Hearings and Testimony of the 110th Congress

Sep. 28, 2008

Tribal Restoration and Recognition Bills

Full Committee hearing on
S. 514 (Nelson), A bill to extend Federal recognition to the Muscogee Nation of Florida

S. 724 (Tester), A bill to extend the Federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana

S. 1058 (Levin), A bill to expedite review of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians of Michigan to secure a timely and just determination of whether the Bands are entitled to recognition as a Federal Indian tribe so that the Bands may receive eligible funds before the funds are no longer available

H.R. 1294 (Moran), To extend Federal recognition to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, the Chickahominy Indian Tribe-Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc., the Monacan Indian Nation, and the Nansemond Indian Tribe

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

R. Lee Fleming, Director, Office of Federal Acknowledgment

Sep. 25, 2008

Indian Water Projects; Reclamation Project Transfer

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 883 (Sandlin), To enhance and provide to the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Angostura Irrigation Project certain benefits of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River basin program

H.R. 6754 (Pastor), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to provide a loan to the White Mountain Apache Tribe for use in planning, engineering, and designing a certain water system project

H.R. 6768 (Udall), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to develop water infrastructure in the Rio Grande Basin, and to approve the settlement of the water rights claims of the Pueblos of Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Tesuque, and Taos

H.R. 6992 (McMorris Rodgers), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to facilitate the transfer to non-Federal ownership of appropriate reclamation projects or facilities

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Kris Polly, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science

Sep. 23, 2008

Labor Needs and Guam Military Build-up

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Identifying Labor Solutions for the Guam Military Build-Up

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

Douglas Domenech, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs

Sep. 18, 2008

Federal Court Options for American Samoa

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Federal Court Options for American Samoa

House Natural Resource S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

Stephen Sander, Acting Director, Office of Insular Affairs

Sep. 18, 2008

Report of Misconduct Involving Oil and Gas Royalty Collections

Full Committee oversight hearing on Recent Interior Department Inspector General Investigations on Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Collections

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary, Department of Interior

Sep. 18, 2008

Declination to Prosecute Crime in Indian Country

Full Committee hearing on Federal declinations to prosecute crimes in Indian Country

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

William Patrick Ragsdale, Director, Office of Justice Services, Indian Affairs

Sep. 11, 2008

Indian Water Rights

Full Committee hearing on
S. 3128 (Kyl), A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to provide a loan to the White Mountain Apache Tribe for use in planning, engineering, and designing a certain water system project

S. 3355 (Tester), A bill to authorize the Crow Tribe of Indians water rights settlement

S. 3381 (Domenici), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to develop water infrastructure in the Rio Grande Basin, and to approve the settlement of the water rights claims of the Pueblos of Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Tesuque, and Taos

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Kris Polly, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science

Michael Bogert, Chairman of the Working Group on Indian Water Settlements

Sep. 11, 2008

Land Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 3114 (Slaughter), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish a commemorative trail in connection with the Women's Rights National Historical Park to link properties that are historically and thematically associated with the struggle for women's suffrage

H.R. 6156 (McKeon), To designate certain land as wilderness in the State of California

H.R. 6233 (Jones), To reinstate the Interim Management Strategy governing off-road vehicle use in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina, pending the issuance of a final rule for off-road vehicle use by the National Park Service

H.R. 6291 (DeFazio), To adjust the boundary of Oregon Caves National Monument, to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain river segments in Oregon as wild or scenic rivers

H.R. 6470 (Dingell), To provide for the designation of certain sites in Monroe County and Wayne County, Michigan, relating to the Battles of the River Raisin during the War of 1812 as a unit of the National Park System

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Daniel N. Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service

Sep. 10, 2008

San FranciscoBayNational Wildlife Refuge Complex

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 6479 (Stark), To provide for the establishment of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Eric Alvarez, Realty Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Sep. 9, 2008

District of Columbia's Gun Laws

Full Committee hearing on
H.R. 6691 (Childers), To restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee (Waxman)

Kevin C. Hay, Deputy Chief, United States Park Police, National Park Service

Sep. 9, 2008

Improving Bureau of Indian Education Schools

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Challenges Facing Bureau of Indian Education Schools in Improving Student Achievement

House Education and Labor S/C on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education (Kildee)

Stanley Holder, Chief, Division of Performance and Accountability, Bureau of Indian Education

Aug. 28, 2008

Fuel Prices in Rural Alaska

Full Committee oversight field hearing on the effects of high fuel prices in rural Alaska and explore sustainable energy solutions that include conventional and renewable energy investments, as well as energy efficiency and conservation

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Dr. Robert W. Middleton, Director, Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, Office of the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Aug. 4, 2008

Operation Dakota Peacekeeper

Full Committee oversight field hearing on Operation Dakota Peacekeeper

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Pat Ragsdale, Director, Office of Justice Services – Indian Affairs

Jul. 30, 2008

National Parks Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 1816 (Clinton), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish a commemorative trail in connection with the Women's Rights National HistoricalPark to link properties that are historically and thematically associated with the struggle for women's suffrage

S. 2093 (Leahy), A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers in the State of Vermont for study for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

S. 2535 (Clinton), A bill to revise the boundary of the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site

S. 2561 (Reid), A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a theme study to identify sites and resources to commemorate and interpret the Cold War

S. 3011 (Cornyn), A bill to amend the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site Act of 1991 to expand the boundaries of the historic site

S. 3113 (Dole), A bill to reinstate the Interim Management Strategy governing off-road vehicle use in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina, pending the issuance of a final rule for off-road vehicle use by the National Park Service

S. 3148 (Wyden), A bill to modify the boundary of the Oregon Caves National Monument

S. 3158 (Kennedy), A bill to extend the authority for the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission

S. 3226 (Bunning), A bill to rename the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site in the State of Kentucky as the "Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park"

S. 3247 (Levin), A bill to provide for the designation of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park in the State of Michigan

H.R. 5137 (Rahall), To ensure that hunting remains a purpose of the New River Gorge National River

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

Daniel Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service

Jul. 24, 2008

Carbon Sequestration

Full Committee oversight hearing on Carbon Sequestration: Risks, Opportunities, and Protection of Drinking Water

House Energy and Commerce S/C on Environment and Hazardous Materials (Green)

Dr. Robert C. Burruss, Research Geologist, Energy Resources Team, U.S. Geological Survey

Jul. 24, 2008

Expanding Access to Federal Lands

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Expanding Access to Federal Lands for People with Disabilities

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Steve Whitesell, Associate Director, Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands, National Park Service

Jul. 21, 2008

Federal Response to California Drought

Subcommittee oversight field hearing on the Federal Response to the California Drought Emergency

Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Don Glaser, Mid-Pacific Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation

Jul. 21, 2008

Biodiversity at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Subcommittee oversight field hearing on the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory of all species within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

Dale Ditmanson, Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, National Park Service

Jul. 17, 2008

Interagency Group on Insular Affairs

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Successes and Challenges of the Interagency Group on Insular Affairs

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

Douglas Domenech, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs

Jul. 15, 2008

Parks and Lands Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 2299 (Heller), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the City of Henderson, Nevada, certain Federal land located in the City

H.R. 5335 (Wamp), To amend the National Trails System Act to provide for the inclusion of new trail segments, land components, and campgrounds associated with the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

H.R. 5853 (Tsongas), To expand the boundary of the Minute Man National Historical Park in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to include Barrett's Farm

H.R. 6176 (Rodriguez), To authorize the expansion of the Fort Davis National Historic Site in Fort Davis, Texas

H.R. 6305 (Pelosi), To clarify the authorization for the use of certain National Park Service properties within Golden Gate National Parks and San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Daniel Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service

Statement for the Record, Bureau of Land Management

Jul. 10, 2008

Land Conveyance and Acquisition Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 160 (Holt), To amend the American Battlefield Protection Act of 1996 to establish a battlefield acquisition grant program for the acquisition and protection of nationally significant battlefields and associated sites of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812

H.R. 1847 (Udall), To amend the National Trails System Act to clarify Federal authority relating to land acquisition from willing sellers for the majority of the trails in the System

H.R. 2933 (Miller), To amend the American Battlefield Protection Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for that Act

H.R. 3336 (Lamborn), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing a historic district to the Camp Hale on parcels of land in the State of Colorado

H.R. 5263 (Grijalva), To encourage the collaborative, science-based ecosystem restoration of priority forest landscapes on Federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service through a joint Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program

H.R. 5751 (Pastor), To direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to jointly conduct a study of certain land adjacent to the Walnut Canyon National Monument in the State of Arizona

H.R. 6177 (Rodriguez), To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to modify the boundary of the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Stephen E. Whitesell, Associate Director, Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands, National Park Service

Statement for the Record, Bureau of Land Management

Jul. 10, 2008

Decline in Bird Populations

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Going, Going, Gone? An Assessment of the Global Decline in Bird Populations

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Paul Schmidt, Assistant Director for Migratory Birds and State Programs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Jul. 9, 2008

Public Lands Bills

Full Committee hearing on
S. 2443 and H.R. 2246 (Ensign), A bill to provide for the release of any revisionary interest of the United States in and to certain lands in Reno, Nevada

S. 2779 (Bingaman), A bill to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to clarify that uncertified States and Indian tribes have the authority to use certain payments for certain noncoal reclamation projects

S. 2875 (Tester), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to designated States and tribes to carry out programs to reduce the risk of livestock loss due to predation by gray wolves and other predator species or to compensate landowners for livestock loss due to predation

S. 2898 and H.R. 816 (Reid), A bill to provide for the release of certain land from the Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area in the State of Nevada

S. 3088 (Wyden), A bill to designate certain land in the State of Oregon as wilderness

S. 3089 (Wyden), A bill to designate certain land in the State of Oregon as wilderness, to provide for the exchange of certain Federal land and non-Federal land

S. 3157 (Bingaman), to provide for the exchange and conveyance of certain National Forest System land and other land in Southeast Arizona

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Michael Nedd, Assistant Director for Minerals and Realty Management, Bureau of Land Management

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Jul. 8, 2008

Water Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 2842 (Reid), to require the Secretary of the Interior to carry out annual inspections of canals, levees, tunnels, dikes, pumping plants, dams, and reservoirs under the jurisdiction of the Secretary

S. 2974 (Allard),to provide for the construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit in the State of Colorado

S. 3189 (Bingaman), to amend Public Law 106–392 to require the Administrator of the Western Area Power Administration and the Commissioner of Reclamation to maintain sufficient revenues in the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund

H.R. 3323 (Capps), to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey a water distribution system to the Goleta Water District

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee S/C on Water and Power (Johnson)

Robert W. Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Jun. 26, 2008

Non-Native Wildlife Act

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R 6311 (Bordallo), To prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or human or animal species' health

