, either deliberate or accidental...
, and restoration of native wildlife habitat" (S. 241 and H.R. 658)
Subtitle B—Boundary Adjustments and Authorizations includes three sections:
- Sec. 311 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire no more than 110 acre (0.4451546 km²) of land to be added to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic SiteCarl Sandburg Home National Historic SiteCarl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, located near Hendersonville in Flat Rock, North Carolina, preserves Connemara Farms, the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and writer Carl Sandburg...
via willing sellers or donation (S. 488 and H.R. 1100) - Sec. 312 adjusts the boundary of the Lowell National Historical ParkLowell National Historical ParkLowell National Historical Park is a National Historical Park of the United States located in Lowell, Massachusetts. Established in 1978 a few years after Lowell Heritage State Park, it is operated by the National Park Service and comprises a group of different sites in and around the city of...
in order to include five parcels of land within the city of Lowell, MassachusettsLowell, MassachusettsLowell is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA. According to the 2010 census, the city's population was 106,519. It is the fourth largest city in the state. Lowell and Cambridge are the county seats of Middlesex County...
(S. 867 and H.R. 299) - Sec. 313 adjust the boundary of the Minidoka Internment National MonumentMinidoka Internment National MonumentMinidoka National Historic Site is a National Historic Site that commemorates the Minidoka War Relocation Center of the Second World War. It is located in Jerome County, Idaho, northeast of Twin Falls and just north of Eden, in an area known as Hunt, in the remote high desert area north of the...
to include the Nidoto Nai Yoni Memorial in Bainbridge Island, WashingtonBainbridge Island, WashingtonBainbridge Island is a city in Kitsap County, Washington, United States, and the name of the island in Puget Sound on which the city is situated...
(S. 916 and H.R. 161) - Sec. 314 appropriates an additional $10 million for land acquisition at Acadia National ParkAcadia National ParkAcadia National Park is a National Park located in the U.S. state of Maine. It reserves much of Mount Desert Island, and associated smaller islands, off the Atlantic coast...
and authorizes the Secretary of the InteriorUnited States Secretary of the InteriorThe United States Secretary of the Interior is the head of the United States Department of the Interior.The US Department of the Interior should not be confused with the concept of Ministries of the Interior as used in other countries...
to participate in an Intermodal Transportation Center located outside of the park boundary in Trenton, MaineTrenton, MaineTrenton is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States, near Acadia National Park. The population was 1,370 at the 2000 census. Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport is located in Trenton....
(S. 1329 and H.R. 2251)
Subtitle C—Studies includes seven sections:
- Sec. 321 directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine whether the American Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
battlefield site of the First Battle of NewtoniaFirst Battle of NewtoniaThe First Battle of Newtonia was a battle of the American Civil War, occurring on September 30, 1862 in Newton County, Missouri.Following the Battle of Pea Ridge in March, most Confederate and Union troops left northwestern Arkansas and southwestern Missouri...
and Second Battle of Newtonia should be added to the Wilson's Creek National BattlefieldWilson's Creek National BattlefieldWilson's Creek National Battlefield at 6424 West Farm Road 182 near Republic, Missouri, preserves the site of the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Fought on August 10, 1861, it was the first major American Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi River. The Confederate's failure to exploit their...
(H.R. 376) - Sec. 322 directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in St. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
, as a unit of the National Park System (H.R. 1047) - Sec. 323 directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Wolf House on Highway 5 in Norfork, ArkansasNorfork, ArkansasNorfork is a city in Baxter County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 484 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Norfork is located at ....
, as a unit of the National Park System (S. 1941) - Sec. 324 directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing a memorial in TexasTexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
on one of the sites where large debris from the Space Shuttle ColumbiaSpace Shuttle ColumbiaSpace Shuttle Columbia was the first spaceworthy Space Shuttle in NASA's orbital fleet. First launched on the STS-1 mission, the first of the Space Shuttle program, it completed 27 missions before being destroyed during re-entry on February 1, 2003 near the end of its 28th, STS-107. All seven crew...
was recovered following the Columbia disasterSpace Shuttle Columbia disasterThe Space Shuttle Columbia disaster occurred on February 1, 2003, when shortly before it was scheduled to conclude its 28th mission, STS-107, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas and Louisiana during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in the death of all seven crew members...
