House Advances 14 Bills to Empower Tribes and Enhance Natural Resources Management

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation that strengthens tribal self-determination, improves access to historical and recreational sites, supports critical water forecasting and watershed development, streamlines permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and resolves longstanding land claims. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement:

"Today's legislative progress reflects our commitment to responsible land management, improved infrastructure, and expanded opportunity for communities across the country. These bills restore tribal homelands, honor our nation's history, enhance water reliability, and modernize permitting so that projects can move forward faster and more efficiently. I commend my colleagues for their dedication to delivering solutions that empower communities, respect local needs, and honor America's heritage."

Background

H.R. 573, the Studying NEPA's Impact on Projects Act, as amended, introduced by U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), requires federal agencies and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to collect, analyze, and publicly report data on NEPA litigation, environmental review timelines, and associated costs, including comparisons before and after the Fiscal Responsibility Act, with annual updates submitted to Congress.

H.R. 655, the Dalles Watershed Development Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), conveys approximately 150 acres of U.S. Forest Service land to the City of The Dalles, Oregon, to support water resource development and reliability for the region.

H.R. 1276, To remove restrictions from a parcel of land in Paducah, Kentucky, introduced by U.S. Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), eliminates outdated federal use restrictions to allow for improved management and community use of a building in Paducah, Kentucky for the local Boys & Girls Club.

H.R. 1676 , the Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025, as amended, introduced by U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), promotes government efficiency by directing the Secretary of the Interior to approve State Wildlife Action Plans within 180 days of submission.

H.R. 2293, the Cormorant Relief Act of 2025, as amended, introduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Miss.), provides wildlife management flexibility to address the overpopulation of double-crested cormorants to protect fisheries and ecosystems.

H.R. 2302, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025, as amended, introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), places specified federal land into trust for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, supporting tribal sovereignty and future development needs.

H.R. 2306, the Adams Memorial-Great American Heroes Act, as amended, introduced by U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), reauthorizes the Adams Memorial Commission and authorizes the placement of the Adams Memorial at a prominent location in the nation's capital, recognizing the Adams family's enduring legacy to our country.

H.R. 2916, the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim Settlement Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), authorizes, ratifies, and confirms settlement agreements resolving the Akwesasne Mohawk land claim in New York State.

H.R. 4285, the Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites (STARS) Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), enhances public access and tourism opportunities at our national parks and public lands ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary.

H.R. 4503, the ePermit Act, as amended, introduced by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), establishes a government-wide technology strategy to improve federal permitting processes and timelines.

H.R. 5131, the Public Lands Military Readiness Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Rep. Nick Begich (R-Alaska), supports military readiness by extending the use of 1.6 million acres of public lands in Alaska, California, and New Mexico for the U.S. Army for an additional 25 years.

H.R. 2290, the World War II Women's Memorial Location Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), authorizes a location in Washington, D.C., for a national memorial honoring women who worked on the home front during World War II.

H.R. 2388, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Emily Randall (D-Wash.), places certain land into trust to support the restoration of tribal lands associated with the Elwha River ecosystem and supports long-term cultural and environmental stewardship.