Regulatory Activity

Arctic Comprehensive Conservation Plan

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released its Record of Decision for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement. According to the agency, this document “establishes the management direction for Arctic Refuge for the next 15 years.”

Funding for Hydropower Projects

The Department of Energy (DOE) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFA) to support the development of technologies for low impact hydropower development. In particular, DOE is soliciting “ideas to harness hydropower that can be rapidly built, removed, and replaced when necessary.” The agency is seeking alternative hydropower systems that will “lower costs of civil infrastructure development and that can be deployed in a maximum of two years.” The application deadline for concept papers is May 7.

Legislative Activity

Offshore Oil Rig Safety

On Wednesday, April 22, the House Natural Resources Committee will hold a full committee oversight hearing titled, “Innovations in Safety Since the 2010 Macondo Incident.”

Hydraulic Fracturing

On Thursday, April 23, the House Science, Space and Technology Committee will hold a full committee hearing titled, “Hydraulic Fracturing: Banning Proven Technologies on Possibilities Instead of Probabilities.” Elgie Holstein, Senior Director for Strategic Planning of the Environmental Defense Fund, will testify.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

On Wednesday, April 22 the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF is used to make federal land acquisitions in order to protect public lands to provide for outdoor recreational opportunities.

Fires and Forests

On Thursday, April 23, the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Federal Lands, will hold a hearing to examine how to prevent wild fires in the National Forest System.

Chemical Safety

On Wednesday, April 22, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing to consider the nomination of Vanessa Sutherland for Chair of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.

Uranium

On Wednesday, April 22, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold a hearing to examine the Department of Energy’s “Excess Uranium Management Plan.”