Recent Federal Bills

Below are summaries of Bills Introduced, Committee Reports, Chamber Actions, and Public Laws reported in the most recent issue of ELR's Weekly Update.

would amend the ESA to authorize permits for takings of wolves to protect from wolf depredation in states where wolf populations exceed the recovery goals in a recovery plan under that Act.

would provide for the sale of approximately 30 acres of federal land in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Salt Lake County, Utah, to permit the establishment of a transportation alternative to connect two ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains.

would authorize the Administrator of EPA to make grants to assist communities in complying with environmental requirements, and authorize the use of penalty amounts collected under laws administered by EPA to finance the grants.

would repeal DOE's weatherization assistance program.

would expand the Wild Rogue Wilderness Area in the state of Oregon, make additional wild and scenic river designations in the Rogue River area, and provide additional protections for Rogue River tributaries.

would authorize voluntary grazing permit retirement on federal lands managed by the USDA or DOI where livestock grazing is impractical.

would prohibit the Administrator of EPA from granting a waiver under CAA §211(f)(4) for any fuel or fuel additive that will reduce fuel efficiency or cause or contribute to engine damage.

would authorize the use of certain offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico for artificial reefs.

would amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the closure of oil storage and processing facilities that have spilled oil multiple times near residential neighborhoods.

would establish a program under which the Administrator of EPA shall provide grants to eligible state consortia to establish and carry out municipal sustainability certification programs.