Overview

Title

Making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and for other purposes.

ELI5 AI

S. 4802 is a bill that decides how money should be spent to take care of nature, protect animals, and help Native American communities until the end of September 2025. It also talks about using American-made materials for projects, but these choices might change the costs or cause some arguments.

Summary AI

S. 4802 is a bill that allocates funding for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. It outlines specific budget allocations for various programs, such as forest management, conservation, environmental protection, and Native American affairs. The bill also includes provisions about the management of wildland fires, conservation projects, and regulations concerning the use of American-made materials in certain infrastructure projects. Additionally, it sets guidelines for handling financial and operational aspects across these agencies.

Published

2024-07-25
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: SENATE
Status: Reported to Senate
Date: 2024-07-25
Package ID: BILLS-118s4802rs

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
74
Words:
41,829
Pages:
188
Sentences:
697

Language

Nouns: 13,485
Verbs: 3,213
Adjectives: 2,651
Adverbs: 552
Numbers: 2,011
Entities: 2,675

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.76
Average Sentence Length:
60.01
Token Entropy:
5.95
Readability (ARI):
34.92

AnalysisAI

The United States Congress has introduced legislation titled "Making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and for other purposes." This bill outlines the financial allocations and provisions for various agencies under the Department of the Interior, aiming to support activities such as land management, conservation, and maintenance of public lands, along with addressing critical environmental issues.

General Summary of the Bill

The bill delineates funding for fiscal year 2025 to several departments and initiatives within the Department of the Interior, including the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and Indian Affairs. It also includes appropriations for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forest Service, and other related agencies. Importantly, the bill sets forth the need for certain reallocations, reporting requirements, and policy amendments involving the management and allocation of these funds.

Summary of Significant Issues

One area of concern is the potential for unchecked or wasteful spending due to extensions of certain authorities without a clear review mechanism. For example, the authority for "contribution authority for operating efficiencies" has been extended indefinitely without apparent oversight, potentially leading to fiscal irresponsibility.

The bill includes a prohibition on using funds to regulate certain environmental aspects, such as the greater sage-grouse and emissions from livestock. These restrictions might hinder conservation efforts and conflict with environmental priorities, raising concerns among environmental advocacy groups.

Moreover, some policy changes, like requiring American-made iron and steel for certain infrastructure projects, may conflict with international trade commitments and could lead to higher project costs. Similarly, the transfer of surplus firefighting equipment to undefined "similar organizations" without a transparent process could result in favoritism or inefficient resource use.

Impact on the Public

The bill's allocations and restrictions could have various outcomes for the public. On one hand, the appropriations might enhance public services offered by national parks, conservation projects, and environmental protection agencies. This could lead to better-preserved public lands and more effective management of natural resources.

On the other hand, restrictions on environmental regulations might negatively impact public health and conservation efforts. The lack of stringent oversight mechanisms might result in inefficient use of taxpayer dollars, possibly reducing the effectiveness of government interventions where they are most needed.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Different stakeholders may be impacted positively or negatively by the provisions in the bill. Environmental groups are likely to express concern over the prohibition on regulations that affect crucial species and emissions, fearing negative impacts on biodiversity and climate change mitigations.

Conversely, industries related to agriculture and energy could benefit from reduced regulatory burdens, potentially enabling greater production or reduced compliance costs. Meanwhile, domestic manufacturers might applaud the emphasis on American-made materials, while international partners could view these requirements as barriers to market entry.

Additionally, indigenous communities may find advantages in the appropriations earmarked for Indian Affairs, though the lack of clear criteria for fund redistribution could lead to unpredictable financial outcomes for different tribes.

Overall, while the bill seeks to manage essential components of environmental stewardship and public land management, its potential impacts depend significantly on how its implementation aligns with broader public and environmental interests.

Financial Assessment

Financial Summary and Allocations

The bill, S. 4802, focuses on funding allocations for several key federal agencies including the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2025. This legislation provides detailed appropriations for a wide range of environmental, conservation, and Native American programs, reflecting the need to address various national priorities.