(H.R. 807) - Sec. 325 directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine whether sites important to the life of Cesar ChavezCésar ChávezCésar Estrada Chávez was an American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist who, with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers ....
and the farm labor movement meet the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic PlacesThe National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
or designation as National Historic LandmarkNational Historic LandmarkA National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
s (S. 327 and H.R. 359) - Sec. 326 directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating certain historic buildings and areas in Taunton, MassachusettsTaunton, MassachusettsTaunton is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. It is the seat of Bristol County and the hub of the Greater Taunton Area. The city is located south of Boston, east of Providence, north of Fall River and west of Plymouth. The City of Taunton is situated on the Taunton River...
, as a unit of the National Park Service (S. 1184 and H.R. 1021) - Sec. 327 directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the Rim of the Valley Corridor area in Southern CaliforniaSouthern CaliforniaSouthern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
("generally including the mountains encircling the San FernandoSan Fernando ValleyThe San Fernando Valley is an urbanized valley located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area of southern California, United States, defined by the dramatic mountains of the Transverse Ranges circling it...
, La CrescentaCrescenta ValleyThe Crescenta Valley is a small inland valley in Los Angeles County, California lying between the San Gabriel Mountains on the northeast and the Verdugo Mountains and San Rafael Hills on the southwest. It opens into the San Fernando Valley at the northwest and the San Gabriel Valley at the southeast...
, Santa ClaritaSanta Clarita ValleyThe Santa Clarita Valley is the valley of the Santa Clara River in Southern California. It stretches through Los Angeles County and Ventura County. Its main population center is the city of Santa Clarita. The valley was part of the Rancho San Francisco Mexican land grant...
, SimiSimi ValleySimi Valley is a synclinal valley in Southern California in the United States. It is an enclosed or hidden valley surrounded by mountains and hills. It is connected to the San Fernando Valley to the east by the Santa Susana Pass & 118 freeway, and in the west the narrows of the Arroyo Simi and 118...
, and Conejo ValleyConejo ValleyThe Conejo Valley is a region spanning both southeastern Ventura County and northwestern Los Angeles County in Southern California, United States...
s") to determine whether any part of the area should be added to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation AreaSanta Monica Mountains National Recreation AreaThe Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area or SMMNRA, is a United States National Recreation Area containing many individual parks and open space preserves, located primarily in the Santa Monica Mountains of Southern California...
(H.R. 1835; S. 2739)
Subtitle D—Memorials, Commissions, and Museums includes the following sections:
- Sec. 331 directs the establishment of a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia without using federal funds to honor the service of American Revolutionary WarAmerican Revolutionary WarThe American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
Brigadier GeneralBrigadier general (United States)A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed...
Francis MarionFrancis MarionFrancis Marion was a military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. Acting with Continental Army and South Carolina militia commissions, he was a persistent adversary of the British in their occupation of South Carolina in 1780 and 1781, even after the Continental Army was driven...
(S. 312 and H.R. 497) - Sec. 332 gives the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial CommissionDwight D. Eisenhower MemorialThe Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial is a proposed United States presidential memorial to be constructed for United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower....
greater administrative powers, "including the ability to enter into contracts for specialized or professional services, appoint an architect, and enter into cooperative agreements with federal agencies, state, local, tribal, and international governments, and private organizations" (S. 890 and H.R. 2094) - Sec. 333 establishes a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of the American LatinoNational Museum of the American LatinoThe Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino is an independent commission established by the federal government of the United States in 2008 to study the feasibility of creating a national museum dedicated to highlighting the contributions of...
in Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
(S. 500 and H.R. 512) - Sec. 334 establishes two commissions to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Samuel de ChamplainSamuel de ChamplainSamuel de Champlain , "The Father of New France", was a French navigator, cartographer, draughtsman, soldier, explorer, geographer, ethnologist, diplomat, and chronicler. He founded New France and Quebec City on July 3, 1608....