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Gary Frazer, Assistant Director for Fisheries and Habitat Prevention Act

Jun. 24, 2008

Climate Change Impacts on Wildlife and Oceans; International Wildlife Conservation

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Planning for a Changing Climate and its Impacts on Wildlife and Oceans: State and Federal Efforts and Needs and

H.R. 4455 (Young), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide international wildlife management and conservation programs through the Wildlife Without Borders Program in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Dan Ashe, Science Advisor to the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Dr. Kaush Arha, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Fish, Wildlife, and Parks

Jun. 24, 2008

Impact of Invasive Quagga Mussels

Subcommittee oversight hearing on The Silent Invasion: Finding Solutions to Minimize the Impacts of Invasive Quagga Mussels on Water Rates, Water Infrastructure and the Environment

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Karl Wirkus, Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Bureau of Reclamation

Jun. 19, 2008

UtahNavajo Trust Fund

Full Committee oversight hearing on the Utah Navajo Trust Fund, which goes to the State of Utah to be used for Navajos living in Utah

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Ross Swimmer, Special Trustee for American Indians

Jun. 19, 2008

Law and Order in Indian Country

Full Committee oversight hearing on a draft bill to address law and order in Indian country, immediately following the business meeting to consider pending legislative issues

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Pat Ragsdale, Director, Office of Justice Services, Indian Affairs

Jun. 18, 2008

Preparations for Wildlife Season

Full Committee oversight hearing on the preparedness of Federal land management agencies for the 2008 wildfire season

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

James Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary

Jun. 18, 2008

Fees on Federal Lands

Full Committee oversight hearing on Paying to Play: Implementation of Fee Authority on Federal Lands

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

P. Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Secretary

Jun. 12, 2008

Hydropower

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Hydropower: Providing 75% of America's Current Renewable Energy. Exploring its role as a continued source of Clean, Renewable Energy for the Future

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Robert W. Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Jun. 12, 2008

Enhanced Oil Recovery

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Spinning Straw Into Black Gold: Enhanced Oil Recovery Using Carbon Dioxide

House Natural Resources S/C on Energy and Mineral Resources (Costa)

Tim Spisak, Division Chief, Fluid Minerals, Bureau of Land Management

Jun. 12, 2008

U.S. – Palau Compact of Free Association

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the implementation of the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Republic of Palau

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

Thomas Bussanich, Acting Director, Office of Insular Affairs

Jun. 10, 2008

U.S. – Micronesia Compact of Free Association

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the implementation of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003 between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

Thomas Bussanich, Acting Director, Office of Insular Affairs

Jun. 5, 2008

Land and National Historic Site Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 573 (Visclosky), To amend the Act entitled "An Act to provide for the establishment of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore," to clarify the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to accept donations of lands that are contiguous to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

H.R. 3809 (Kanjorski), To amend the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Act of 1988 regarding the local coordinating entityof the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

H.R. 4199 (Turner), To amend the Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Act of 1992 to add sites to the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

H.R. 4828 (Ortiz), To amend the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site Act of 1991 to expand the boundaries of the historic site

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Katherine Stevenson, Assistant Director, Business Services, National Park Service

Jun. 5, 2008

Native American Bills

Full Committee hearing on
H.R. 2306 (Peterson), To provide for the use and distribution of the funds awarded to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, et al., by the United States Court of Federal Claims in Docket Numbers 18 and 188

H.R. 3699 (Oberstar), To provide for the use and distribution of the funds awarded to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in Minnesota Chippewa Tribe v. United States, Docket Nos. 19 and 188, United States Court of Federal Claims

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Jerry Gidner, Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Jun. 5, 2008

Off-Highway Vehicle Management On Public Lands

Full Committee oversight hearing on off-highway vehicle management on public lands

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

May 27, 2008

Rural Water Supply Act

Subcommittee oversight field hearing on the Bureau of Reclamation's implementation of the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, and the status of implementation of authorized rural water projects in the Great Plains Region

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Johnson)

Michael J. Ryan, Great Plains Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation

May 22, 2008

Earthquake Hazards Program

Subcommittee oversight hearing on U.S. Geological Survey integrated multi-hazard demonstration project and earthquake hazards program products

House Natural Resources S/C on Energy and Mineral Resources (Costa)

David Applegate, Senior Science Advisor for Earthquake and Geologic Hazards, U.S. Geological Survey

May 22, 2008

Backlog at Interior Department

Full Committee oversight hearing on the Current Status of the Backlog

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

May 21, 2008

Census Issues in the Territories

Joint Subcommittee oversight hearing on The Disparate Treatment of the U. S. Territories by the Census Bureau and the Unavailability of Current and Reliable Data of These Areas

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen) and House Oversight and Government Reform S/C on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives (Clay)

Nikolao Pula, Director, Office of Insular Affairs

May 21, 2008

Endangered Species Act

Full Committee oversight hearing on the Administration's endangered species policies, especially changes at the Fish and Wildlife service within the last year

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Lyle Laverty, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks

May 20, 2008

Future of the National Mall

Subcommittee oversight hearing on The Future of the National Mall

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Margaret O'Dell, Superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service

May 15, 2008

Oil Shale Resources

Full Committee oversight hearing on the Development of Oil Shale on Federal Lands in the Rocky Mountain West

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management

May 15, 2008

Indian Affairs Issues

Full Committee hearing on
S. 531 (McCain), A bill to repeal section 10(f) of Public Law 93-531, commonly known as the "Bennett Freeze"

S. 1080 (Baucus), A bill to develop a program to acquire interests in land from eligible individuals within the CrowReservation in the State of Montana

S. 2494 (Cantwell), A bill to provide for equitable compensation to the Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation for the use of tribal land for the production of hydropower by the Grand Coulee Dam

H.R. 2120 (Stupak), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to proclaim as reservation for the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians a parcel of land now held in trust by the United States for that Indian tribe

H.R. 2963 (Issa), To transfer certain land in Riverside County, California, and San Diego County, California, from the Bureau of Land Management to the United States to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Jerry Gidner, Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs

May 13, 2008

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act

Full Committee oversight hearing to examine the successes and failures of Title IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Educational Act, as well as related implications of contract support costs

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

James Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary

May 13, 2008

Climate Change and Energy Infrastructure in Coastal Areas

Full Committee oversight hearing on the impacts of climate change on the reliability, security, economics and design of critical energy infrastructure in coastal regions

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Dr. Virginia Burkett, Chief Scientist for Global Change Research, U.S. Geological Survey

May 8, 2008

Water Legislation Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 155 (Herseth), To provide compensation to the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Sioux Tribes of South Dakota for damage to tribal land caused by Pick-Sloan projects along the Missouri River

H.R. 5511 (Lamborn), To direct the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, to remedy problems caused by a collapsed drainage tunnel in Leadville, Colorado

H.R. 5710 (Udall), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Authority for the planning, design, and construction of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Robert Quint, Director of Operations, Bureau of Reclamation

May 1, 2008

Impact of Military Build-up In Guam

Full Committee oversight hearing on the military build-up on Guam: impact on the civilian community, planning, and response

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Nikolao Pula, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs

May 1, 2008

Indian Energy Development

Full Committee oversight hearing on Indian Energy Development

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Robert W. Middleton, Director, Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, Office of the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Apr. 30, 2008

Interior and Energy Nominations

Full Committee oversight hearing to consider the nominations of
Kameran L. Onley, of Washington, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior

Jeffrey F. Kupfer, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Kameran L. Onley, Nominee

Apr. 28, 2008

Southern Border Wall Construction

Joint Subcommittee oversight field hearing on Walls and Waivers: Expedited Construction of the Southern Border Wall and the Collateral Impacts on Communities and the Environment

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva) and S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans (Bordallo)

Rick Shultz, National Borderland Coordinator, U.S. Department of the Interior

Apr. 24, 2008

Water Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 29 (Issa), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct facilities to provide water for irrigation, municipal, domestic, military, and other uses from the Santa Margarita River, California

H.R. 123 (Dreier), To authorize appropriations for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund

H.R. 1803 (Hunter), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study to design and construct a four reservoir intertie system for the purposes of improving the water storage opportunities, water supply reliability, and water yield of San Vicente, El Capitan, Murray, and Loveland Reservoirs in San Diego County, California in consultation and cooperation with the City of San Diego and the Sweetwater Authority

S. 2680 (Salazar), A bill to amend the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 to require the Secretary of the Interior to take certain actions to address environmental problems associated with the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes; Unintroduced bill on the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Supply Project; and Unintroduced bill on the Rio Grande Pueblo Indian Infrastructure Project

S. 2805 (Bingaman), A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to assess the irrigation infrastructure of the Rio Grande Pueblos in the State of New Mexico and provide grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, the Rio Grande Pueblos to repair, rehabilitate, or reconstruct existing infrastructure

S. 2814 (Bingaman), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Authority for the planning, design, and construction of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Johnson)

Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Apr. 24, 2008

Research and Land Exchange Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 3639 (Farr), To establish a program of research and other activities to provide for the recovery of the southern sea otter

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans (Bordallo)

Ken McDermond, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Apr. 24, 2008

Fish and Lands Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 859 (Salazar), To establish the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area in the State of Colorado

H.R. 3227 (Hastings), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to continue stocking fish in certain lakes in the North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

H.R. 3667 (Welch), To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers in the State of Vermont for study for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

H.R. 3930 (Pearce), To provide for a land exchange involving State land and Bureau of Land Management land in Chavez and Dona Ana Counties, New Mexico, and to establish the Lesser Prairie Chicken National Habitat Preservation Area

H.R. 3981 (Miller), To authorize the Preserve America Program and Save America's Treasures Program

H.R. 5540 (Sarbanes), To amend the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 to provide for the continuing authorization of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Mitchell Butler, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Apr. 24, 2008

Federal Acknowledgment Process

Full Committee oversight hearing onRecommendations for Improving the Federal Acknowledgment Process

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Carl Artman, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Apr. 23, 2008

National Parks Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 662 (Snowe), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to evaluate resources at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Brunswick, Maine, to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing the site as a unit of the National Park System

S. 827 (Kerry), A bill to establish the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area in the States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire

S. 923 (Kerry) and H.R. 1528 (Olver), A bill to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the New England National Scenic Trail

S. 956 (Durbin), A bill to establish the Land Between the Rivers National Heritage Area in the State of Illinois

S. 2073 (McCaskill), A bill to amend the National Trails System Act relating to the statute of limitations that applies to certain claims

S. 2513 (Kennedy), A bill to modify the boundary of the Minute Man National Historical Park

S. 2604 (Mikulski), A bill to establish the Baltimore National Heritage Area in the State of Maryland,

S. 2804 (Nelson), A bill to adjust the boundary of the Everglades National Park

H.R. 53 (Christensen), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a long-term lease with the Government of the United States Virgin Islands to provide land on the island of Saint John, Virgin Islands, for the establishment of a school