Among notable allocations, the bill details funding for forest management, conservation projects, and the operation of Indian health and education programs. The Bureau of Land Management receives $1,342,510,000 for managing lands and resources, while the National Park Service is allocated $2,994,292,000 for operations. Furthermore, appropriations for wildfire suppression operations total an estimated $1,210,789,000 for the Department of the Interior, demonstrating a significant investment in managing and mitigating wildland fires.

Use of American-Made Materials

The bill imposes requirements on certain projects to use American-made materials, notably in Section 419. This section mandates that funds from a State's water pollution control revolving fund be used only for projects utilizing iron and steel products produced in the United States. This aligns with broader objectives to support domestic manufacturing but may lead to higher project costs, potentially affecting financial efficiency. These provisions could also stir debate related to U.S. commitments to international trade agreements.

Conservation and Environmental Protection

The bill includes sections dedicated to conservation efforts, such as funding for geographic programs and specific endangered species conservation projects. However, Section 119 restricts funds from being used to write or issue regulations for the greater sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act. This limitation raises concerns about potential negative impacts on conservation efforts, as environmental groups might argue that the absence of regulatory frameworks could hinder necessary protections for the species.

Redistribution and Oversight of Funds

Section 105 allows the Secretary of the Interior to redistribute Tribal Priority Allocation funds to mitigate tribal funding inequities. While this aims to address identified financial disparities among tribes, it might lead to uneven or subjective allocation decisions due to a lack of detailed criteria. This could create tension regarding the fairness and transparency of fund distribution.

In Section 104, the Secretary is required to notify relevant committees about expenditures for Indian trust management after they occur. This raises questions about oversight and accountability, as proactive monitoring could be hindered.

Firefighting Equipment and Transfers

Another focus of the bill is on disaster response and preparedness, including the transfer of firefighting equipment. However, Section 420 lacks a clear process and oversight details for how firefighting equipment will be transferred to unspecified entities, which could lead to inefficiencies or perceived favoritism in the distribution of resources.

In conclusion, while S. 4802 outlines comprehensive appropriations to address various environmental and operational needs of federal agencies, it introduces specific sections that may have broader implications on cost efficiency, local and international manufacturing relations, and the equity of fund distribution. Feedback from stakeholders might be required to ensure that these appropriations are executed effectively and transparently.

Issues

  • The extension of the authority for 'contribution authority for operating efficiencies' (Section 124) from 'fiscal years 2014 through 2024' to 'each fiscal year thereafter' could lead to unchecked or wasteful spending without further review or oversight.

  • The prohibition on using funds to regulate the greater sage-grouse (Section 119) might hinder conservation efforts for this species and is likely to concern environmental groups.

  • The use of American iron and steel requirement (Section 419) could lead to higher project costs, impacting the allocation efficiency of funds, and might be controversial in light of U.S. international trade commitments.

  • The lack of a clear process and oversight for the transfer of excess firefighting equipment to undefined 'similar organizations' (Section 420) may lead to favoritism or inefficient use of resources.

  • The funding prohibition relating to lead content in ammunition and fishing tackle (Section 437) could prioritize industry interests over environmental and health concerns, raising ethical and ecological questions.

  • The requirement for the Secretary of the Interior to notify about fund expenditures for Indian trust management (Section 104) only after they occur might not allow adequate oversight or accountability.

  • The allowance for the redistribution of 'Tribal Priority Allocation' funds without detailed criteria (Section 105) might lead to uneven or subjective allocation decisions.

  • The requirement for all iron and steel products in water infrastructure projects to be produced in the U.S. (Section 419) could be controversial due to potential cost increases and international trade agreements.

  • The section prohibiting the use of funds for climate-related regulations on livestock emissions (Section 435) might be seen as controversial due to its potential environmental implications.

  • The extension of various date references throughout the bill (e.g., Sections 421, 424, 426) without providing justification or context may obscure the intent and potential impact of these extensions.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that budgeting is set to allocate funds from the Treasury for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the upcoming fiscal year ending on September 30, 2025, along with other related purposes.

101. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section allows for funds to be used for emergency repairs or replacements of facilities and equipment damaged by unavoidable events, like fires or storms, within the Department of the Interior, as long as existing emergency funds are exhausted first. Additionally, any funds used this way must be replaced quickly through additional appropriations.

102. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section allows the Secretary of the Interior to use or transfer funds for unexpected emergencies like wildfires or natural disasters and requires that these funds be replenished later. It also enables the Secretary to handle regulatory duties if a state isn't fulfilling its responsibilities under the Surface Mining Act and sets rules for using funds specifically meant for wildland fire operations.

103. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The appropriations for the Department of the Interior include funding up to $500,000 for various services approved by the Secretary, such as hiring vehicles and aircraft, telephone services in certain private homes, and membership dues for library resources. The funds can also be used for buying and replacing motor vehicles, including those for law enforcement, and for purchasing reprints.

Money References

  • SEC. 103. Appropriations made to the Department of the Interior in this title shall be available for services as authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, when authorized by the Secretary of the Interior, in total amount not to exceed $500,000; purchase and replacement of motor vehicles, including specially equipped law enforcement vehicles; hire, maintenance, and operation of aircraft; hire of passenger motor vehicles; purchase of reprints; payment for telephone service in private residences in the field, when authorized under regulations approved by the Secretary; and the payment of dues, when authorized by the Secretary, for library membership in societies or associations which issue publications to members only or at a price to members lower than to subscribers who are not members. ---

104. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Appropriations under certain headings within this Act, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, can be used for managing and reforming Indian trusts, with the total funding capped as designated. The Secretary must inform relevant congressional committees within 60 days about any fund use or transfer, detailing the amount and its purpose.

105. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Secretary of the Interior can redistribute Tribal Priority Allocation funds to fix funding differences among tribes. Usually, no tribe can lose more than 10% of these funds in the year 2025, but this rule doesn't apply if there are issues like dual enrollment or overlapping service areas.

106. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Secretary of the Interior is granted the power to acquire land, water, and related interests in New York and New Jersey to manage and support facilities for visitors to Ellis, Governors, and Liberty Islands. These acquisitions can be made using donations, funds, or exchanges, and the Secretary can negotiate agreements for facility use under reasonable terms.

107. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines the collection of inspection fees by the Secretary of the Interior for offshore facilities and drilling rigs in 2025, with specific fees based on the type and number of wells at each facility, as well as the water depth for drilling rigs and non-rig units. Additionally, it specifies the schedule and process for billing and payment of these fees by designated operators.

Money References

  • Fees for fiscal year 2025 shall be— (1) $10,500 for facilities with no wells, but with processing equipment or gathering lines; (2) $17,000 for facilities with 1 to 10 wells, with any combination of active or inactive wells; and (3) $31,500 for facilities with more than 10 wells, with any combination of active or inactive wells.
  • Fees for fiscal year 2025 shall be— (1) $30,500 per inspection for rigs operating in water depths of 500 feet or more; and (2) $16,700 per inspection for rigs operating in water depths of less than 500 feet.
  • Fees for fiscal year 2025 shall be— (1) $13,260 per inspection for non-rig units operating in water depths of 2,500 feet or more; (2) $11,530 per inspection for non-rig units operating in water depths between 500 and 2,499 feet; and (3) $4,470 per inspection for non-rig units operating in water depths of less than 500 feet.

108. Read Opens in new tab

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The Secretary of the Interior is allowed to make agreements or contracts lasting up to 10 years with nonprofit organizations and other groups for taking care of wild horses and burros on private lands. These agreements can be renewed if the Secretary decides to do so, and they do not have to follow the usual 5-year limit for such contracts.

109. Read Opens in new tab

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is directed to use a mass marking system for salmon species like coho, chinook, and steelhead, which are released from federally managed or funded hatcheries. These fish must have a visible mark that can be easily recognized by both commercial and recreational fishers.

110. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Indian Affairs is allowed to create financial obligations with state, local, tribal governments, or any of their subdivisions during the fiscal year 2025, based on what they are owed by these entities. However, by the end of the year, their total financial obligations can't exceed the total budget they have available.

111. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Secretary of the Interior can give grants or make agreements with nonprofit organizations to use the skills of older Americans in certain programs, but must first make sure that these agreements do not replace current employees, use older workers for jobs where government workers have been laid off, or interfere with existing service contracts.

112. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section specifies that the money given to the Department of the Interior by this Act must be ready to use within 60 days from when the Act becomes law.

113. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Secretary of the Interior is allowed to move funds between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education to help them set up their own separate accounts, but must follow certain guidelines as described in the law.

114. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section changes the year referenced in Section 6906 of title 31 of the United States Code from "fiscal year 2019" to "fiscal year 2025".

115. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that when certain safety or environmental bureaus approve alternative procedures or equipment for plans or permits, they must post a description of the approval on their public website within 15 business days. However, they can choose not to disclose any confidential business information.

116. Authorization of conveyance Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to transfer land from the National Park Service to Virginia or Washington, DC, for the Long Bridge Project, provided certain conditions are met and with the possibility of minor adjustments. If the land is no longer used for its intended purpose, it must be returned to the Park Service, and the authority to convey the land ends once the transfer is complete.

117. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Federally recognized Indian tribes or authorized tribal organizations that get grants for managing schools can use government vehicles and related services, just like they would if they were working with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

118. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In fiscal year 2025, the Secretary of the Interior can use certain funds to raise the minimum pay rates for Department of the Interior employees who work as appraisers in the GS-1171 job series, specifically for grades 11 to 15, by up to 15% above the usual rates when they conduct property appraisals and reviews for the Department’s realty programs. This increase must comply with specific sections of the United States Code.

119. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text specifies that no funds from this or any other law can be used by the Secretary of the Interior to create or propose rules related to the greater sage-grouse or its distinct population segment in the Columbia basin under the Endangered Species Act.

120. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The National Park Service is allowed to keep up to 7% of the funds from the State Conservation Grants program to help pay for administrative costs in states, the District of Columbia, and insular areas by giving them matching grants.

121. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Section 121 changes the law in title 54 of the United States Code by updating a reference from "fiscal year 2024" to "fiscal year 2025".

122. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Secretary of the Interior can make agreements to improve how different bureaus work together during 2025 and 2026. They can do this by sharing space, staff, and equipment, especially if their missions align or they are close by. The costs for these agreements should reflect each bureau's share of the benefits and total expenses, and funds can be transferred to support these collaborations.

123. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The amendment to Section 103101 of title 54 of the United States Code changes the amount mentioned in subsection (c)(1) from "$250,000" to "$500,000".

Money References

  • SEC. 123. Section 103101 of title 54, United States Code, is amended in subsection (c)(1) by striking “$250,000” and inserting “$500,000”.

124. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends previous legislation to state that a specific rule, originally applicable from fiscal years 2014 to 2024, will now apply starting in fiscal year 2014 and continue for each following fiscal year.

125. Read Opens in new tab

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The Secretary of the Interior can directly appoint qualified people to certain government positions if they live in or near a field unit, specifically for jobs at grade levels GS-9 or WG-15 or lower. This process must align with merit-based principles and public notice requirements.

126. Read Opens in new tab

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This section modifies existing legislation by increasing the number of allowed renewals from 3 to 7 and removes a reference to the Southern California Edison Company.

127. Read Opens in new tab

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The section renames the Cottonwood Visitor Center at Joshua Tree National Park to the "Senator Dianne Feinstein Visitor Center."

128. Read Opens in new tab

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In this section, changes are made to the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Culture and Art Development Act by removing certain language about private involvement and altering the criteria for Native Hawaiian representatives, simplifying some subsections, and reorganizing a part of the text.

401. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that funds from this Act cannot be used for activities or materials that try to sway public opinion for or against any legislative proposal that hasn't been completed in Congress, except when communicating with Members of Congress following legal guidelines.

402. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Funds provided by this Act cannot be used after the current fiscal year ends unless the Act specifically states otherwise.

403. Read Opens in new tab

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The section requires that any estimated overhead costs, deductions, reserves, or holdbacks for government administrative functions be included in the yearly budget justifications and approved by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Any changes to these estimates also need approval from the same committees.

404. Limitation of funds Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Under Section 404, funds from this Act cannot be used to process patent applications for mining or mill site claims unless certain conditions are met, such as the application being filed by September 30, 1994, and compliance with specific legal requirements. Additionally, the Secretary of the Interior must submit a report on these actions by September 30, 2026, and may allow applicants to pay for a third-party contractor to conduct mineral examinations for their claims.

405. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Sections 405 and 406 of a previous law, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, which is Public Law 113–235, will remain effective in the fiscal year 2025.

406. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

For fiscal year 2025, the funding mentioned in this section is designated solely for contract support costs related to self-determination or self-governance agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, and Indian Health Service. These funds cannot be used to pay for claims, settlements, or judgments related to contract support costs from previous years.

407. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that the Secretary of Agriculture will not be considered as violating a specific rule in the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act just because more than 15 years have passed without a plan revision for a National Forest System unit. However, if the Secretary isn't making a good effort, given their available budget, to update a plan promptly, the section is no longer valid for that plan, and a court may require the plan to be completed faster.

408. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Funds from this Act cannot be used for leasing-related activities in National Monuments as of their boundaries on January 20, 2001, under two specific laws, unless allowed by the Presidential proclamation that established the monument.

409. Read Opens in new tab

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Funds from this Act cannot be used to acquire land through legal processes like declarations of taking or condemnation without approval from specific congressional committees, except for funds used for the Everglades National Park or Florida's land acquisitions for Everglades restoration.

410. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that no government funds can be used for executive branch contracts unless they follow specific federal laws and regulations. Exceptions are allowed for contracts explicitly authorized by federal law, agreements under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, or contracts awarded before the law was enacted.

411. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Any agency that receives money from this Act must post on their website any report required by Congress, unless the report poses a risk to national security or contains proprietary information. The report cannot be posted until it has been available to relevant Congressional Committees for at least 45 days.

412. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section specifies that the National Endowment for the Arts can only award grants to individuals for certain fellowships, requires procedures to prevent grant funds from being used by other organizations unless exchanged for goods and services, and states that grants cannot be used for general seasonal support unless specific programs are outlined.

413. Read Opens in new tab

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The section outlines that the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts must prioritize funding for projects that help underserved populations and promote public understanding of the arts. It also specifies creating a grant category for national projects, limits state funding to 15%, requires annual reporting to Congress, and encourages support for community-based music.

414. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forest Service, and the Indian Health Service must give reports every three months to certain committees in Congress. These reports need to show how much money is left, including what hasn't been spent or promised to be spent, in their programs within 60 days after this law is passed.

415. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that the rules about grazing permits from a previous law, Public Law 108-108, will still apply through the year 2025 for lands managed by the Forest Service that aren't covered by another specific federal law.

416. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In Section 416, the bill stipulates that funds from this Act cannot be used to maintain or create a computer network unless it can block access to pornography websites. However, this requirement does not apply to funds used by law enforcement or similar entities when involved in criminal investigations or legal proceedings.

417. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section allows the Secretary of the Interior or Agriculture to transfer excess wild horses and burros to government agencies for work use. These transferred animals lose their wild status, and agencies must not destroy or sell them for commercial products, except in severe health cases and under veterinarian advice. Additionally, no funds can be used to destroy or sell healthy, unadopted wild horses or burros for commercial processing.

418. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Section 418 updates a previous law by changing the expiration date from September 30, 2019, to September 30, 2025.

419. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that funds from a State water pollution control revolving fund cannot be used for projects involving public water systems unless all iron and steel products used are made in the United States, with some exceptions if it is against public interest, if U.S.-made products are unavailable, or if it makes the project cost over 25% more. It also mentions that waiver requests will be made public for feedback before decisions are made and must comply with international agreements, and the Environmental Protection Agency can use a small portion of funds for managing these requirements.

420. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Secretary of the Interior can give grants and make agreements with local fire departments and fire protection groups to help them with training and equipment for fighting wildfires. They can also give away extra firefighting equipment from the Department of the Interior that is no longer needed.

421. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section changes a date in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, replacing "September 30, 2019" with "October 1, 2026."

422. Read Opens in new tab

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None of the funds provided by this Act or from previous years can be used for new purposes without getting permission in advance from the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, following the reprogramming rules detailed in the report that comes with this Act.

423. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Section 423 changes a previous law by updating the year mentioned. It replaces "fiscal year 2019" with "fiscal year 2025" in the specified section of an earlier law.

424. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section changes the expiration date in a specific law, replacing "fiscal year 2019" with "fiscal year 2025," effectively extending the law's provisions until 2025.

425. Read Opens in new tab

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Section 425 of this bill updates a previous law by changing the end date from September 30, 2019, to September 30, 2025.

426. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section updates a previous law by changing the mentioned fiscal year from 2019 to 2025. This means the existing provision will now apply to fiscal year 2025 instead of 2019.

427. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The funds from this Act cannot be used to accept or offer nominations for oil and gas leasing on federal lands in the Chaco Culture National Historical Park area until a cultural resources investigation is completed, as referenced in the related legal documentation.

428. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section, it is stated that for any lease under the relevant act, the initial lease term can't start before the lease proposal is received. Additionally, the Secretaries of the Interior and Health and Human Services are required to consult with tribes and tribal organizations during 2025 to establish a consistent and transparent payment process for these leases.

429. Read Opens in new tab

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The section changes the law related to the "Forest Ecosystem Health and Recovery Fund" to ensure that the authority provided does not expire at the end of fiscal year 2020 and will continue indefinitely.

430. Read Opens in new tab

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The law requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to allocate funds from specific funds for projects related to national parks and land conservation within 45 days of the law being enacted. They can reallocate funds under certain conditions if projects face unforeseen cost overruns, and they must report regularly to Congress about the use and status of these funds. Additionally, they must provide Congress with comprehensive updates, including detailed project sheets, for future budget planning.

431. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines a collaborative effort by the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator to ensure U.S. forest energy policies are consistent and recognize forest biomass as a renewable energy source. They aim to promote private investment in forest bioenergy, support forest health, and acknowledge state initiatives while ensuring forests remain intact.

432. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text states that government funds cannot be used to enforce a specific environmental regulation from March 21, 2011, concerning small, remote incinerator units in Alaska. Until a new regulation is introduced, the authorities must follow the rules that were in place before that date.

433. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that timber sales in Alaska's Region 10 cannot be advertised if the price of the timber is too low to cover costs and profits. It also specifies that surplus western red cedar should first be offered to domestic processors in the U.S., and any unsold timber can then be exported, while all Alaska yellow cedar may be sold internationally at export prices.

434. Read Opens in new tab

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Funds assigned to the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture by this Act, if they follow certain rules and restrictions, can be redirected to the Federal Highway Administration for specific transportation projects.

435. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Funds from this or any other law cannot be used to create or enforce rules that require permits for emissions like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapor, or methane that come from livestock.

436. Read Opens in new tab

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Section 436 states that funds from this or any other law cannot be used to enforce a rule that requires the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from systems that manage manure.

437. Read Opens in new tab

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None of the funds from this or any other law can be used to control the lead content in ammunition or fishing gear through the Toxic Substances Control Act or any other regulation.

438. Read Opens in new tab

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Section 438 amends a previous law about government funding and emergency assistance. The changes clarify when payments for services done in one year but paid in the next are considered, and extend the rules to apply through 2025.

439. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text specifies an update to an existing law, changing the date in a section of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014. Instead of ending on December 24, 2022, the updated provision will now be in effect until October 1, 2025.

440. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Section 440 amends a part of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act by changing the duration mentioned in the law from a "5-year period" to a "10-year period".

441. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section allows the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to waive part or all of the non-Federal cost required for certain conservation projects. If this waiver is granted, they are permitted to cover up to 100% of the project's expenses.

442. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Section 442 changes the end date in Section 8206 of the Agriculture Act of 2014 from 2024 to 2025.

443. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must evaluate and inform Congress about how tailpipe greenhouse gas emission regulations might affect the extraction, processing, or recycling of important minerals by certain foreign entities, as defined in a specific section of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

444. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Each amount in this Act marked by Congress as an "emergency requirement" will only be used, changed, canceled, or moved if the President agrees and sends these plans to Congress.

445. Read Opens in new tab

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In Section 445 of the bill, it states that specific parts (Sections 1 through 3) of another legislative proposal (S. 2272) regarding pay rates for wildland firefighters are officially made into law. Additionally, it mandates that when this law is published, an appendix with the full text of the included sections should be added by the United States Archivist.