, the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Henry HudsonHenry HudsonHenry Hudson was an English sea explorer and navigator in the early 17th century. Hudson made two attempts on behalf of English merchants to find a prospective Northeast Passage to Cathay via a route above the Arctic Circle...
, and the 200th anniversary of the voyage of Robert FultonRobert FultonRobert Fulton was an American engineer and inventor who is widely credited with developing the first commercially successful steamboat...
(S. 1148 and H.R. 1520) - Sec. 335 expresses the sense of Congress that the Museum of the American Quilter's SocietyMuseum of the American Quilter's SocietyThe National Quilt Museum, formerly the Museum of the American Quilter's Society, is located in Paducah, Kentucky. The museum houses a large collection of quilts, most of which are winning entries from the American Quilter's Society festival and quilt competition held yearly in April...
in Paducah, KentuckyPaducah, KentuckyPaducah is the largest city in Kentucky's Jackson Purchase Region and the county seat of McCracken County, Kentucky, United States. It is located at the confluence of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River, halfway between the metropolitan areas of St. Louis, Missouri, to the west and Nashville,...
, should be designated as the "National Quilt Museum of the United States." (H. Con. Res. 29) - Sec. 336 expresses the sense of Congress that the National Museum of Wildlife ArtNational Museum of Wildlife ArtThe National Museum of Wildlife Art, located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a museum dedicated to presenting art about wildlife. Located on a bluff called East Gros Ventre Butte and amid real wildlife habitat, the sandstone structure overlooks the National Elk Refuge...
in Jackson, WyomingJackson, WyomingJackson is a town located in the Jackson Hole valley of Teton County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 8,647 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Teton County....
, should be designated as the "National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States" (S. Con. Res. 6 and H. Con. Res. 116) - Sec. 337 redesignates the Ellis Island Library as the "Bob HopeBob HopeBob Hope, KBE, KCSG, KSS was a British-born American comedian and actor who appeared in vaudeville, on Broadway, and in radio, television and movies. He was also noted for his work with the US Armed Forces and his numerous USO shows entertaining American military personnel...
Memorial Library" (H.R. 759)
-
- Amends the National Trails System Act to create the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic TrailStar-Spangled Banner National Historic TrailThe Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a National Historic Trail that commemorates the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. The 290-mile trail was named after "The Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States...
, commemorating the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812War of 1812The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
(S. 797 and H.R. 1388) - Convey a visitor center and adjacent land associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic TrailLewis and Clark National Historic TrailThe Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is a route across the United States commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 to 1806. It is part of the National Trails System of the United States...
to the non-profitNon-profit organizationNonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, with the requirement that the Foundation manage the site in accordance with National Park Service standards (S. 471 and H.R. 761) - Conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of extending the Lewis and Clark National Historic TrailLewis and Clark National Historic TrailThe Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is a route across the United States commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 to 1806. It is part of the National Trails System of the United States...
to include sites in the Eastern United StatesEastern United StatesThe Eastern United States, the American East, or simply the East is traditionally defined as the states east of the Mississippi River. The first two tiers of states west of the Mississippi have traditionally been considered part of the West, but can be included in the East today; usually in...
associated with the preparation and return phases of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (S. 1991 and H.R. 3616). - Designate specified segments of the Eightmile River in ConnecticutConnecticutConnecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (S. 553 and H.R. 986) - Exchange of interests in land within Denali National Park in AlaskaAlaskaAlaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
with the Alaska RailroadAlaska RailroadThe Alaska Railroad is a Class II railroad which extends from Seward and Whittier, in the south of the state of Alaska, in the United States, to Fairbanks , and beyond to Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright in the interior of that state...