H.R. 1483 (Regula), To amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for certain national heritage areas

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

Daniel Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service

Apr. 22, 2008

Public Lands Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 2833 (Crapo), To provide for the management of certain public land in Owyhee County, Idaho

S. 2834 (Bennett), To establish wilderness areas, promote conservation, and improve public land in Washington, County, Utah

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Public Lands and Forests (Wyden)

Julie Jacobson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management

Apr. 18, 2008

Great Lakes Water Levels

Subcommittee oversight field hearing on the Lake Levels in the Great Lakes

House Transportation and Infrastructure S/C on Water Resources and Environment (Johnson)

Statement for the Record, U.S. Geological Survey

Apr. 17, 2008

Aging Water Resource Infrastructure

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the increasing number of issues associated with aging water resource infrastructure that is operated and maintained, or owned, by the United States Bureau of Reclamation

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Johnson)

Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Apr. 17, 2008

Maintaining Public Lands for Hunting, Fishing, Ranching & Small Business

Full Committee oversight hearing on Maintaining Public Lands for Hunting, Fishing, Ranching & Small Business

House Small Business Committee (Velazquez)

C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management

Apr. 16, 2008

Indian Water Settlements

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Indian Water Rights Settlements

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Michael Bogert, Chairman of the Working Group on Indian Water Settlements

Apr. 15, 2008

Pharmaceuticals in Water

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Pharmaceuticals in the Nation's Water: Assessing Potential Risks and Actions to Address the Issue

Senate Environment and Public Works S/C on Transportation Safety, Infrastructure Security, and Water Quality (Lautenberg)

Dr. Robert M. Hirsh, Associate Director for Water, U.S. Geological Survey

Apr. 15, 2008

Public Lands Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 758 (Ensign) and H.R. 1311 (Berkley), A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey the Alta-Hualapai Site to the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, for the development of a cancer treatment facility

S. 1680 (Murkowski), A bill to provide for the inclusion of certain non-Federal land in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge in the State of Alaska

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Public Lands and Forests (Wyden)

Henri Bisson, Acting Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Alaska Affairs

Elena Daly, Director, National Landscape Conservation System, Bureau of Land Management

Apr. 15, 2008

Impact of Energy Corridor Site Selection in the Western States

Joint Subcommittee oversight hearing on The West-side Energy Corridor Process: State and Community Impacts

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva) and the S/C on Energy and Minerals Resources (Costa)

Luke Johnson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

Apr. 12, 2008

Clean Energy for the Insular Affairs

Joint Subcommittee oversight field hearing on Charting a Clean Energy Future for the Insular Areas

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen) and S/C on Energy and Mineral Resources (Costa)

Nikolao I. Pula, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs

Apr. 9, 2008

Native American and Tribal Bills

Full Committee hearing on
S. 2457 (Lieberman), A bill to provide for extensions of leases of certain land by Mashantucket Pequot (Western) Tribe

H.R. 3490 (Radanovich), To transfer administrative jurisdiction of certain Federal lands from the Bureau of Land Management to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to take such lands into trust for Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians of the Tuolumne Rancheria

H.R. 3522 (Udall), To ratify a conveyance of a portion of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation to Rio Arriba County, State of New Mexico, pursuant to the settlement of litigation between the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Rio Arriba County, State of New Mexico, to authorize issuance of a patent for said lands, and to change the exterior boundary of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation accordingly

H.R. 5608 (Rahall), To establish regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with tribal officials in the development of Federal policies that have tribal implications, to strengthen the United States government-to-government relationships with Indian tribes, and to reduce the imposition of unfunded mandates upon Indian tribes

H.R. 5680 (Grijalva), To amend certain laws relating to Native Americans

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Jerry Gidner, Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs

James Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary

Apr. 9, 2008

National Parks Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 1633 (Byrd), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of including the battlefield and related sites of theBattle of Shepherdstown in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, as part of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park or Antietam National Battlefield

S. 1993 (Brown) and H.R. 2197 (Space), A bill to modify the boundary of the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in the State of Ohio

S. 2207 (Alexander), A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating Green McAdoo School in Clinton, Tennessee, as a unit of the National Park System

S. 2254 (Cochran), A bill to establish the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area in the State of Mississippi

S. 2262 (Domenici), A bill to authorize the Preserve America Program and Save America's Treasures Program

S. 2329 (Menendez) and H.R. 2627 (Payne), A bill to establish the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in the State of New Jersey as the successor to the Edison National Historic Site

S. 2502 (Akaka Akaka) and H.R. 3332 (Hirono), A bill to provide for the establishment of a memorial within Kalaupapa National Historical Park located on the island of Molokai, in the State ofHawaii, to honor and perpetuate the memory of those individuals who were forcibly relocated to the Kalaupapa Peninsula from 1866 to 1969

S. 2512 (Cochran), A bill to establish the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area in the State of Mississippi

H.R. 3998 (Grijalva), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct special resources studies of certain lands and structures to determine the appropriate means for preservation, use, and management of the resources associated with such lands and structures

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

P. Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Secretary

Kate Stevenson, Acting Assistant Director, Business Services, National Park Service

Apr. 8, 2008

Water and Power Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 31 (Issa), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Wildomar Service Area Recycled Water Distribution Facilities and Alberhill Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Facility Projects

H.R. 716 (Woolsey), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Santa Rosa Urban Water Reuse Plan

H.R. 786 (Sanchez), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Los Angeles County Water Supply Augmentation Demonstration Project

H.R. 813 (Miller), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Prado Basin Natural Treatment System Project, to authorize the Secretary to carry out a program to assist agencies in projects to construct regional brine lines in California, to authorize the Secretary to participate in the Lower Chino Dairy Area desalination demonstration and reclamation project

H.R. 1140 (Calvert), To authorize the Secretary, in cooperation with the City of San Juan Capistrano, California, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of an advanced water treatment plant facility andrecycled water system

H.R. 1503 (Grijalva), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Avra/Black Wash Reclamation and Riparian Restoration Project

H.R. 1725 (Bono Mack), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Rancho California Water District Southern Riverside County Recycled/Non-Potable Distribution Facilities and Demineralization/Desalination Recycled Water Treatment and Reclamation Facility Project

H.R. 1737 (Capps), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of permanent facilities for the GREAT project to reclaim, reuse, and treat impaired waters in the area of Oxnard, California

H.R. 2614 (Calvert), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in certain water projects in California

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Johnson)

Kris Polly, Deputy Commissioner for External and Intergovernmental Affairs, Bureau of Reclamation

Apr. 1, 2008

Forest Restoration

Full Committee hearing on
S. 2593 (Bingaman), a bill to establish a program at the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior, to carry out collaborative ecological restoration treatments for priority forest landscapes on public land

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

Mar. 28, 2008

Uranium Mining Near Grand Canyon

Subcommittee oversight field hearing on The Impacts of Proposed Uranium Mining Near Grand Canyon National Park

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Stephen P. Martin, Superintendent, Grand Canyon National Park, National Park Service

Mar. 26, 2008

Large-Scale Carbon Capture

Subcommittee oversight field hearing on the challenges associated with rapid deployment of large-scale carbon capture and storage technologies

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Energy (Dorgan)

Tim Spisak, Division Chief, Fluid Minerals, Bureau of Land Management

Mar. 25, 2008

Drought on Georgia's Economy

Full Committee oversight field hearing on The Impact of the 2006-2007 Drought on Georgia's Economy

House Small Business Committee (Velazquez)

Sam Hamilton, Regional Director, Southeast Region, Fish and Wildlife Service

Mar. 17, 2008

Law and Order in Indian Country

Full Committee oversight field hearing on Law and Order in Indian Country

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Carl Artman, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Mar. 14, 2008

Native American Land Claims

Full Committee hearing on
H.R. 2176 (Stupak), to provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Bay Mills Indian Community

H.R. 4115 (Dingell), to provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

House Judiciary Committee (Conyers, Jr.)

Carl Artman, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Mar. 13, 2008

Water Rights and Construction Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 317 (Salazar), To authorize the construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit in the State of Colorado

H.R. 4841 (Bono Mack), To approve, ratify, and confirm the settlement agreement entered into to resolve claims by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians relating to alleged interences with the water resources of the Tribe, to authorize and direct the Secretary of the Interior to execute and perform the Settlement Agreement and related waivers

H.R. 5293 (Heller), To approve the settlement of the water rights claims of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Nevada, to require the Secretary of the Interior to carry out the settlement

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Majel Russell, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Statement for the Record, Bureau of Reclamation

Mar. 13, 2008

Old-GrowthForest Management in the Pacific Northwest

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Old-Growth Forest Management in the Pacific Northwest

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Public Lands and Forests (Wyden)

Jim Caswell, Director, Bureau of Land Management

Mar. 13, 2008

Off-Highway Vehicle Use on Federal Lands

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Off-Highway Vehicle Use on Federal Lands

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands

Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

Mar. 12, 2008

Abandoned Mine Lands and Uranium Mining

Full Committee oversight hearing on Hardrock Mining: Issues Relating to Abandoned Mine Lands and Uranium Mining

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

Mar. 11, 2008

Animal Protection Bills

House Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 5534 (Grijalva), To amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to extend its protections to bears illegally harvested for their viscera in the same manner as with respect to prohibited wildlife species

H.R. 2964 (Johnson), To amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to treat nonhuman primates as prohibited wildlife species under that Act, to make corrections in the provisions relating to captive wildlife offenses under that Act

House Natural Resource S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Benito Perez, Chief, Office of Law Enforcement, Fish and Wildlife Service

Mar. 11, 2008

Federal Oil and Gas Royalty System

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Getting Royalties Right: Recent Recommendations for Improving the Federal Oil & Gas Royalty System." The Subcommittee will review recommendations from policy experts, the Government Accountability Office and the Inspector General's office for improving the Federal oil and gas royalty system in light of the recent report to the Minerals Management Service's Royalty Policy Committee entitled Mineral Revenue Collection from Federal and Indian Lands and the Outer Continental Shelf

House Natural Resources S/C on Energy and Mineral Resources (Costa)

Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management (Slides)

Randall Luthi, Director, Minerals Management Service

Mar. 11, 2008

Drought in Southeastern U.S.

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Comprehensive Watershed Management and Planning: Drought-related Issues in the Southeastern United States

House Transportation and Infrastructure S/C on Water Resources and Environment (Johnson)

Sam Hamilton, Regional Director, Southeast Region, Fish and Wildlife Service

Jess D. Weaver, Regional Executive, Southeast Area, U.S. Geological Survey

Mar. 6, 2008

Condition of Local Indian Facilities

Full Committee oversight hearing on The State of Facilities in Indian Country – jails, schools, and health facilities

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Jack Rever, Director, Office of Facilities, Environmental, and Cultural Resources, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Mar. 6, 2008

Land and Conservation Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H. Res. 807 (Ros-Lehtinen), Honoring the life of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, champion of the Florida Everglades and founder of Florida's environmental movement

H.R. 877 (Delahunt), To amend the Adams National Historical Park Act of 1998 to include the Quincy Homestead within the boundary of the Adams National Historical Park

H.R. 1423 (Visclosky), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease a portion of a visitor center to be constructed outside the boundary of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Porter County, Indiana

H.R. 1693 (Payne), To authorize National Mall Liberty Fund D.C. to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia at Constitution Gardens previously approved to honor free persons and slaves who fought for independence, liberty, and justice for all during the American Revolution

H.R. 3651 (Bishop), To require the conveyance of certain public land within the boundaries of Camp Williams, Utah, to support the training and readiness of the Utah National Guard

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Katherine H. Stevenson, Acting Assistant Director, Business Services, National Park Service

Mar. 5, 2008

Impacts of Illegal Wildlife Trade

Full Committee oversight hearing on the impact of illegal trade of wildlife on national security and natural resource conservation and the role of wildlife trafficking in inciting corruption, violence, and instability world wide, while simultaneously undermining American security

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Benito Perez, Chief, Office of Law Enforcement, Fish and Wildlife Service

Feb. 28, 2008

Water and Power Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 177 (Inhofe) and H.R. 2085 (Fallin), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the McGee Creek Authority certain facilities of the McGee Creek Project, Oklahoma

S. 1473 (Feinstein) and H.R. 1855 (Radanovich), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Madera Irrigation District for purposes of supporting the Madera Water Supply Enhancement Project

S. 1474 (Feinstein) and H.R. 1139 (Calvert), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to plan, design and construct facilities to provide water for irrigation, municipal, domestic, and other uses from the Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin, Santa Ana River, California

S. 1929 (Kyl), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to conduct a feasibility study of water augmentation alternatives in the Sierra Vista Subwatershed

S. 2370 (Bingaman), A bill to clear title to certain real property in New Mexico associated with the Middle Rio Grande Project

H.R. 2381 (Kind), To promote Department of the Interior efforts to provide a scientific basis for the management of sediment and nutrient loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Johnson)

Robert Quint, Director, of Operations, Bureau of Reclamation

Feb. 28, 2008

Banning Asbestos in Products

Subcommittee oversight hearing on
S. 742 (Murray), An act to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the health risks posed by asbestos-containing materials and products having asbestos-containing material and Draft Legislation to Ban Asbestos in Products

House Energy and Commerce S/C on Environment and Hazardous Materials (Wynn)

Gregory Meeker, Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey

Feb. 28, 2008

FY 2009 Budget: Office of Insular Affairs

Subcommittee oversight hearing on FY 2009 budget request for the Department of Interior's Office of Insular Affairs

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

Nikolao Pula, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs

Feb. 28, 2008

FY 2009 Budget Request: Mineral-Related Agencies and Programs

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the FY 2009 budget request for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Minerals Management Service (MMS), Office of Surface Mining and Enforcement (OSMRE), the Minerals and Geology Program of the Forest Service and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), except for the activities and programs of the Water Resources Division

House Natural Resources S/C on Energy and Minerals Resources (Costa)

Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

Randall Luthi, Director, Minerals Management Service

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Robert Doyle, Deputy Director, United States Geological Survey

Feb. 28, 2008

Minimum Wage in U.S. Territories

Full Committee oversight hearing on the impact of increased minimum wages on the economies of American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Nikolao Pula, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs

Feb. 27, 2008

Public Lands Bills

Full Committee hearing on
S. 832 (Hatch), A bill to provide for the sale of approximately 25 acres of public land to the Turnabout Ranch, Escalante, Utah, at fair market value

S. 2229 (Barrasso), A bill to withdraw certain Federal land in the Wyoming Range from leasing and provide an opportunity to retire certain leases in the Wyoming Range

S. 2379 (Smith), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to cancel certain grazing leases on land in Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument that are voluntarily waived by the lessees, to provide for the exchange of certain Monument land in exchange for private land, to designate certain Monument land as wilderness

H.R.523 (Hastings), To require the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain public land located wholly orpartially within the boundaries of the Wells Hydroelectric Project of Public Utility District No. 1 of Douglas County, Washington, to the utility district

H.R. 838 (Bishop), To provide for the conveyance of the Bureau of Land Management parcels known as the White Acre and Gambel Oak properties and related real property to Park City, Utah

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Luke Johnson, Deputy Director for Programs and Policy, Bureau of Land Management

Feb. 27, 2008

FY 2009 Budget Request: National Parks, Forests and Public Lands

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the on the FY 2009 budget request for the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Jim Hughes, Acting Director, Bureau of Land Management

Feb. 27, 2008

Indian Tribe Land

Full Committee oversight hearing on the Department of Interior's recently released guidance on taking land into trust for Indian Tribes and its ramifications

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Carl Artman, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Feb. 26, 2008

FY 2009 Budget Request: NOAA and FWS

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the FY 2009 budget request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans (Bordallo)

Kenneth Stansell, Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Feb. 26, 2008

FY 2009 Budget Request: Water, Reclamation and Power Agencies

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the FY 2009 budget request for the Bureau of Reclamation, the Federal Power Marketing Administrations, and the Water Resources Division of the United States Geological Survey

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Feb. 22, 2008

Effects of Minimum Wage Increases

Subcommittee oversight field hearing on The Economic Effects of the Recently Increased Minimum Wage

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

Nikolao Pula, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs

Feb. 14, 2008

FY 2009 Budget Request: Indian Affairs

Full Committee oversight hearing on the FY 2009 budget request for Tribal Programs

Senate Indian Committee (Dorgan)

Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Feb. 14, 2008

FY 2009 Budget Request: DOI

Full Committee oversight hearing on the FY 2009 budget request for the Department of the Interior

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary

Feb. 13, 2008

FY 2009 Budget Request: DOI

Full Committee oversight hearing on the FY 2009 budget request for the Department of the Interior

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary

Feb. 6, 2008

Indian Lands Bills

Full Committee hearing on
H.R. 2176 (Stupak), To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Bay Mills Indian Community

H.R. 4115 (Dingell), To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Carl Artman, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Jan. 31, 2008

Carbon Capture, Transportation, and Sequestration

Full Committee hearing on the regulatory aspects of carbon capture, transportation, sequestration and two related bills:

S. 2323 (Kerry), A bill to provide for the conduct of carbon capture and storage technology research, development, and demonstration projects, and for other purposes

S. 2144 (Coleman), A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study of feasibility relating to the construction and operation of pipelines and carbon dioxide sequestration facilities, and for other purposes

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management

Jan. 30, 2008

Threats to Polar Bears

Full Committee oversight hearing on the Examining Threats and Protections for the Polar Bear

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (Boxer)

Dale Hall, Director, Fish and Wildlife Service

Jan. 19, 2008

California Water Issues

Subcommittee oversight hearing on The Immediate Federal and State Role in Addressing Uncertain Water Deliveries for California and the Impacts on California Communities

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Robert W. Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Jan. 24, 2008

Mining Law Revision

Full Committee oversight hearing on Reform of the Mining Law of 1872

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

Deborah Gibbs Tschudy, Deputy Associate Director, Minerals Revenue, Management, Minerals Management Service

Jan. 23, 2008

Water Quality in the Great Lakes

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Progress Towards Improving Water Quality in the Great Lakes

House Transportation and Infrastructure S/C on Water and Resources and Environment (Johnson)

Charles Wooley, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Jan. 17, 2008

On Thin Ice: The Future of the Polar Bear

Select Committee hearing on the future of the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act and the Department's recent decision to open polar bear habitats off Alaska to new oil drilling

House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming (Markey)

Dale Hall, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Randall Luthi, Director, Minerals Management Service

Dec. 13, 2007

Forest Restoration and Underbrush Clearing

Subcommittee oversight hearing on forest restoration and hazardous fuels reduction efforts in the forests of Oregon and Washington

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Public Lands and Forests (Wyden)

Jim Caswell, Director, Bureau of Land Management

Dec. 12, 2007

Commercial Filming in National Parks

Full Committee oversight hearing on New Fees for Filming and Photography on Public Lands

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Mitchell J. Butler, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks

Dec. 11, 2007

Water Management

Full Committee hearing on
S. 2156 (Bingaman), A bill to authorize and facilitate the improvement of water management by the Bureau of Reclamation, to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to increase the acquisition and analysis of water resources for irrigation, hydroelectric power, municipal, and environmental uses

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Robert M. Hirsch, Associate Director for Water, U.S. Geological Survey

Dec. 4, 2007

New Madrid Seismic Zone

Subcommittee oversight hearing on The New Madrid Seismic Zone: Whose Fault is it, Anyway?

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs S/C on State, Local, and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration (Pryor)

David Applegate, Senior Science Advisor for Earthquake and Geologic Hazards, U.S. Geological Survey

Nov. 27, 2007

Southern California Wildfires

Appropriations Subcommittee oversight field hearing on policy and budget issues raised by the catastrophic 2007 Southern California wildfires

Senate Appropriations S/C on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (Feinstein)

Dr. Jon E. Keeley, Western Ecological Research Center, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, U.S. Geological Survey

Nov. 14, 2007

Alaska and Native American Bills

Full Committee hearing on
H.R. 2445 (Young), To amend that Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to recognize Alexander Creek as Native village

H.R. 3350 (Young), To amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide for equitable allotment of landsto Alaska Native veterans

H.R. 3351 (Young), To adapt the lessons of foreign aid to underdeveloped economies to the provision of Federal economic development assistance to similarly situated remote Native American communities

H.R. 3560 (Young), To provide for the completion of certain land selections under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Michael Nedd, Assistant Director, Minerals, Realty and Resource Protection, Bureau of Land Management

Nov. 13, 2007

Wilderness Legislation

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 2334 (Udall), To designate as wilderness certain land within the Rocky Mountain National Park and to adjust the boundaries of the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Arapaho National Recreation Area of the Arapaho National Forest in the State of Colorado

H.R. 2632 (Udall), To establish the Sabinoso Wilderness Area in San Miguel County, New Mexico

H.R. 3682 (Bono), To designate certain Federal lands in Riverside County, California, as wilderness, to designate certain river segments in Riverside County as a wild, scenic, or recreational river, to adjust the boundary of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forest and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Elena Daly, Director, National Landscape Conservation System, Bureau of Land Management