, to allow the Railroad to complete a turnaround "to better serve train visitors visiting the park" (S. 1808) - Increase appropriations for the National Underground Network as authorized by National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998 (S. 1709 and H.R. 1239)
- Authorize the Secretary of the Interior, subject to an appropriation, to pay subcontractors of Pacific General, Inc. for work performed at Grand Canyon National ParkGrand Canyon National ParkGrand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park and is located in Arizona. Within the park lies the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, considered to be one of the Wonders of the World. The park covers of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.Most...
between fiscal year 2002 and 2003 under a construction contract for which they have not been paid (H.R. 1191)
- Amends the National Trails System Act to create the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
- Title IV
- Establish several new National Heritage AreaNational heritage areaNational heritage area is a region defined by a government as notable for cultural, historic, natural or recreation reasons. Compared to a national park, a national heritage area is not subject to the same level of zoning and regulations on land use. They are typically managed at a local...
s and modify several existing heritage areas, including:- Establish the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area (S. 289 and H.R. 1483)
- Establish the Niagara Fall National Heritage Area (S. 800 and H.R. 1483)
- Establish the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage AreaAbraham Lincoln National Heritage AreaThe Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area is a National Heritage Area in central Illinois telling the story of Abraham Lincoln. A National Heritage Area is a federal-designated area intended to encourage historic preservation and an appreciation of the history and heritage of the site...
in Illinois (S. 955 and H.R. 1483) - Make several technical corrections to existing National Heritage Area Authorities, and increase the authorization of appropriation levels for several existing heritage areas (S. 817 and H.R. 1483)
- Extend the authorization until 2011 for the Coastal Heritage Trail (S. 1039 and H.R. 1815)
- Study the feasibility of designating the coastal areas of Clatsop County, OregonClatsop County, OregonClatsop County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oregon. The county is named for the Clatsop tribe of Native Americans, who lived along the coast of the Pacific Ocean prior to European settlement. As of 2010, the population was 37,039. The county seat is Astoria.-Economy:The principal...
, and Pacific County, Washington and local historical areas along the Columbia RiverColumbia RiverThe Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The river rises in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, flows northwest and then south into the U.S. state of Washington, then turns west to form most of the border between Washington and the state...
as the Columbia-Pacific National Heritage Area (S. 257 and H.R. 407)
- Establish several new National Heritage Area
- Title V
- Authorizes the United States Geological SurveyUnited States Geological SurveyThe United States Geological Survey is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it. The organization has four major science disciplines, concerning biology,...
and the Bureau of Reclamation to perform a comprehensive study of water resources in the State of Alaska and identify critical needs (S. 200 and H.R. 1114) - Authorizes the Redwood Valley County Water District in California to enter into additional non-federal obligations in order to finance the procurement of dedicated water rights (S. 1112 and H.R. 235)
- Transfer ownership of the American River Pump Station Project located at Auburn, CaliforniaAuburn, CaliforniaAuburn is the county seat of Placer County, California. Its population at the 2010 census was 13,330. Auburn is known for its California Gold Rush history.Auburn is part of the Greater Sacramento area.- History :...
, to the Placer County Water Agency (H.R. 482) - Authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to conduct a feasibility study, include an environmental evaluation and a cost allocation, on raising the height of the Arthur V. Watkins Dam to allow for additional water storage supply (S. 512 and H.R. 839);
- Authorizes the United States Geological Survey and Bureau of Reclamation to provide the State of New Mexico technical assistance and grants to conduct comprehensive water resources mapping in New Mexico and develop statewide digital orthophotography mapping (S. 255)
- Convey certain buildings and lands of the Bureau of Reclamation Yakima Project in Washington to the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District (S. 235)
- Add Juab County, UtahJuab County, UtahJuab County is a county located in the U.S. state of Utah. As of 2000 the population was 8,238, and by 2005 had been estimated at 9,113. It was named from an Indian word meaning thirsty valley, or possibly only valley. Its county seat and largest city is Nephi.Juab County is part of the...
to the Bonneville Unit of the Central Utah Project so that funds may be provided to study systems for groundwater recharge, management, and the conjunctive use of surface water resources with groundwater resources (S. 1110) - Allow any owner of land within the A & B Irrigation District in Idaho to repay, at a time of their choosing, the construction costs of District project facilities (S. 220 and H.R. 467).