Nov. 13, 2007

Surface Mining Policy

Full Committee oversight hearing on the The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977: Policy Issues Thirty Years Later

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Brent Wahlquist, Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Nov. 8, 2007

National Parks Bills

Subcommittee hearing
S. 1365 (Kerry), A bill to amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements with any of the management partners of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

S. 1449 (Salazar), A bill to establish the Rocky Mountain Science Collections Center to assist in preserving the archeological, anthropological, paleontological, zoological, and geologic artifacts and archival documentation from the Rocky Mountain region through the construction of an on-site, secure collections facility for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Denver, Colorado

S. 1921 (Webb), A bill to amend the American Battlefield Protection Act of 1996 toextend the authorization for that Act

S. 1941 (Lincoln), A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating the Wolf House, located in Norfolk, Arkansas, as a unit of the National Park System

S. 1961 (Sessions), A bill to expand the boundaries of the Little River Canyon National Preserve in the State of Alabama

S. 1991 (Bunning), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of extending the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to include additional sites associated with the preparation and return phases of the expedition

S. 2098 (Dorgan), A bill to establish the Northern Plains Heritage Area in the State of North Dakota

H.R. 1191 (Renzi), To authorize the National Park Service to pay for services rendered by subcontractors under a General Services Administration Indefinite Deliver/Indefinite Quantity Contract issued for work to be completed at the Grand Canyon National Park

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

Katherine H. Stevenson, Acting Assistant, Business Services, National Park Services

Nov. 8, 2007

Indian Self-Governance

Full Committee hearing on
H.R. 3994 (Boren), To amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide further self-governance by Indian tribes

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Jim Cason, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Nov. 7, 2007

Carbon Sequestration

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the research and development efforts to safely and efficiently sequester carbon dioxide

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation S/C on Science, Technology, and Innovation (Kerry)

Dr. Robert C. Burruss, Research Geologist, Energy Resources Team, U.S. Geological Survey

Nov. 1, 2007

Arizona Land Exchange

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 3301 (Pastor), To authorize and direct the exchange and conveyance of certain National Forest land and other land in southeast Arizona

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Luke Johnson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

Oct. 31, 2007

Oil and Gas Development

Full Committee oversight hearing on the applicability of federal requirements that protect public health and the environment to oil and gas development

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee (Waxman)

Robert Anderson, Deputy Assistant Director for Minerals, Realty and Resource Protection, Bureau of Land Management

Oct. 31, 2007

Alaska Land Bill

Full Committee hearing on
H.R. 2801 (Young), To provide for the inclusion of certain non-Federal land in the Izembek and Alaska Peninsula Wildlife Refuges and Wilderness in the State of Alaska and for the granting of a right-of-way for safe and reliable access for the Native Village of King Cove, Alaska

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

H. Dale Hall, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Oct. 30, 2007

Parks Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 415 (Frank), To amend the Wild and ScenicRivers Act to designate segments of the Taunton River in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

H.R. 1143 (Christensen), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands in Virgin Islands National Park

H.R. 1286 Hinchey), To amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Washington-RochambeauRevolutionary Route National Historic Trail

H.R. 1545 (Fortuno), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a boundary study to evaluate the significance of Fort San Geronimo and other related resources in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the suitability and feasibility of their inclusion in the National Park System as part of the San Juan National Historic Site

H.R. 1836 (Shays), To amend the acquisition authority for land for the development of visitor and administrative facilities at Weir Farm National Historic Site in the State of Connecticut

H.R. 3022 (Costa), To designate the John Krebs Wilderness in the State of California, to add certain land to the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Wilderness

H.R. 3120 (Wasserman), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Stranahan House in Broward County, Florida

H.R. 3265 (Skelton), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site, in Lamar, Missouri

H.R. 3616 (Emerson), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determinethe suitability and feasibility of extending the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to include additional sites associated with the preparation and return phases of the expedition

H.R. 3821 (Rahall), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of sites and resources at Matewan, West Virginia, associated with the Battle of Matewan to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating certain historic areas as a unit of the National Park System

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Karen Taylor-Goodrich, Associate Director, Visitor and Resource Protection, National Park Service

Oct. 24, 2007

Water Projects and Systems

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 496 (Walden), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to assist in the planning, design, and construction of the Tumalo Irrigation District WaterConservation Project in Deschutes County, Oregon

H.R. 3323 (Capps), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey a water distribution system to the Goleta Water District

H.R. 3437 (Salazar), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to carry out the Jackson Gulch rehabilitation project in the State of Colorado

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Oct. 23, 2007

Environmental and Health Impact of Uranium Mining on Navajo Lands

Full Committee oversight hearing on the adversehealth and environmental impacts experienced by the Navajo people in the aftermath of decades of uranium mining and processing conducted in and around the Navajo reservation in order to meet the federal government's need for nuclear weapons material

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee (Waxman)

Jerry Gidner, Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Oct. 23, 2007

Public Lands Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 816 (Porter), Toprovide for the release of certain land from the Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area in the State of Nevada and to grant a right-of-way across the released land for the construction and maintenance of a flood control project

H.R. 1311 (Berkley), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey the Alta-Hualapai Site to the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, for the development of a cancer treatmentfacility

H.R. 1922 (Mahoney), To designate the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and the surrounding Federal land in the State of Florida as an Outstanding Natural Area and as a unit of the National Landscape System

H.R. 2246 (Heller), To validate certain conveyances made by the Union Pacific Railroad Company of lands located in Reno, Nevada, that were originally conveyed by the UnitedStates to facilitate construction of transcontinental railroads

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Michael Nedd, Assistant Director, Minerals, Realty and Resource Protection, Bureau of Land Management

Oct. 18, 2007

Parks and Lands Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 1975 (Maloney), To designate certain National Forest System lands and public lands under thejurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior in the States of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, wildland recovery areas, and biological connecting corridors

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

Oct. 17, 2007

Global Warming and Permanently Frozen Ground

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Disappearing Polar Bears and Permafrost: Is a Global Warming Tipping Point Embedded in the Ice?

House Science and Technology S/C on Investigations and Oversight (Miller)

Dr. Susan D. Haseline, Associate Director for Biology, U.S. Geological Survey

Oct. 11, 2007

Environmental Threats to the Great Basin

Subcommittee oversight field hearing on the major environmental threats to the Great Basin in the 21^st century

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Public Lands and Forests (Wyden)

Jayne Belnap, Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey

Mike Pellant, Great Basin Restoration Initiative Coordinator, Bureau of Land Management

Oct. 9, 2007

National Wildlife Refuges

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the Implementation of the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act: Has the Promise Been Fulfilled?

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Dale Hall, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Oct. 4, 2007

Interior Department Backlog of Indian Lands Issues

Full Committee oversight hearing on Backlogs at the Department of the Interior: Land in to Trust Applications; Environmental Impact Statements; Probate; Appraisals and Lease Approvals

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Oct. 3, 2007

Indian Tribal Recognition

Full Committee hearing on
H.R. 2837 (Falemavaega), To provide for administrative procedures to extend Federal recognition to certain Indian groups

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Sep. 28, 2007

Pandemic Preparedness

Subcommittee oversight hearing on The Role of Federal Executive Boards in Pandemic Preparedness

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs S/C on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce and the District of Columbia (Akaka)

Raymond Morris, Executive Director, Minnesota Federal Executive Board, National Business Center

Sep. 27, 2007

Parks Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 128 (Allard), A bill to amend the Cache La Poudre River Corridor Act to designate a new management entity, make certain technical and conforming amendments, enhance private property protections

S. 148 (autenberg), A bill to establish the Paterson Great Falls National Park in the State of New Jersey

S. 189 (Levin), A bill to decrease the matching funds requirements and authorize additional appropriations for Keweenaw National Historical Park in the State of Michigan

S. 697 (Specter), A bill to establish the Steel Industry National Historic Site in the State of Pennsylvania

S. 867 (Kennedy) and H.R. 299 (Meehan), A bill to adjust the boundary of Lowell National Historical Park, and for other purposes

S. 1039 (Lautenberg), A bill to extend the authorization for the Coastal Heritage Trail in the State of New Jersey

S. 1341 (Kyl Kyl), A bill to provide for the exchange of certain Bureau of Land Management land in Pima County, Arizona

S. 1476 (Feinstein), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct special resources study of the Tule Lake Segregation Center in Modoc County, California, to determine suitability and feasibility of establishing a unit of the National Park System

S. 1709 (Biden) and H.R. 1239 (Hastings), A bill to amend the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998 to provide additional staff and oversight of funds to carry out the Act

S. 1808 (Murkowski), A bill to authorize the exchange of certain land in Denali National Park in the State of Alaska

S. 1969 Hatch), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating Estate Grange and other sites related to Alexander Hamilton's life on the island of St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands as a unit of the National Park System

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

Daniel N. Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service

Sep. 27, 2007

Aquatic Nuisance Species

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Aquatic Nuisance Species and Activities of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Dr. Mamie Parker, Assistant Director for Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Sep. 27, 2007

Land and Memorial Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 830 (Young), To authorize the exchange of certain lands in Denali National Park in the State of Alaska

H.R. 2094 (Moore), To provide for certain administrative and support services for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission

H.R. 3111 (Miller), To provide for the administration of Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial as a unit of the National Park System

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

William D. Shaddox, Acting Associate Director, Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands, National Park Service

Sep. 26, 2007

National Geothermal Initiative

Full Committee hearing on
S. 1543 (Bingaman), A bill to establish a national geothermal initiative to encourage increased production of energy from geothermal resources

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Dr. Mark D. Myers, U.S. Geological Survey

Sep. 25, 2007

Reclamation Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 123 (Dreier), To authorize appropriations for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund

H.R. 2498 (Costa), To provide for a study regarding development of a comprehensive integrated regional water management plan that would address four general areas of regional water planning in both the San Joaquin River Hydrologic Region and the Tulare Lake Hydrologic Region, inclusive of Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Counties, California, and to provide that such plan be the guide by which those counties use as a mechanism to address and solve long-term water needs in a sustainable and equitable manner

H.R. 2535 (Nunes), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility and suitability of constructing a storage reservoir, outlet works, and a delivery system for the Tule River Indian Tribe of California to provide a water supply for domestic, municipal, industrial, and agricultural purposes

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Robert Quint, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Sep. 25, 2007

Marshall Islands Nuclear Testing Compensation

Full Committee hearing on
S. 1756 (Bingaman), A bill to provide supplemental ex gratia compensation to the Republic of the Marshall Islands for impacts of the nuclear testing program of the United States

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Thomas Bussanich, Acting Director, Office of Insular Affairs

Sep. 24, 2007

Climate Change and Wildfires

Full Committee oversight hearing on the scientific assessments of the impacts of global climate change on wildfire activity in the United States

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

U.S. Geological Survey, Statement for the Record

Sep. 20, 2007

Public Lands Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 1143 (Nelson), A bill to designate the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and the surrounding Federal land in the State of Florida as an Outstanding Natural Area and as a unit of the National Landscape System

S. 1377 (Reid), A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the City of Henderson, Nevada, certain Federal land located in the City

S. 1433 (Murkowski), A bill to amend the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to provide competitive status to certain Federal employees in the State of Alaska

S. 1608 and H.R. 815 (Ensign), A bill to provide for the conveyance of certain land in Clark County, Nevada, for use by the Nevada National Guard

S. 1740 (Conrad), A bill to amend the Act of February 22, 1889, and the Act of July 2, 1862, to provide for the management of public land trust funds in the State of North Dakota

S. 1939 (Bingaman), A bill to provide for the conveyance of certain land in the Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico

S. 1940 (Bingaman), A bill to reauthorize the Rio Puerco Watershed Management Program, and for other purposes

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Public Lands and Forests (Wyden)

Michael Nedd, Assistant Director for Mineral, Realty & Resource Protection, Bureau of Land Management

Sep. 19, 2007

Protecting the Everglades

Subcommittee oversight hearing on The Everglades: Protecting Natural Treasures through International Organization

Senate Foreign Relations S/C on International Operations and Organizations, Democracy and Human Rights (Nelson)

Todd Willens, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks

Sep. 19, 2007

Diversifying Native Economics

Full Committee oversight hearing on Diversifying Native Economies

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Dr. Robert W. Middleton, Director, Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, Office of the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Sep. 19, 2007

Recognition of Indian Tribes

Full Committee oversight hearing on the process of federal recognition of Indian tribes

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

R. Lee Fleming, Director, Office of Federal Acknowledgement, Office of the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Sep. 18, 2007

Statue of Liberty National Monument

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the Operation of the Statue of Liberty National Monument

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Daniel N. Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service

Sep. 18, 2007

River Restoration and Pipeline Conveyance Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 2085 (Fallin), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the McGee Creek Authority certain facilities of the McGee Creek Project, Oklahoma

H.R. 2733 (Thompson), To establish the Trinity River Restoration Fund

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Sep. 11, 2007

Parks Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 127 (Allard), A bill to amend the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act of 2000 to explain the purpose and provide for the administration of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge

S. 327 (McCain) and H.R. 359 (Solis), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of sites associated with the life of Cesar Estrada Chavez and the farm labor movement

S. 868 (Kennedy), A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Taunton River in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

S. 1051 (Dodd), A bill to authorize National Mall Liberty Fund D.C. to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia at Constitution Gardens previously approved to honor free persons and slaves who fought for independence, liberty, and justice for all during the American Revolution

S. 1184 and H.R. 1021 (Kennedy), A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resources study regarding the suitability and feasibility of designating certain historic buildings and areas in Taunton, Massachusetts, as a unit of the National Park System

S. 1247 (Lieberman), A bill to amend the Weir Farm National Historic Site Establishment Act of 1990 to limit the development of any property acquired by the Secretary of the Interior for the development of visitor and administrative facilities for the Weir Farm National Historic Site

S. 1304 (McCain), A bill to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Arizona National Scenic Trail

S. 1329 (Collins), A bill to extend the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission, to provide improved visitor services at the park

H.R. 759 (Engel), To redesignate the Ellis Island Library on the third floor of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, located on Ellis Island in New York Harbor, as the "Bob Hope Memorial Library"

H.R. 807 (Gohmert), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the feasibility and suitability of establishing a memorial to the Space Shuttle Columbia in the State of Texas and for its inclusion as a unit of the National Park System

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

Daniel N. Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service

Sep. 6, 2007

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Industry

Full Committee oversight hearing on An Examination of the Potential Human Health, Water Quality, and Other Impacts of the Confined Animal Feeding Operation Industry

Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (Boxer)

Robert M. Hirsch, Associate Director for Water U.S. Geological Survey

Sep. 6, 2007

Species Conservation Bills

Subcommittee hearing on

H.R. 1464 (Udall ), To assist in the conservation of rare felids and rare canids by supporting and providing financial resources for the conservation programs of nations within the range of rare felid and rare canid populations and projects of persons with demonstrated expertise in the conservation of rare felid and rare canid populations

H.R. 1771 (Baldwin), To assist in the conservation of cranes by supporting and providing, through projects of persons and organizations with expertise in crane conservation, financial resources for the conservation programs of countries the activities of which directly or indirectly affect cranes and the ecosystems of cranes

H.R. 1913 (Brown), To assist in the conservation of great cats by supporting and providing financial resources for the conservation programs of nations within the range of great cats and projects of persons with demonstrated expertise in the conservation of great cats

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Todd Willens, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks

Aug. 23, 2007

ESA Impacts on Oil and Gas Industry

Full Committee oversight field hearing on A Perspective on the Endangered Species Act's Impacts on the Oil and Gas Industry

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (Boxer)

Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, Regional Director, Southwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Aug. 15, 2007

Covenant With Northern Mariana Islands

Subcommittee field hearing on
H.R. 3079 (Christensen), To amend the Joint Resolution Approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

David B. Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs

Aug. 14, 2007

Rural Water Supply Act and New Mexico Rural Water Supply Project

Full Committee Oversight field hearing on the Bureau of Reclamation's implementation of the Rural Water Program Act of 2006, and federal, state , and local efforts to plan and develop the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Supply Project

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Dave Sabo, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region

Aug. 13, 2007

Military Build-up on Guam

Subcommittee Oversight field hearing on U.S. Military Buildup on Guam and Challenges Facing the Community

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

David B. Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs

Aug. 2, 2007

National Park Centennial Challenge

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 1253 (Bingaman), A bill to establish a fund for the National Park Centennial Challenge

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

Mary Bomar, Director, National Park Service

Aug. 2, 2007

National Park Centennial Challenge

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 2959 (Bishop), To establish a fund for the National Park Centennial Challenge

H.R. 3094 (Grijalva), To establish in the Treasury of the United States a fund which shall be known as the National Park Centennial Fund

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Mary Bomar, Director, National Park Service

Aug. 1, 2007

Water Project Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 1054 and H.R. 122 (Feinstein), A bill to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Inland Empire regional recycling project and in the Cucamonga Valley Water District recycling project

S. 1472 (Feinstein), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to create a Bureau of Reclamation partnership with the North Bay Water Reuse Authority and other regional partners to achieve objectives relating to water supply, water quality, and environmental restoration

S. 1475 (Feinstein), A bill to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program

H.R. 30 (Issa), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Eastern Municipal Water District Recycled Water System Pressurization and Expansion Project

H.R. 609 (Edwards), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Central Texas Water Recycling and Reuse Project3

H.R. 1175 (Sanchez), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to increase the ceiling on the Federal share of the costs of phase I of the Orange County, California, Regional Water Reclamation Project

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Johnson)

Larry Todd, Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Jul. 31, 2007

Administration Influence on Science

Full Committee oversight hearing to examine the role that elected officials and political appointees within the Administration have played in the scientific decision making processes under the Endangered Species Act and other laws governing the conservation and management of our nation's natural resources

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

H. Dale Hall, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Jul. 26, 2007

Conservation and Restoration of Waterways and Dams

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 300 (Kyl), A bill to authorize appropriations for the Bureau of Reclamation to carry out the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program in the States of Arizona, California, and Nevada

S. 1258 (Cantwell), A bill to amend the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to authorize improvements for the security of dams and other facilities

S. 1477 (Salazar Salazar), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to carry out the Jackson Gulch rehabilitation project in the State of Colorado

S. 1522 (Wyden), A bill to amend the Bonneville Power Administration portions of the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act of 2000 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2008 through 2014

H.R. 1025 (Moran), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of implementing a water supply and conservation project to improve water supply reliability, increase the capacity of water storage, and improve water management efficiency in the Republican River Basin between Harlan County Lake in Nebraska and Milford Lake in Kansas

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Johnson)

Larry Todd, Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Administration and Budget

Jul. 26, 2007

Transition Payments to Rural Schools

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 3058 (DeFazio), To amend chapter 69 of title 31, United States Code, to provide full payments under such chapter to units of general local government in which entitlement land is located, to provide transitional payments during fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to those States and counties previously entitled to payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Julie Jacobson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management

Jul. 26, 2007

Minerals on Public Lands

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 2262 (Rahall), To modify the requirements applicable to locatable minerals on public domain lands, consistent with the principles of self-initiation of mining claims

House Natural Resources S/C on Energy and Mineral Resources (Costa)

Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

Jul. 25, 2007

Compact of Free Association with the Marshall Islands

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands: Are Changes Needed?

House Foreign Affairs S/C on Asia, The Pacific, and The Global Environment (Faleomavaega)

David Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs

Jul. 25, 2007

Surface Mining and Reclamation

Full Committee oversight hearing on The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977: A 30^th Anniversary Review

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Earl Brandy, Chief, Applicant Violator System Office, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Jul. 24, 2007

Water Project, Species Conservation Bill

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 1970 (Udall), To amend the Colorado River Storage Project Act and Public Law 87-483 to authorize the construction and rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Northwestern New Mexico, to authorize the use of the reclamation fund to fund the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund, to authorize the conveyance of certain Reclamation land and infrastructure, to authorize the Commissioner of Reclamation to provide for the delivery of water

H.R. 2515 (Heller), To authorize appropriations for the Bureau of Reclamation to carry out the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program in the States of Arizona, California, and Nevada

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Robert Johnson, Commissioner, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

W. Patrick Ragsdale, Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs(H.R. 1970)

Jul. 24, 2007

Compact of Free Association with the Marshall Islands

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Implementation of the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

David Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs

Jul. 19, 2007

Parks Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 783 (Salazar), To modify the boundary of Mesa Verde National Park, and for other purposes

H.R. 1266 (Boozman ), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a resource study along the "Ox-Bow Route" of the Butterfield Overland Trail in the States of Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California

H.R. 1674 (Spratt), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating the site of the Battle of Camden in South Carolina, as a unit of the National Park System

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva)

William D. Shaddox, Acting Associate Director, Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands, National Park Service

Jul. 19, 2007

Covenant with Northern Mariana Islands

Full Committee hearing on
S. 1634 (Akaka), A bill 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

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

David Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs

Jul. 12, 2007

National Parks, Memorials and Other Protected Areas Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 488 and H.R. 1100 (Dole), A bill to revise the boundary of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in the State of North Carolina

S. 617 (Smith), A bill to make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available at a discount to certain veterans

S. 824 and H.R. 995 (Thune), A bill to amend Public Law 106-348 to extend the authorization for establishing a memorial in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor veterans who became disabled while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States

S. 955 (Durbin), A bill to establish the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area

S. 1148 (Clinton), A bill to establish the Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission and the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission

S. 1182 (Dodd), A bill to amend the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor Act of 1994 to increase the authorization of appropriations and modify the date on which the authority of the Secretary of the Interior terminates under the Act

S. 1380 (Salazar), A bill to designate as wilderness certain land within the Rocky Mountain National Park and to adjust the boundaries of the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Arapaho National Recreation Area of the Arapaho National Forest in the State of Colorado

S. 1728 (Akaka), To amend the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to reauthorize the Na Hoa Pili O Kaloko-Honokohau Advisory Commission Reauthorization Act of 2007

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

Katherine H. Stevenson, Assistant Director, Business Services, National Park Service

Jul. 12, 2007

Parks and Water Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 105 (Davis), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Northern Neck National Heritage Area in Virginia

H.R. 1083 (English), To amend the Act establishing the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area in order to include Butler County, Pennsylvania, within the boundaries of that heritage area

H.R. 1145 (Cramer), To establish the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area in the State of Alabama, and for other purposes

H.R. 1297 (Olver), To establish the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area in the States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire

H.R. 1815 (LoBiondo), To extend the authorization for the Coastal Heritage Trail in the State of New Jersey

H.R. 1885 (Grijalva), To establish the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area in the State of Arizona

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Janet Snyder Matthews, Associate Director, Cultural Resources, National Park Service

Jul. 12, 2007

Transportation Issues in Indian Country

Full Committee oversight hearing on Transportation Issues in Indian Country

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Jerry Gidner, Deputy Director, Office of Indian Services

Jul. 12, 2007

Energy and Interior Department Nominations

Full Committee hearing is to consider the nominations of
Clarence H. Albright, of South Carolina, to be Under Secretary of Energy

Lisa E. Epifani, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs

James L. Caswell, of Idaho, to be Director of the Bureau of Land Management

Brent T. Wahlquist,of Pennsylvania, to be Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

James L. Caswell, Nominee

Brent T. Wahlquist, Nominee

Jul 11, 2007

American Indian Bills

Full Committee hearing on
S. 375 (Smith), A bill to waive application of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to a specific parcel of real property transferred by the United States to 2 Indian tribes in the State of Oregon

H.R. 1696 (Reyes), To amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that Tribe

H.R. 2863 (DeFazio), To authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe of the State of Oregon to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe

H.R. __ (Kildee), To authorize the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Indians of the State of Michigan to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Micheal R. Smith, Deputy Bureau Director, Field Operations, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Jul. 9, 2007

Virgin Islands Long Term Lease

Subcommittee field hearing on
H.R. 53 (Christensen), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a long-term lease with the Government of the United States Virgin Islands to provide land on the island of Saint John, Virgin islands, for the establishment of a school

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

Martha Bogle, Acting Superintendent, Virgin Islands National Park, National Park Service

Jul. 2, 2007

The Bay-Delta Crisis and California Water Management

Subcommittee oversight field hearing on Extinction is not a Sustainable Water Policy: The Bay-Delta Crisis and the Implications for California Water Management

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Steve Thompson, Manager of the California / Nevada Operations Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Jun. 28, 2007

Oil and Gas Leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf

Subcommittee Oversight hearing on The Minerals Management Service's Proposed 2007-2012 Program for Oil and Gas Leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf

House Natural Resources S/C on Energy and Mineral Resources (Costa)

Walter D. Cruickshank, Acting Director, Minerals Management Service

Jun. 27, 2007

New Mexico Water Rights and Infrastructure Bill

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 1171 (Bingaman), A bill to amend the Colorado River Storage Project Act and Public Law 87-483 to authorize the construction and rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Northwestern New Mexico, to authorize the use of the reclamation fund to fund the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund, to authorize the conveyance of certain Reclamation land and infrastructure, to authorize the Commissioner of Reclamation to provide for the delivery of water

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Johnson)

Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Carl Artman, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs

Jun. 26, 2007

Importance of Bee Pollinators

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Pollinators and What is Happening to them and Impacts to Agriculture, Wildlife and People

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Dr. Mamie Parker, Assistant Director for Fisheries and habitat Conservation

Jun. 26, 2007

Preparedness for Wildfire Season

Full Committee hearing on the preparedness of Federal land management agencies for the 2007 Wildfire season and to consider recent reports on the agencies' efforts to contain the costs of wildfire management activities

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management

Jun. 21, 2007

Fish Habitat Protection

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 767 (Kind), To protect, conserve, and restore native fish, wildlife, and their natural habitats at national wildlife refuges through cooperative, incentive-based grants to control, mitigate, and eradicate harmful nonnative species

House Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Geoff Haskett, Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service

Jun. 19, 2007

Wildfire Prevention

Subcommittee Oversight hearing on Wildfire Preparedness: An Ounce of Prevention in Worth a Pound of Cure

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management

Jun. 14, 2007

National Parks Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 442 (Berry), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating the Wolf House, located in Norfolk, Arkansas, as a unit of the National Park System

H.R. 761 (Fortenberry), To authorize the Secretary of Interior to convey to The Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Inc. certain Federal land associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in Nebraska, to be used as an historical interpretive site along the trail

H.R. 1625 (LaHood), To establish the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area

H.R. 1835 (Schiff), To provide for a resource study of the area known as the Rim of the Valley Corridor in the State of California to evaluate alternatives for protecting resources of the corridor

H.R. 2197 (Space), To modify the boundary of the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in the State of Ohio

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests & Public Lands (Grijalva)

William D. Shaddox, Acting Associate Director, Park Planning, Facilities and Lands, National Park Service

Jun. 13, 2007

American Indian Bills

Full Committee hearing on
H.R. 673 (Grijalva), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to take lands in Yuma County, Arizona, into trust as part of the reservation of the Cocopah Indian Tribe

H.R. 1575 (Stupak), To reaffirm and clarify the Federal relationship of the Burt Lake Band as a distinct federally recognized Indian Tribe

H.R. 2120 (Stupak), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to proclaim as reservation for the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians a parcel of land now held in trust by the United States for that Indian tribe

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

George T. Skibine, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs

Jun. 7, 2007

National Landscape Conservation

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 2016 (Grijalva), To establish the National Landscape Conservation System

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Elena Daly, Director, National Landscape Conservation System, Bureau of Land Management

Jun. 7, 2007

Alternative Energy – Related Uses on the Outer Continental Shelf

Full Committee oversight hearing on Alternative Energy – Related Uses on the Outer Continental Shelf: Opportunities, Issues and Implementation of Section 388 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management

Jun. 6, 2007

Impact of Climate Change on Water Supply

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the impacts of climate change on water supply and availability in the Unites States, and related issues from a water use perspective

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Water an Power (Johnson)

Terry Fulp, Area Manager, Boulder Canyon Operations Office, Bureau of Reclamation

Christopher Milly, Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey

Jun. 1, 2007

Tribal Law Enforcement

Full Committee oversight field hearing on The Needs and Challenges of Tribal Law Enforcement on Indian Reservations

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

W. Patrick Ragsdale, Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Jun. 1, 2007

Sustainable Water Project

Subcommittee oversight field hearing on The Fryingpan-Arkansas Project at 45: Sustainable Water for the 21^st Century

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Mike Ryan, Great Plains Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation

May 24, 2007

California Water Projects

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 31 (Issa), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Wildomar Service Area Recycled Water Distribution Facilities and Alberhill Wasterwater Treatment and Reclamation Facility Projects

H.R .1526 (Miller), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Robert Quint, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

May 24, 2007

Reconnecting Kids with the Outdoors

Joint Subcommittee oversight hearing on No Child Left Inside: Reconnecting Kids with the Outdoors

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva), and the S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

James Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary

May 23, 2007

Energy Policy Legislation

Full Committee hearing on
H.R. 2337 (Rahall), To promote energy policy reforms and public accountability, alternative energy and efficiency, and carbon capture and climate change mitigation, and for other purposes

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

Walter Cruickshank, Deputy Director, Minerals Management Service

May 17, 2007

Law Enforcement in Indian Country

Full Committee oversight hearing on law enforcement in Indian Country

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

W. Patrick Ragsdale, Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs

May 17, 2007

Water and Power Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 236 (Thompson), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to create a Bureau of Reclamation partnership with the North Bay Water Reuse Authority and other regional partners to achieve objectives relating to water supply, water quality, and environmental restoration

H.R. 716 (Woolsey), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Santa Rosa Urban Water Reuse Plan

H.R. 1503 (Grijalva), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Avra/Black Wash Reclamation and Riparian Restoration Project

H.R. 1725 (Bono), To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Rancho California Water District Southern Riverside County Recycled/Non-Potable Distribution Facilities and Demineralization/Desalination Recycled Water Treatment and Reclamation Facility Project

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Robert Quint, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

May 15, 2007

Parks and Trails Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 1239 (Hastings), To amend the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998 to provide additional staff and oversight of funds to carry out the Act

H.R. 1388 (Sarbanes), To amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Star-Spangled Banner Trail in the States of Maryland and Virginia and the District of Columbia as a National Historic Trail

H.R. 1483 (Regula), To amend the National Trails System Act to designate the New England National Scenic Trail

H.R. 1528 (Olver), To amend the National Trails System Act to designate the New England National Scenic Trail

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Christopher K. Jarvi, Associate Director, Partnerships and Visitor Experience, National Park Service

May 15, 2007

National Parks and Protected Areas Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 553 (Dodd), A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the Eightmile River in the State of Connecticut as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

S. 800 (Schumer), A bill to establish the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area in the State of New York

S. 916 (Craig), A bill to modify the boundary of the Minidoka Internment National Monument, to establish the Minidoka National Historic Site, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land and improvements of the Gooding Division of the Minidoka Project, Idaho

S. 1209 (Feinstein), A bill to provide for the continued administration of Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park, in accordance with the laws (including regulations) and policies of the National Park Service

S. 1281 (Thomas), A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain rivers and streams of the headwaters of the Snake River System as additions to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

H.R. 161 (Inslee), To adjust the boundary of the Minidoka Internment National Monument to include the Nidoto Nai Yoni Memorial in Bainbridge Island, Washington

H.R. 376 (Blunt), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of including the battlefields and related sites of the First and Second Battles of Newtonia, Missouri, during the Civil War as part of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield or designating the battlefields and related sites as a separate unit of the National Park System

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

Daniel N. Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service

May 10, 2007

Land and Wilderness Bill

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 523 (Hastings), To require the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain public land located wholly or partially within the boundaries of the Wells Hydroelectric Project of Public Utility District No. 1 of Douglas County, Washington, to the utility district

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Mike Ferguson, Assistant Director, Business and Fiscal Resources, Bureau of Land Management

May 10, 2007

Interior Department, ERC Nominations

Full Committee hearing to consider the nominations of
Joseph Timothy Kelliher, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

R. Lyle Laverty, of Colorado, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of Interior

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

R. Lyle Laverty, Nominee

May 9, 2007

Endangered Species Act Implementation

Full Committee oversight hearing on Endangered Species Act Implementation: Science or Politics?

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

P. Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Secretary

May 8, 2007

Veterans Cemeteries

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Veterans' Cemeteries: Honoring Those Who Served

House Veterans' Affairs S/C on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (Hall)

Fred Boyles, Superintendent, Andersonville National Historic Site and Cemetery, National Park Service

May 3, 2007

Public Land Use Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 205 (Stevens) and H.R. 865 (Young), A bill to grant rights-of-way for electric transmission lines over certain Native allotments in the State of Alaska

S. 390 (Bennett), A bill to direct the exchange of certain land in Grand, San Juan, and Uintah Counties, Utah

S. 1139 ( Bingaman), A bill to establish the National Landscape Conservation System

H.R. 276 (Capps), To designate the Piedras Blancas Light Station and the surrounding public land as an Outstanding Natural Area to be administered as a part of the National Landscape Conservation System

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Public Lands and Forests (Wyden)

Jim Hughes, Acting Director, Bureau of Land Management

May 3, 2007

Endangered Species Treaty Meeting

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a precursor to the 14^th meeting of the CITES parties which will take place in June

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Todd Willens, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks

May 3, 2007

San Joaquin River

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 27 (Feinstein), a bill to authorize the implementation of the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Johnson)

Mark Limbaugh, Assistant Secretary, Water and Science

May 1. 2007

Carbon Dioxide Sequestration

Subcommittee Oversight hearing on The Future of Fossil Fuels: Geological and Terrestrial Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide

House Natural Resources S/C on Energy and Mineral Resources (Costa)

Dr. P. Patrick Leahy, Associate Director for Geology, U.S. Geological Survey

May 1, 2007

Impacts of Wind Turbines

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Gone with the Wind: Impacts of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats

House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Dale Hall, Director, Fish and Wildlife Service

Apr. 26, 2007

Platte River Recovery

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 1462 (Udall),To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the implementation of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Species in the Central and Lower Platte River Basin and to modify the Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir

House Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Napolitano)

Jason Peltier, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, Bureau of Reclamation

Apr. 26, 2007

Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing

Joint Subcommittee oversight hearing on Land-Use Issues Associated with Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing and Development

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva) and S/C on Energy and Mineral Resources (Costa)

Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management

Apr. 26, 2007

Parks and Trails Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 169 (Allard), A bill to amend the National Trails System Act to clarify Federal authority relating to land acquisition from willing sellers for the majority of the trails in the System

S. 312 and H.R. 497 (Graham), A bill to authorize the Marion Park Project and Committee of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation to establish a commemorative work on Federal land in the District of Columbia and its environs to honor Brigadier General Francis Marion

S. 580 Hatch), A bill to amend the National Trails System Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to update the feasibility and suitability studies of four national historic trails

S. 686 (Lieberman), A bill to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historical Trail

S. 722 (McCain), A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to jointly conduct a study of certain land adjacent to the Walnut Canyon National Monument in the State of Arizona

S. 783 (Landrieu), A bill to adjust the boundary of the Barataria Preserve Unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in the State of Louisiana

S. 890 (Inouye), A bill to provide for certain administrative and support services for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission

H.R. 1047 (Clay), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum located in St. Louis, Missouri, as a unit of the National Park System.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

Daniel N. Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service

Apr. 26, 2007

Global Climate Change

Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Global Climate Change

House Appropriations S/C on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (Dicks)

Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Secretary

Apr. 26, 2007

Indian Water Rights in Nevada

Full Committee hearing on

S. 462 (Reid), A bill to approve the settlement of the water rights claims of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Nevada, to require the Secretary of the Interior to carry out the settlement

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

W. Patrick Ragsdale, Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Apr. 25, 2007

Water Project Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
S. 175 (Inhofe), A bill to provide for a feasibility study of alternatives to augment the water supplies of the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District and cities served by the District

S. 324 (Domenici), A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of water resources in the State of New Mexico

S. 542 (Craig), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct feasibility studies to address certain water shortages within the Snake, Boise, and Payette River systems in the State of Idaho

S. 752 (Nelson), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the implementation of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Species in the Central and Lower Platte River Basin and to modify the Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir

S. 1037 (Smith), A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to assist in the planning, design, and construction of the Tumalo Irrigation District Water Conservation Project in Deschutes County, Oregon

S. 1116 and H.R. 902 (Udall), To facilitate the use for irrigation and other purposes of water produced in connection with development of energy resources

H.R. 235 (Thompson), A bill to allow for the renegotiation of the payment schedule of contracts between the Secretary of the Interior and the Redwood Valley County Water District

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on Water and Power (Johnson)

Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Apr. 24, 2007

Outer Continental Shelf Renewable Energy Options

Joint Subcommittee oversight hearing on Renewable Energy Opportunities and Issues on the Outer Continental Shelf

House Natural Resources S/C on Energy and Mineral Resources (Costa) and House Natural Resources S/C on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans (Bordallo)

Mike Olsen, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management

Apr. 19, 2007

Northern Mariana Islands

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Current Economic, Social and Security Conditions of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

House Natural Resources S/C on Insular Affairs (Christensen)

David Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs

Apr. 19, 2007

Geothermal Energy and EPAct

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Renewable Energy Opportunities and Issues on Federal Lands: Reviews of Title II, Subtitle B – Geothermal Energy of EPAct

House Natural Resources S/C on Energy and Minerals (Costa)

Jim Hughes, Acting Director, Bureau of Land Management

Apr. 18, 2007

Indian Tribal Recognition Bills

Full Committee hearing on
H.R. 65 (McIntyre), to provide for the recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina

H.R. 1294 (Moran), To extend Federal recognition to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, the Chickahominy Indian Tribe-Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc., the Monacan Indian Nation, and the Nansemond Indian Tribe

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Apr. 17, 2007

Climate Change

State of Climate Change Science 2007: The Findings of the Fourth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Working Group II: Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability

House Science and Technology Committee (Gordon)

Dr. Virginia Burkett, Chief Scientist for Global Change Research, U.S. Geological Survey

Apr. 17, 2007

Energy Policy Act of 2005 Oversight

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the Implementation of Title III of the Energy Policy Act of 2005

House Natural Resources S/C on Energy and Mineral Resources (Costa)

Abraham E. Haspel, Assistant Deputy Secretary

Apr. 17, 2007

National Parks Bills

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 554 (McGovern), To provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands

H.R. 986 (Courtney), To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the Eightmile River in the State of Connecticut as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

H.R. 1100 (Shuler), To revise the boundary of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in the State of North Carolina

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Sue Masica, Chief of Staff, National Park Service

Apr. 16, 2007

Carbon Sequestration to Help Limit Global Climate Change

Full Committee hearing on
S. 731 (Salazar), A bill to develop a methodology for, and complete, a national assessment of geological storage capacity for carbon dioxide

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Bingaman)

Dr. Mark D. Myers, Director, U.S. Geological Survey

Apr. 12, 2007

Tribal Colleges and Universities

Full Committee oversight hearing on Tribal Colleges and Universities

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs

Mar. 29, 2007

FY 2008 Budget Request: BIA

Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on FY 2008 budget request for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Office of the Special Trustee

House Appropriations S/C on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies (Dicks)

Jim Cason, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Ross Swimmer, Special Trustee for American Indians

Mar. 29, 2007

Indian Trust Fund Litigation

Full Committee oversight hearing on Indian Trust Fund Litigation

Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Dorgan)

Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary

Mar. 29, 2007

Parks Bills

Subcommittee hearing on

H.R. 189 (Pascrell), To establish the Paterson Great Falls National Park in the State of New Jersey

H.R. 359 (Solis), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of sites associated with the life of Cesar Estarada Chavez and the farm labor movement

H.R. 1080 (Cubin), To modify the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park to include certain land within the GT Park Subdivision

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands (Grijalva)

Daniel Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service

Mar. 28, 2007

FY 2008 Budget Request: FWS

Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on FY 2008 budget request for the Fish and Wildlife Service

House Appropriations S/C on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (Dicks)

Dale Hall, Director, Fish and Wildlife Service

Mar. 28, 2007

Royalties at Risk

Full Committee oversight hearing on the Minerals Management Service and the implementation of its core programs

House Natural Resources Committee (Rahall)

C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management

Mar. 27, 2007

FY 2008 Budget Hearing: NPS

Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on FY 2008 budget request for the National Park Service

House Appropriations S/C on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (Dicks)

Mary Bomar, Director, National Park Service

Mar. 22, 2007

FY 2008 Budget: MMS and OSM

Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on FY 2008 budget request for Minerals Management Service and the Office of Surface Mining

House Appropriations S/C on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (Dicks)

Johnnie Burton, Director, Minerals Management Service

Brent Wahlquist, Acting Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Mar. 20, 2007

Climate Change and Public Lands

Subcommittee oversight hearing on Toward a Clean Energy Future: Energy Policy and Climate Change on Public Lands

House Natural Resources S/C on Energy and Minerals Resources (Costa)

Mark Myers, Director, U.S. Geological Survey

Mar. 20, 2007

Yellowstone National Park Bison

Subcommittee oversight hearing on the Yellowstone National Park Bison

House Natural Resources S/C on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands

Michael Soukup, Associate Director, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science, National Park Service

Mar. 20, 2007

Park and Lands Bills

Subcommittee hearing on

S. 126 (Allard),A bill to modify the boundary of Mesa Verde National Park

S. 257 (Smith), A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing the Columbia-Pacific National Heritage Area in the States of Washington and Oregon

S. 443 (Salazar), A bill to establish the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area in the State of Colorado

S. 444 (Salazar), A bill to establish the South Park National Heritage Area in the State of Colorado

S. 500 (Salazar) and H.R. 512 (Becerra), A bill to establish the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino to develop a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of a National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, DC

S. 637 (Sessions), A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Chattahoochee Trace National Heritage Corridor in Alabama and Georgia

S. 817 (Voinovich), A bill to amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to provide additional authorizations for certain National Heritage Areas

Senate Energy and Natural Resources S/C on National Parks (Akaka)

Daniel Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service

Mar. 15, 2007

Heritage Areas, Wildlife Art Museum

Subcommittee hearing on
H.R. 713 (Slaughter), to establish the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area in the State of New York

H.R. 754 (Cubin), To designate the National Museum of Wildlife Art, located at 2820 Rungius Road, Jackson, Wyoming, as the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States

H.R. 929 (Costello), To establish the Land Between the Rivers National Heritage Area in the State of Illinois