- Amend the Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996 to extend the authorization of the Deschutes River Conservancy Program; authorize federal participation in rehabilitating Wallowa Dam; authorize a water resource study in the Little Butte/Bear CreekBear Creek-Communities:* Bear Creek, Alabama, a town in Marion County* Bear Creek, Alaska, a census-designated place in Kenai Peninsula Borough* Bear Creek, Merced County, California, a census-designated place* Bear Creek Township, Michigan, a township in Emmet County...
basin; amend a contract of the North Unit Irrigation District to facilitate a water conservation project (S. 263, S. 264, S. 265, S. 266 and H.R. 495) - Study the feasibility of implementing a water supply and conservation project in the Republican River Basin between Harlan County Lake in NebraskaNebraskaNebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
and Milford LakeMilford LakeMilford Lake is the largest man-made lake in Kansas with of water. Over of land resources are managed for quality recreational experiences as well as for protection of the project’s natural and cultural resources...
in KansasKansasKansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
to improve water management efficiency (H.R. 1025) - Amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to assist in providing recycled water to the Eastern Municipal Water District in California (H.R. 30) and to the Palo Alto and Mountain View, Pittsburg, Delta Diablo, Antioch, North Coast County, South County Santa Clara Valley, and San Jose Water Districts (S. 1475 and H.R. 1526)
- Allocate security-related costs incurred post-September 11 attacks to Reclamation water and power users (S. 1258 and H.R. 1662).
- "Study the obstacles to reducing the quantity of water produced during oil, natural gas, coal-bed methane exploration and evaluate the extent possible that water can be used for irrigation or other purposes without adversely affecting water quality, public health, or the environment" (S. 1116 and H.R. 902)
- Authorize federal participation in the Platte River Endangered Species Recovery Implementation Program Cooperative Agreement, and the modification of Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir (S. 752 and H.R. 1462)
- Study the feasibility of alternatives to augment the water supplies of the Central Oklahoma Master Conservatory District and the cities it serves (S. 175 and H.R. 1337)
- Authorizes the United States Geological Survey
- Title VI
- Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005Energy Policy Act of 2005The Energy Policy Act of 2005 is a bill passed by the United States Congress on July 29, 2005, and signed into law by President George W. Bush on August 8, 2005, at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico...
to award grants for advanced energy technology transfer centers (H.R. 85). - Reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act to Fiscal Year 20122012 United States federal budgetThe 2012 United States federal budget is the United States federal budget to fund government operations for the fiscal year 2012, which is October 2011–September 2012...
and emphasize the research and development of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (H.R. 1126).
- Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005
- Title VII
- Extend United States immigration lawUnited States nationality lawArticle I, section 8, clause 4 of the United States Constitution expressly gives the United States Congress the power to establish a uniform rule of naturalization. The Immigration and Naturalization Act sets forth the legal requirements for the acquisition of, and divestiture from, citizenship of...
as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands subject to a transition period through December 31, 2017 (S. 1634 and H.R. 3079).
- Extend United States immigration law
- Title VIII
- Amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 in order to improve legal services, infrastructure, and education services for the associated stateAssociated stateAn associated state is the minor partner in a formal, free relationship between a political territory with a degree of statehood and a nation, for which no other specific term, such as protectorate, is adopted...
s of MicronesiaMicronesiaMicronesia is a subregion of Oceania, comprising thousands of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It is distinct from Melanesia to the south, and Polynesia to the east. The Philippines lie to the west, and Indonesia to the southwest....
, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.
- Amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 in order to improve legal services, infrastructure, and education services for the associated state
Other
The National Parks Conservation AssociationNational Parks Conservation Association
The National Parks Conservation Association is the only independent, membership organization devoted exclusively to advocacy on behalf of the National Parks System...
and League of Conservation Voters
League of Conservation Voters
The League of Conservation Voters is a political advocacy organization founded in 1969 by American environmentalist David Brower in the early years of the environmental movement. LCV's mission is to "advocate for sound environmental policies and to elect pro-environmental candidates who will adopt...
supported the bill.
External links
- Summary and background from the Democratic Policy CommitteeDemocratic Policy Committee Chairman of the United States SenateThe United States Senate Democratic Policy Committee is responsible for the creation of new United States Democratic Party policy proposals, supporting Democratic senators with legislative research, developing reports on legislation and policy, conducting oversight hearings, monitoring roll call...
- A Lesser-Known Immigration Crisis: Federal Immigration Law in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands