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Environmental and Energy Study Conference - Weekly Bulletin
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Environmental and Energy Study Conference - Weekly Bulletin
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FOIA Number: 2012-0769-F
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
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Council on Environmental Quality
Series/Staff Member:
Kathleen (Katie) McGinty
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2898
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[Environmental and Energy Study Conference - Weekly Bulletin]
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61
6
2
3
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY
STUDY CONFERENCE
WEEKLY BULLETIN
HIGHLIGHTS
Week of Feb. 15, 1993
Support builds for EPA elevation
Environmental Protection Agency chief Carol M. Browner is expected to appear on
Capitol Hill Thursday to lay out the Clinton administration's plans for the agency and its
expanded role under proposals to elevate EPA to formal Cabinet-level status. President
Clinton last week urged quick action on an EPA-to-Cabinet bill, improving chances for early
passage of legislation to create a new Department of Environment. The hearing Thursday also
will give senators an opportunity to question Browner on the new environmental policy
framework unveiled by the president last week (B6).
House panel reviews water treatment needs
A House Merchant Marine panel plans Thursday to explore ways to increase funding for
sewage treatment and other water-related public works projects, one day after President
Clinton reveals an economic plan that is expected to include more money for environmental
infrastructure. The hearing is the first in a series the Merchant Marine subcommittee on
environment and natural resources is holding to prepare for reauthorizing the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act, better known as the Clean Water Act. (B2).
Quick action expected on whaling resolution
Quick House action is likely this week for a resolution that calls for maintaining the
current U.S. policy of opposing the commercial harvesting of whales. The measure was
prompted by the stated intentions of Norway and other nations to resume killing whales for
profit, a practice banned by the International Whaling Commission in 1986. The resolution
is expected to be approved by the Foreign Affairs Committee Tuesday and go to the House
floor later the same day (A1, B3).
Babbitt to discuss Interior Department issues
Members of the House Natural Resources Committee will have their first formal meeting
with newly confirmed Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt at a hearing on Tuesday. The session
is billed as an oversight hearing that will afford the former Arizona governor an opportunity
to present his philosophy on a wide range of issues. Babbitt said in a recent interview that his
top legislative priority is preparing the Clinton administration's position on wilderness
proposals for the California desert (B1).
BOB WISE, JOHN McCAIN, Co-Chairmen; JAN MEYERS, CHRISTOPHER J. DODD, Co-Vice Chairs
U.S. CONGRESS H2-515 FORD HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 (202) 226-3300
LINDA CARTWRIGHT, Director; STEVE GORMAN, Editor
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY
ON THE FLOOR
STUDY CONFERENCE
WEEKLY BULLETIN
IN THE SENATE
No action
BILLS ON THE FLOOR
Section A
ACTION IN COMMITTEE
IN THE HOUSE
Section B
Marine mammals
STATUS OF MAJOR LEGISLATION
Whale protection measure set for floor vote Tuesday follow-
Section C
ing markup
A1
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
Back page
The Environmental and Energy Study Conference is a bipartisan
legislative service organization with a membership of more than 390
Representatives and Senators. The Weekly Bulletin is the regular
legislative report, published every Monday Congress is in session.
Rep. Bob Wise, Sen. John McCain, Chairmen
Rep. Jan Meyers, Sen. Christopher J. Dodd
Vice Chairs
Executive Committee, 102nd Congress
House: Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Calif.), Bill K. Brewster (D-
Okla.), George E. Brown Jr. (D-Calif.), Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.), Peter
A. DeFazio (D-Ore.), Harris W. Fawell (R-Ill.), Dean A. Gallo (R-
N.J.), Bill Green (R-N.Y.), Steve Gunderson (R-Wis.), Scott L. Klug
(R-Wis.), Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.), Bob Livingston (R-La.), Bill Lowery
(R-Calif.), Jan Meyers (R-Kan.), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.), Gerry E.
Studds (D-Mass.), Mike Synar (D-Okla.), Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.),
Bob Wise (D-W.Va.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Senate: John H. Chafee (R-R.I.), Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.), Al
Gore (D-Tenn.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Bob
Packwood (R-Ore.) and Claibome Pell (D-R.I.).
Staff
Director: Linda Cartwright. Editor: Steve Gorman. Staff Writers:
Leslie Ann Duncan, Steve Cook, Steve Daniels, Lucy Harvey and Erin
McNeill. Executive Assistant: Dan Riedinger. Special Assistant:
Rich Hayes. Printing Manager: Ken Sharp. Interns: Bruce Paley, Lisa
Schreibersdorf, Monique Maher, Krista Johnson and Joe Cleary.
For membership information, call 226-3300.
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
IN COMMITTEE
ENERGY
ENVIRONMENT
Nuclear waste
Environmental policy
House Energy oversight subcommittee holds hearing on
New EPA chief Browner to testify in favor of creating a new
Energy Department contracting
B8
Environment Department
B6
Research
Global environment
House Science panel reviews emerging energy technology
House Energy panel Thursday reviews possible impacts of
research and development
B7
free trade pact on U.S. pesticide standards
B7
Oil spills
Coast Guard panel to review implementation of Oil Pollution
Act
B2
NATURAL RESOURCES
Pesticides
House Energy panel Thursday reviews possible impacts of
Marine mammals
free trade pact on U.S. pesticide standards
B7
House Foreign Affairs to mark up whale protection measure
Tuesday; floor action set for same day
B3
Water pollution
Studds panel explores new ways to fund wastewater treat-
Parks and public lands
ment
B2
Babbitt to talk with Natural Resources Committee about his
philosophy and aspirations
B1
Vento panel examines the history and future of conservation
corps
B4
Wildlife
Natural Resources panel reviews Indian fish and wildlife
enhancement
B5
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
ON THE FLOOR
In the House
commercial harvesting of whales.
The resolution was prompted by repeated statements from
Marine mammals
Norway and other nations that they intend to resume killing
whales for profit, a practice banned by the International Whaling
Calling for a continued U.S. policy of
Commission in 1986.
Several nations are expected to try again this year to for-
opposition to the resumption of
mally overturn the ban when IWC member nations hold their
commercial whaling - H. Con. Res.
annual meeting in Kyoto, Japan, in May.
34
The resolution is similar to measures considered during the
102nd Congress (H. Con. Res 105, H. Con. Res. 177) calling for
Floor action: Scheduled for Tuesday under suspension of
the indefinite continuation of the whaling ban.
the rules.
H. Con. Res. 34 was scheduled at press time to be marked up
Introduced Feb. 3 by House Merchant Marine and Fisheries
by the House Foreign Affairs Committee Tuesday morning. (For
Committee Chairman Gerry E. Studds (D-Mass.), this measure
details, see separate B-section story in this issue.) Report not
calls for continuing the current U.S. policy of opposing the
filed. - DR
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
IN COMMITTEE
Parks and public lands
block development on vast tracts of fed-
Bureau of Indian Affairs. Babbitt told the
eral land in the California desert by desig-
wire service he also expects to realize
Babbitt to expound
nating those areas as federally protected
some savings as the Bureau of Reclama-
wilderness.
tion undertakes fewer massive irrigation
on goals for Interior
Lands: Babbitt told AP that prepar-
projects.
ing the Clinton administration's position
Although money will be tight, Bab-
Members of the House Natural Re-
on wilderness proposals for the desert is
bitt said he had been assured that part of
sources Committee will have their first
his top legislative priority. Conservation-
President Clinton's economic stimulus
formal meeting with newly confirmed
ists and many California legislators have
package will be directed to the Interior
Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt at a hear-
long sought to set aside more than 8 mil-
Department for roads and other infra-
ing on Tuesday.
lion acres of Interior Department land as
structure and maintenance projects in na-
The session is billed as an oversight
wilderness in the southeastern corner of
tional parks and on Indian reservations,
hearing that will allow Babbitt "a chance
the Golden State. Some of that land al-
AP reported.
to strut his stuff," according to one com-
ready is administered by the National
Babbitt also hopes to increase the
mittee staffer.
Park Service, but the remainder belongs to
department's revenue picture by getting a
An aide to Chairman George Miller
the Bureau of Land Management and
better return from the sale of federally
(D-Calif.) described the event more for-
could be opened to mining, grazing and
owned natural resources, such as grazing
mally. The hearing will provide the secre-
motorized recreation.
fodder, timber, and "hard-rock" minerals,
tary "with an opportunity to come before
Wilderness protection bills (S21, HR
such as gold, silver and copper, he told
the committee to testify about his philoso-
518) were introduced Jan. 21 by freshman
AP.
phy, hopes and aspirations.
It's
Mr.
Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara
Endangered species: Although
Babbitt's hearing," the aide said.
Boxer (both D-Calif.) and by Rep. Rich-
the Natural Resources Committee does
Committee members will probably
ard H. Lehman (D-Calif.). Among the co-
not have jurisdiction over the Endangered
question Babbitt "right down the list" of
sponsors of Lehman's bill are Miller and
Species Act, panel members are likely to
controversial items facing his depart-
Rep. Bruce F. Vento, chairman of the
be very interested in remarks Babbitt
ment, the aide said. Among those issues is
parks and public lands subcommittee.
made Feb. 8 in a speech to the American
implementation of the massive Western
(For more on those bills, see Jan. 28 Spe-
Mining Congress.
water bill passed in the 102nd Congress
cial Report, "Outlook: environment, en-
The 1973 law is an integral part of the
(HR 429, PL 102-575). Of particular in-
ergy and natural resources in the 103rd
protracted controversy faced by the fed-
terest will be efforts to fulfill provisions of
Congress," p. 16.)
eral government as it attempts to manage
the act requiring the department's Bureau
Babbitt said he would tour the desert
forest lands in the Pacific Northwest.
of Reclamation to provide more water for
within the next two weeks before making
There, conservationists using the Endan-
fish and wildlife - and less to farmers-
his recommendations about how much
gered Species Act and other environmen-
from the huge federal water delivery
BLM land should be transferred to the
tal statutes to protect rare forest species
project in California's Central Valley.
Park Service and how many acres should
such as the northern spotted owl, have run
Other hot topics for discussion are
be designated as wilderness, according to
headlong into loggers and the timber in-
likely to include past managerial prob-
AP.
dustry, who depend on timber from the
lems at some Interior Department agen-
Desert protection legislation is part
same forests.
cies, as well as proposals to overhaul the
of a broader goal to "do everything in my
Miller's committee, which shares ju-
General Mining Law of 1872 and to raise
power" to expand and repair the national
risdiction over national forests with the
the fees for grazing livestock on the gov-
park system, Babbitt told AP.
House Agriculture Committee, spent con-
ernment-owned range, according to
Babbitt also said he wants to funnel
siderable time in the last Congress trying
Miller's aide.
more money to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
to devise a solution to the crisis in the
During his confirmation hearings last
Service, which is charged with carrying
Pacific Northwest.
month before the Senate Energy and
out and enforcing the Endangered Species
The landmark Endangered Species
Natural Resources Committee, Babbitt
Act (PL 93-205 as amended), a task that is
Act "is soundly premised by the notion
spoke in fairly general terms about most
proving to be complicated, controversial
that it is very important that we maintain
of these issues.
and expensive.
the biodiversity that supports the life sys-
But in a Feb. 10 interview with The
Babbitt discussed various belt-tight-
tems of the planet," Babbitt told the min-
Associated Press, the former Arizona
ening efforts that he expects to undertake
ing congress.
governor provided some specific infor-
at the department, such as cutting some
Babbitt expanded on that theme in his
mation about a number of matters before
management positions and perks, and
interview with AP, saying that any plan
the department, including proposals to
streamlining the administration of the
for protecting the spotted owl will also
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
IN COMMITTEE
B2
have to address the decline of other forest
tronic charting and automatic piloting
Coast Guard Adm. Arthur E. Henn, chief
species in the Northwest, such as the
systems, Bryant said in a telephone inter-
of the Office of Marine Safety, Security
region's salmon and the robin-sized
view.
and Environmental Protection, and Adm.
marbled murrelet, many of which are pro-
The oil spill act also required an
William J. Ecker, chief of the Office of
tected, or proposed for protection, under
analysis of shipping trends over 20 years.
Navigation Safety and Waterway Ser-
the Endangered Species Act.
Research has turned up evidence that in-
vices.
Only a comprehensive wildlife pro-
creased use of supertankers has increased
When: The hearing is scheduled for
tection plan will head off more litigation,
the practice of offshore transfers of cargo
10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, in 1334
and more court orders against logging, as
onto smaller vessels capable of entering
Longworth.
environmental groups seek to protect
the shallow waters of ports and harbors,
House Merchant Marine contacts:
these other species, Babbitt told AP.
Bryant said.
Jim Adams, majority, x63587; Rebecca
Babbitt also wants to conduct a "na-
In addition, Congress ordered the
Dye, minority, x63540. - Erin McNeill
tional biological survey" of natural re-
Coast Guard to examine options for estab-
sources to provide a more comprehensive
lishing tanker-free zones, but Bryant de-
scientific foundation for land manage-
Water pollution
clined to name any specific areas under
ment decisions, he told AP.
consideration. He said one of the conse-
When: The hearing is scheduled to
quences of banning tankers from certain
Sewage treatment
begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, in
waters may be a heavier concentration of
1324 Longworth.
tankers in other areas.
needs reviewed
House Natural Resources contacts:
"California wants tanker-free zones
A House Merchant Marine panel
Dan Beard, majority, x52761; Dan Kish,
off its coast, but if you drive tankers away
plans Thursday to explore ways to in-
minority, x56065. - LD
from California, are you then driving
crease funding for sewage treatment and
them to Washington and Oregon?"
other water-related public works projects,
Oil spills
Bryant said.
one day after President Clinton reveals an
Bryant said the Coast Guard also is
economic plan that is expected to include
Oil tanker safety
working with a U.N. maritime organiza-
more money for environmental infra-
tion to establish international standards
structure.
reviewed by panel
for tanker safety. He said the Coast
The hearing is the first in a series the
Guard's objective is to encourage other
Merchant Marine subcommittee on envi-
Two high-ranking officers of the
nations to adopt safety standards compa-
ronment and natural resources is holding
U.S. Coast Guard are scheduled to appear
rable to those in the United States so that
to prepare for reauthorizing the Federal
before a House Merchant Marine panel
U.S. shippers will not be placed at a com-
Water Pollution Control Act (PL 92-500
this week to answer questions about an
petitive disadvantage.
as amended), better known as the Clean
overdue study ordered by Congress on
Besides questions about the Coast
Water Act.
tanker navigation safety and personnel.
Guard study, subcommittee members are
Next week, the House Public Works
Coast Guard subcommittee Chair-
likely to ask about forthcoming regula-
Committee, which has primary jurisdic-
man W. J. (Billy) Tauzin (D-La.) has
tions dealing with the use of automatic
tion over the statute, will begin its series of
asked the witnesses to discuss progress on
equipment and a new requirement that a
clean water hearings with three days
the report, mandated by the Oil Pollution
second licensed officer be on the bridge of
scheduled for testimony on rural waste-
Act of 1990 (PL 101-380), and to talk
a tanker under certain conditions. These
water treatment needs. The Public Works
about factors that affect safe shipping.
rules also are past due.
subcommittee on water resources and en-
The study was due for submission to Con-
The Oil Pollution Act was passed by
vironment, under the leadership of new
gress in August 1992.
Congress largely in response to the March
Chairman Douglas Applegate (D-Ohio),
Several questions the Coast Guard is
1989 grounding of the supertanker Exxon
is holding the hearings.
studying relate to personnel and training
Valdez, which spilled 11 million gallons
For this week's hearing, Merchant
matters, such as crew size, qualifications,
of crude oil into Alaska's Prince William
Marine environment subcommittee
emergency response, alcohol testing and
Sound. The accident was the worst oil
Chairman Gerry E. Studds (D-Mass.) has
the use of simulators in training. Person-
spill in U.S. history. The act established a
asked witnesses to give their assessments
nel and training are considered crucial
new liability and compensation system
of the need for additional water treatment
because most maritime accidents are the
for oil spills and set new requirements for
projects nationwide, a subcommittee aide
result of human error, according to Capt.
tanker safety and spill preparedness.
said. The hearing also will serve as a
Dennis Bryant, a member of the Coast
The Coast Guard contends that the
forum for new ideas on generating more
Guard team responsible for carrying out
act's two-year deadline for completion of
revenue to address these needs.
provisions of the Oil Pollution Act.
the study was unreasonably short, but that
In addition, there may be some reac-
Other parts of the study focus on
progress is being made.
tion to Clinton's economic plans, which
navigational equipment, such as elec-
Witnesses: Expected to testify are
he is expected to broadly outline Wednes-
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
IN COMMITTEE
B3
day night before a joint session of Con-
ing the revolving loan system is ineffi-
have not yet been worked out.
gress. Among other things, Clinton re-
cient and too restrictive.
Witnesses: Expected to testify are
portedly is considering a $31 billion eco-
Additionally, the National Gover-
Martha G. Prothro, acting assistant ad-
nomic stimulus package, which is likely
nors' Association and other groups have
ministrator for EPA's office of water;
to include spending for sewage treatment
called on the federal government to in-
West Lafayette, Ind., Mayor Sonya L.
plants, highways and other public works
crease its annual contribution for sewage
Margerum, representing the National
projects.
treatment to $5 billion. In recent years,
League of Cities; John Spencer, director
Several groups, including the Na-
Congress has provided between $2 billion
of the Water Pollution Control Depart-
tional Utility Contractors Association and
and $2.5 billion annually to the states.
ment for the Seattle metropolitan area;
the Association of Metropolitan Sewer-
The cry for help is echoed by locali-
Gerry Dorfman, president of the National
age Agencies, are lobbying the Clinton
ties, which are legally obligated to make
Utility Contractors Association; Don
administration to set aside $3 billion to $4
wastewater treatment improvements but
Ostler, president of the Association of
billion just for wastewater treatment in his
often can only meet a fraction of the
State and Interstate Water Pollution Con-
stimulus package. Coupled with the $2.55
expense with loans from the state revolv-
trol Administrators; Dennis Hart, New
billion Congress appropriated last year
ing funds. The burden then usually falls
Jersey's administrator for environmental
for sewage treatment, that would bring
on ratepayers who local officials say are
protection and energy; and other wit-
total funding for clean water projects to
experiencing "rate shock" in some areas
nesses.
about $6 billion in the current fiscal year.
because of skyrocketing water and sewer
When: The hearing is scheduled to
Under the Clean Water Act, federal
fees.
begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in
grants to states are placed in state-estab-
While not abandoning environmen-
1334 Longworth.
lished funds used to provide loans to com-
tal arguments in making their case to the
House Merchant Marine contacts:
munities for wastewater treatment
administration and Congress, many trade
Barbara Jean Polo, majority, x63543;
projects. As loans are paid back, generally
groups are focusing more on job creation.
Laurel Bryant, minority, x63492.
at below-market interest rates, the money
They cite EPA figures showing that
Daniels
is distributed to other communities, creat-
58,500 jobs are created for every $1 bil-
ing a revolving system.
lion invested in sewage treatment
Marine mammals
These "state revolving funds," estab-
projects.
lished under the 1987 Clean Water Act
In addition, they argue that money for
amendments (PL 100-4), replaced an
sewage treatment will be an immediate
Measure supports
older system whereby states distributed
economic shot in the arm because there is
federal grant money to localities without
a substantial backlog of projects simply
ban on whaling
requiring them to pay it back. Federal
waiting for funding. Nearly $12 billion
The House Foreign Affairs Commit-
grants for the revolving loan funds are set
worth of wastewater projects are ready for
tee plans Tuesday to mark up a resolution
to expire in 1994.
construction this year, they say.
that calls for maintaining the current U.S.
The Clean Water Act is scheduled to
Last year Studds floated a proposal to
policy of opposing the commercial har-
be reauthorized in this Congress, and at
impose new taxes on dischargers of toxic
vesting of whales.
the top of the list of issues to be addressed
pollutants and manufacturers of pesti-
No amendments are expected, com-
is the future of federal assistance to states.
cides in order to provide more funding for
mittee aides said. The resolution is ex-
There is general consensus in Congress
the state loan funds. Studds envisioned
pected to be approved by the committee
that a federal funding role should continue
that the new taxes, coupled with $2 billion
and taken up on the House floor later the
but disagreement over what form it should
in annual appropriations, would generate
same day.
take and whether grants should be in-
$5 billion a year for wastewater treatment.
Introduced Feb. 3 by House Mer-
creased, aides have said.
Two Merchant Marine subcommit-
chant Marine Committee Chairman
By all accounts, the amount of money
tees held a joint hearing last August on the
Gerry E. Studds (D-Mass.), the measure
needed during the next 20 years to build
proposal (for more, see Aug. 10 Weekly
(H. Con. Res. 34) comes in response to
new treatment plants and upgrade older
Bulletin, p. B3).
continued indications by Norway and
ones is staggering. More than $80 billion
Studds, who last month was named to
other nations that they intend to resume
is necessary to meet wastewater treatment
chair the full Merchant Marine Commit-
killing whales for profit, a practice
needs alone, according to estimates by the
tee, plans to introduce similar legislation
banned by the International Whaling
Environmental Protection Agency. In ad-
this year. But he also wants to add a
Commission in 1986.
dition, states have told EPA they need
separate tax on common household, com-
Several nations are expected to try
another $30 billion for other water quality
mercial and industrial products known to
again this year to formally overtum the
improvement projects. Some groups say
contribute substantially to water pollu-
ban when IWC member nations hold their
these estimates are conservative.
tion, such as detergents, cleaners and pho-
annual meeting in Kyoto, Japan, in May.
Some states and localities want Con-
tographic chemicals, an aide said. Details
Efforts in recent years to lift the ban
gress to resume making direct grants, say-
of how such a tax would be configured
have been defeated. However, Norway
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
IN COMMITTEE
B4
announced at last year's meeting in
resolve disputes through diplomatic chan-
Many of the CCC's buildings,
Glasgow, Scotland, that it intended to
nels.
bridges, roads and trails are still in use in
resume commercial whaling, and Iceland
When: The committee is scheduled
municipal, state and federal parks and
withdrew from the whaling commission
to meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, in
forests. The structures were generally
altogether, saying that it also wanted to
2172 Rayburn. The committee is sched-
made out of locally available materials:
resume the practice.
uled to mark up at the same time a bill to
granite in New England, for example, or
In addition to calling for the United
extend and authorize appropriations for
adobe in the Southwest.
States to uphold the whaling ban, Studds'
the Export Administration Act of 1979
The corps also undertook erosion
resolution urges establishment of interna-
(HR 750).
control work, stream bank stabilization
tional sanctuaries where whaling would
House Foreign Affairs contacts:
and disaster relief.
be prohibited and negotiation of a similar
Nancy Carman, majority, x59198; Frank
CCC participants were young men
moratorium on commercial harvesting of
Record, minority, x56735. - DR
between the ages of 18 and 25, whose
dolphins and porpoises.
families were on government relief. They
In a statement accompanying the in-
Parks and public lands
were paid $30 a month, and all but $5 of
troduction of the measure, Studds said, "If
that money was sent directly to their fami-
we do not repeat the mistakes of our
lies.
whaling ancestors, we may yet see a day
Panel eyes youth
At its peak in 1937, the CCC em-
when we don't always hear 'endangered'
corps for parks
ployed 502,000 men throughout the 48
and 'whales' in the same sentence."
states and three territories. But Congress
Background: H. Con. Res. 34 is
For nine years beginning in 1933, the
balked at making the program permanent,
similar to resolutions introduced last Con-
young men of the Civilian Conservation
and the U.S. entry into World War II
gress (H. Con. Res. 105, H. Con. Res. 177)
Corps labored across America, fighting
brought an end to funding for the corps.
by former Rep. Gus Yatron (D-Pa.),
fires, halting erosion, building lodges and
The last camp was boarded up in June
which called for the indefinite continua-
picnic shelters, and weaving a network of
1942.
tion of the whaling ban. H. Con. Res. 177
roads and trails everywhere they went.
In 1970, Congress created the Youth
was amended to include a provision of-
One of the most popular and success-
Conservation Corps, providing summer
fered by Studds calling for a ban on dol-
ful creations of Franklin Delano
work for 15- to 18-year-olds, and the
phin and porpoise harvesting. The mea-
Roosevelt's presidency, the CCC pro-
Young Adult Conservation Corps, which
sure passed the House last May but died in
vided jobs in the nation's parks, forests
gave year-round employment to young
the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
and wildlife refuges for legions of unem-
men and women aged 16 to 23. The two
More than 8,000 whales were killed
ployed during the Great Depression.
corps were modeled after the CCC.
in 1985, the year before the ban went into
The corps was perhaps best known
Throughout the 1970s Congress pro-
effect. Since then, conservationists have
for its feat of planting 2 billion trees,
vided significant funding for both groups.
charged that several nations, including
earning the CCC the nickname
Much of their work was done in national
Iceland, Japan, Norway and South Korea,
"Roosevelt's Tree Army."
and state parks, federal forests and na-
have continued commercial harvesting of
There have been several efforts to
tional wildlife refuges.
whales under a loophole in the IWC ban
revive the program on a national scale,
The YACC was phased out in 1980.
that allows the taking of whales for the
and many states and localities operate
The Reagan administration never re-
purpose of "scientific research."
youth service programs, often with a con-
quested any money for the YCC, and its
Some scientific studies have sug-
servation component.
work has been greatly curtailed since
gested that certain whale populations,
On Thursday, a House Natural Re-
1981.
such as the Minke whale, have recovered
sources subcommittee will hold an over-
Congress has kept the YCC alive by
and can withstand limited harvesting
sight hearing on the history and current
directing the National Park Service, the
without reductions in their numbers. This
status of various federal and state corps
U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and
prompted Iceland, Norway and other pro-
that succeeded the CCC.
Wildlife Service to provide enough
whaling nations to openly break with the
History: The Civilian Conservation
money to keep minimal programs operat-
United States and other countries favor-
Corps operated from 1933 to 1942, em-
ing. For example, the Park Service pro-
ing continuation of the IWC ban.
ploying a total of 3.2 million young men
vides between $1 million and $3 million
The United States has authority un-
who worked on state and federal lands.
annually out of its operating budget.
der a law known as the "Pelly amend-
The corps' work included public rec-
In 1984, Congress passed HR 999,
ment" to ban imports into the United
reation projects such as construction of
which would have established an Ameri-
States of fish products from countries that
roads and trails, bridges, picnic shelters,
can Conservation Corps. The corps was to
violate international fisheries agree-
restroom facilities, lodges and cabins.
be made up of 16- to 24-year-olds who
ments. However, the United States has
Forestry work included not only tree
would perform conservation-related
never exercised this authority, preferring
planting, but firefighting, timber-stand
work on the nation's public lands, parks
instead to use it only as a threat and to
improvement and salvage logging.
and forests.
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
IN COMMITTEE
B5
But President Reagan vetoed the bill.
Witnesses: Among those expected
Indian reservations comes from spending
The measure was reintroduced the fol-
to testify are: Forest Service Chief Dale
authorized in annual appropriations for
lowing year, but died when the two
Robertson; David Moffitt, assistant direc-
the Interior Department and related agen-
Houses could not agree on a vehicle to
tor of the National Park Service for visitor
cies, which funds the department's Bu-
move the legislation.
services; a representative of the Commis-
reau of Indian Affairs.
In 1990, Congress passed - and
sion on National and Conservation Ser-
The interior appropriations act for
President Bush signed into law - a mea-
vice; and representatives of the California
fiscal 1993 (PL 102-381) provided $35
sure (PL 101-610) that created a Commis-
and Minnesota conservation corps, the
million to the BIA for fish and wildlife
sion on National and Community Service.
East Bay (Calif.) Conservation Corps, the
assistance to Indian reservations. Much of
That commission provides grants to state
National Association of Service and Con-
the funding was earmarked to protect
and local service corps, including various
servation Corps, and the Student Conser-
tribes from the loss of, or infringement on,
youth conservation corps. In 1992, the
vation Association.
their fishing rights as established under
commission granted $75 million to corps
The subcommittee also will hear
separate treaties or laws.
across the country. But little of the work
from a panel of young people who have
The Bureau of Indian Affairs also
done under those grants occurs on federal
been or are part of various state corps, and
lends fish and wildlife assistance to reser-
lands.
from an alumnus of the original Civilian
vations by contracting with tribes to pro-
Hearing: The national parks, forests
Conservation Corps.
vide them with agency experts, a BIA
and public lands subcommittee will be
When: The hearing is scheduled for
official said. Currently, five BIA biolo-
examining the conservation aspects of
10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in 1324
gists have been hired by various tribes as
youth service, according to a subcommit-
Longworth.
consultants. However, a House aide said
tee aide.
House Natural Resources contacts:
the amount of money appropriated for
The subcommittee also will look at
Stan Sloss, majority, x67736; Kurt
Indian fish and wildlife assistance does
how conservation corps could tie into
Christensen, minority, x62311. - Leslie
not meet the needs facing Indian reserva-
President Clinton's national service ini-
Ann Duncan
tions as a whole.
tiative, according to the aide. To address
While the condition of fish and wild-
that question, the panel has invited a rep-
Wildlife
life varies from one reservation to an-
resentative of the White House Office on
other, many tribes lack the money to ef-
National Service to testify.
Panel examines
fectively manage these resources. Their
Of particular interest to subcommit-
difficulties are similar to those faced by
tee Chairman Bruce F. Vento (D-Minn.)
Indian wildlife
many states, including the protection of
is the role conservation corps - with
endangered species and proper manage-
more funding - could play in addressing
Indian reservations, unlike states, are
ment of fish hatcheries.
the backlog of maintenance and other
largely excluded from assistance the fed-
However, Indian reservations do not
needs facing the national parks and other
eral government provides for the manage-
share in revenues from state-collected
federal lands, the aide said.
ment and protection of fish and wildlife, a
excise taxes on fishing and hunting equip-
That additional funding could come
situation that a House Natural Resources
ment that are earmarked for fish and wild-
as part of Clinton's economic stimulus
panel plans to investigate this week.
life enhancement, said Gloria Notah,
package, which the president is expected
Representatives of several Indian
wildlife manager for the Navajo Nation
to unveil Wednesday night in a speech to
tribes will voice their needs and concerns
and a witness at the Thursday hearing.
a joint session of Congress.
on this issue at an oversight hearing
The Navajo reservation, located pri-
Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt told
Thursday before the subcommittee on
marily in Arizona, has experienced in-
The Associated Press Feb. 10 that he had
Native American affairs, chaired by Rep.
creasing industrial development in recent
been assured that part of the stimulus
Bill Richardson (D-N.M.). The hearing
years, and tribal officials are concerned
package will be directed to his department
will lay the groundwork for legislation
they are unable to adequately evaluate the
for roads and other infrastructure and
that may be offered later this year to
impact of this growth on fish and wildlife
maintenance projects in national parks
enhance fish and wildlife management on
habitat, Notah said in a telephone inter-
and on Indian reservations.
Indian reservations, including the pos-
view.
Other issues likely to be discussed at
sible establishment of a new federal In-
She added that due to a lack of fund-
the hearing are the reauthorization of the
dian fish and wildlife program.
ing, her tribe has had difficulty recruiting
1990 community service law, and
While tribes have generally stepped
and retaining qualified Native Americans
whether there is support for reviving the
up efforts to improve their own fish and
to work in this field. Notah suggested that
CCC itself as the American Conservation
wildlife resources, they have done so
additional money could be used to pay for
Corps, according to the aide.
largely without federal assistance, a com-
education and training programs.
The subcommittee will solicit legis-
mittee aide said. Because reservations are
Notah said she hopes the hearing will
lative and policy recommendations, the
not treated as states, the only federal au-
lead to legislation that would establish a
aide said.
thority to help manage fish and wildlife on
federal Indian fish and wildlife program.
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
IN COMMITTEE
B6
A BIA official said such a bill would be a
ment works," Clinton said.
stricted the ability of the federal govern-
"step in the right direction."
"This new framework will ensure
ment to enforce environmental laws and
Witnesses: Invited to testify at the
that environmental considerations are
regulations.
hearing are Notah; Leonard Atole, presi-
brought to bear at the earliest stages in the
Another issue that may be attached to
dent of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe in New
development of every policy that the
Environment Department legislation is a
Mexico; Thomas Maulson, chairman of
president and his staff and Cabinet look
proposal to allow states or local govern-
the Lac du Flambeau Tribe in Wisconsin;
at," Vice President Al Gore said at the
ments to restrict interstate shipments of
James Schlender, executive administrator
Feb. 8 announcement.
solid waste. Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.) is
of the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wild-
The director of the office, Katie
planning to introduce such a bill in the
life Commission in Wisconsin; Ken
McGinty, will sit on the National Security
near future, an aide said.
Poynter, executive director of the Native
Council, the Domestic Policy Council and
He was one of the chief sponsors of
American Fish and Wildlife Society in
the new National Economic Council.
legislation the Senate passed last year (S
Colorado; Fred DuBray, coordinator of
Clinton intends for the new environmen-
2877) that would have enabled governors
the Administration for Native Americans
tal policy office to replace the Council on
to ban disposal of out-of-state garbage in
Bison Enhancement Project in South Da-
Environmental Quality, which serves a
a landfill or incinerator at the request of
kota; Nelson Wallulatum, chief of the
purely advisory function.
the local government, with some restric-
Wasco Tribe in Oregon; Billy Frank,
Abolishing CEQ would require con-
tions. The House never acted on the bill.
chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisher-
gressional approval, an action that could
Testimony: Word on the contents
ies Commission in Washington state; and
run into significant opposition, several
of Browner's testimony was unavailable
Gary Morishima of the Quinault Nation in
sources in both houses said. A key con-
at press time, but the Clinton administra-
Washington state.
cern is deciding how to carry out the
tion may lean toward supporting the
When: The hearing is set for 9:30
National Environmental Policy Act (PL
Glenn bill as the vehicle with the best
a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in a room to be
91-190), which established CEQ to re-
chance for quick passage, an EPA official
announced.
view assessments by federal agencies of
said.
Native American Affairs contact:
the environmental impacts of their ac-
Three Republicans from the Senate
Steve Healey, x67393. - Rich Hayes
tions.
Environment Committee, ranking mem-
An attempt to attach provisions abol-
ber John H. Chafee (R.I.), Dave
Environmental policy
ishing CEQ to an EPA-to-Cabinet bill
Durenberger (Minn.) and James M.
could slow down passage, a Governmen-
Jeffords (Vt.), will testify in favor of
Support builds
tal Affairs Committee staffer said. How-
Glenn's bill, a committee minority aide
ever, lawmakers may see the bill as a good
said. Environment Committee Chairman
for EPA elevation
vehicle to carry controversial proposals
Max Baucus (D-Mont.) also is set to tes-
because elevating EPA enjoys wide sup-
tify, however, information on his position
President Clinton last week urged
port.
was unavailable.
quick action to elevate the Environmental
Governmental Affairs Committee
The chairman of the House Govern-
Protection Agency to formal Cabinet-
Chairman John Glenn (D-Ohio) Jan. 21
ment Operations subcommittee on envi-
level status, improving chances for early
introduced a "clean" bill 171) to elevate
ronment, Rep. Mike Synar (D-Okla.), will
passage of legislation creating a new De-
EPA to the Cabinet without addressing
advocate management reforms at EPA as
partment of the Environment.
other issues.
part of the agency's elevation, a subcom-
EPA Administrator Carol M.
The bill, which is co-sponsored by 17
mittee aide said. Synar wants Environ-
Browner is scheduled to testify Thursday
senators, is almost identical to a bill (S
ment Department legislation to limit the
before the Senate Governmental Affairs
533) passed by the Senate in October
practice of contracting agency work to
Committee to lay out the Clinton
1991, except that it leaves out an amend-
private companies.
administration's plans for the new depart-
ment won by former Sen. Steve Symms
EPA has been criticized in recent
ment and its expanded role in the federal
(R-Idaho) that would have required com-
years for large-scale use of outside con-
government. The hearing also will give
pensation for any government action that
tracting. Critics say that reliance on con-
senators an opportunity to question
amounted to a "taking" of private prop-
tracting has deprived the agency of the
Browner and other witnesses on the new
erty.
resources needed for building its own
environmental policy framework un-
Potential riders: Senate Minority
staff.
veiled by the president last week.
Leader Robert Dole (R-Kan.) introduced
House Energy Committee Chairman
Clinton announced the creation of a
a similar takings proposal (S 177) Jan. 21,
John D. Dingell (D-Mich) said last year
new White House Office of Environmen-
and may try to attach it to an EPA eleva-
that EPA needs to reform contracting, and
tal Policy to integrate environmental con-
tion bill if the measure sees floor action, a
he wants the issue addressed this year,
siderations into all aspects of decision-
Governmental Affairs aide said. Environ-
either through legislation or action by the
making by his administration.
mentalists opposed this amendment, ar-
administration, a committee aide said.
"We are changing the way govern-
guing that it would have severely re-
Dingell also wants a new Environ-
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
IN COMMITTEE
B7
ment Department to have a better frame-
Senate Governmental Affairs con-
to discuss the forces driving the energy
work for disseminating environmental
tacts: Michael Slater, majority, x44751;
research and development agenda of the
statistics and other information. Glenn's
Paul Kerkhoven, minority, x42441. -
1990s.
bill would create a new environmental
Steve Cook
Blair noted that during the 1970s,
statistics bureau within the department.
energy security was the major imperative
Rep. William F. Clinger Feb. 4 intro-
Research
behind technology development. While
duced what he described as "the cleanest
the desire to curb U.S. reliance on foreign
EPA elevation bill." His bill, HR 824,
Panel views
oil remains important today, the need to
would transform EPA into a Cabinet de-
reduce air pollution has become more of a
partment with no other changes to the
energy research
determining factor in the field of energy
agency's structure.
research, he said.
Rep. Sherwood L. Boehlert (R-N.Y.)
A House Science subcommittee has
Blair also will join the second panel
Jan. 5 introduced HR 109, a companion to
invited two panels of experts to testify
of witnesses in discussing how to translate
the Glenn bill. Boehlert sponsored an
Tuesday on the subject of federally
a successful energy technology from the
EPA-to-Cabinet bill (HR 67) in the last
funded research into emerging energy
laboratory to the marketplace.
Congress, but the measure never saw ac-
technologies.
Witnesses: Others expected to tes-
tion.
The energy subcommittee, chaired
tify include Norm Zigrossi, president of
The new Environment Department
by Rep. Marilyn Lloyd (D-Tenn.), will
the Tennessee Valley Authority's re-
would be the 15th department in the
question the first panel about which new
source group; Kathryn Jackson, vice
president's Cabinet and the sixth to be
technologies are most worthy of contin-
president of Technology Advancements,
added in the past 20 years. Although EPA
ued federal investment in light of shrink-
based in Knoxville, Tenn.; and Edith
has enjoyed quasi-Cabinet status in recent
ing research dollars, a staffer said.
Ritter, executive director of the Manufac-
years, those advocating formal elevation
The second panel will be asked to
turers Resource Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
of EPA argue that such a move would
explore how the products of promising
When: The hearing is scheduled for
bolster the agency's status, especially in
federal energy research can be commer-
1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, in 2325 Rayburn.
dealing with foreign countries.
cialized more effectively.
House Science contacts: Kathy
Like Clinton, former President Bush
Among the experts scheduled to ap-
Wallace-Smith, majority, x58056; Mason
supported elevation of EPA to the Cabi-
pear on the first panel is Terry Davies of
Wiggins, minority, x56928. - Lucy
net. But his administration could not
Resources for the Future, who will present
Harvey
come to agreement with congressional
the findings of the National Commission
Democrats on the new department's
on the Environment, an environmentalist-
structure and authority.
Global environment/pesticides
backed group that drafted a strategy for
For example, the Bush administra-
achieving a sustainable energy future.
tion strongly objected to provisions in an
Davies said the report lays out a
Trade pact raises
EP elevation bill passed by the House in
three-step framework for developing new
1990 that would have established an envi-
energy technologies. During the first
pesticide concerns
ronmental statistics bureau as an indepen-
phase, research would focus on increasing
A House Energy and Commerce sub-
dent agency within the new department.
energy efficiency.
committee will hold a hearing Thursday
Glenn's bill would place the bureau under
The second step would concentrate
to examine concerns that the recently
the control of the secretary, and ultimately
on developing alternative forms of en-
signed free trade agreement between the
the president.
ergy, including compressed natural gas,
United States, Mexico and Canada could
Former President Nixon established
hydrogen, alcohol fuels and other substi-
undermine U.S. health standards regulat-
EPA in 1970 by executive order as part of
tutes for gasoline, as well as renewable
ing pesticide residues on fruits, veg-
a government reorganization plan. Con-
power sources, such as solar and wind
etables and other foods.
gress last expanded the president's Cabi-
energy.
Former President Bush signed the
net in 1988, when it elevated the Veterans
According to Davies, these research
North American Free Trade Agreement in
Administration to the Department of Vet-
programs would ultimately lead to the
December, but the fate of the pact now lies
erans Affairs.
introduction of new, highly efficient, non-
in the hands of President Clinton and
Witnesses: Additional witnesses
polluting energy technologies in the third
Congress. Final approval and implemen-
include former EPA Administrator Dou-
and final phase of the strategy.
tation of the accord will depend largely on
glas Costle and National Wildlife Presi-
Another panelist, Kurt Yeager of the
whether lawmakers believe the trade deal
dent Jay Hair. Costle served as EPA chief
Electric Power Research Institute, is ex-
and legislation to carry it out can provide
during the Carter administration.
pected to address the electric utility
adequate protection for the environment,
When: The hearing is scheduled for
industry's research priorities, and a third
public health and U.S. jobs.
9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in 342
expert, Peter Blair of the congressional
Concerns about the environmental
Dirksen.
Office of Technology Assessment, plans
consequences of a trade agreement with
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
IN COMMITTEE
B8
Mexico first surfaced in the May 1991
Nuclear waste
This week's hearing will focus on the
congressional debate over whether to
52 contracts DOE currently has with pri-
grant Bush his request to pursue the trade
talks on a "fast-track" basis. Under cur-
Energy contracts
vate companies to manage and operate its
facilities called M&O contracts and
rent fast-track procedures, the two con-
under review
a new type of agreement the department
gressional tax-writing committees and
has developed to hire companies to clean
the White House draft legislation to carry
A House Energy subcommittee plans
up contaminated nuclear weapons sites.
out the free trade agreement under U.S.
to hold a hearing Wednesday on weak-
These cleanup agreements are known of-
law, and Congress has 90 working days to
nesses in the Department of Energy's con-
ficially as environmental restoration
pass the bill from the time it is introduced.
tract management.
management contracts, or ERMCs.
No amendments are allowed.
The hearing is likely to launch a se-
The majority of M&O contracts com-
Congress gave Bush the go-ahead,
ries of reviews by the oversight subcom-
pensate firms for costs they incur and pay
but not until he promised to incorporate
mittee into DOE contracting practices,
them an additional award based on a DOE
environmental considerations into the
said a staffer. The subcommittee, which is
evaluation of their performance.
trade talks. Many environmentalists and
chaired by full committee Chairman John
According to the GAO transition re-
policy-makers believe these promises
D. Dingell (D-Mich.), held four similar
port, DOE does not provide sufficient
were not kept.
hearings on the Environmental Protection
oversight of its contractors' costs and fails
While the final version of the accord
Agency's contract management last year.
to give them incentives to curb their ex-
includes language designed to prevent the
The Energy Department, which hires
penses. In addition, the GAO report says
weakening of U.S. environmental laws,
private companies to manage and operate
DOE has not developed standardized cri-
some critics charge that it does not contain
its laboratories, nuclear weapons plants
teria for calculating awards to contractors.
an adequate mechanism to enforce this
and other facilities, is the largest civilian
In one instance cited by GAO, the
provision.
contracting agency in the federal govern-
contractor operating the Rocky Flats
Many environmentalists and con-
ment. The role of these contractors is
nuclear weapons facility in Colorado was
sumer groups also fear that U.S. standards
changing as DOE puts greater emphasis
paid $1.7 million in awards fees despite a
limiting pesticide residues on raw and
on energy research, basic science and the
finding by a DOE review board that no
processed foods will be challenged under
cleanup of radioactive waste.
award should be granted.
the new trade deal as unfair barriers to
In 1991, DOE spent $15.6 billion of
The hearing also will explore DOE's
trade, thereby forcing the United States
its $19 billion procurement budget on
use of indemnification clauses that re-
either to accept food imports with higher
private contractors. Although the Energy
quire the agency to reimburse almost all of
pesticide levels or face retaliation from its
Department directly employs 18,000 fed-
a contractor's cost unless the department
trading partners for violating the agree-
eral workers, the agency provides em-
can demonstrate the expenditures were
ment.
ployment to nearly 141,000 individuals
the result of the contractor's willful mis-
Still, some environmental groups
who are hired through private contractors.
conduct or bad faith. The GAO report
and NAFTA supporters believe the ac-
The General Accounting Office and
cites a case in which DOE reimbursed a
cord is a positive step forward in incorpo-
DOE's inspector general have long as-
contractor $420,000 for materials that the
rating environmental concerns into trade
serted that lax contract management by
contractor's own employee had stolen.
agreements, and believe pesticide safety
the department has cost the federal gov-
The GAO report acknowledges that
and other environmental concerns can be
emment millions of dollars. Representa-
DOE has made some progress in recent
addressed through "parallel" agreements.
tives from both the inspector general's
years in strengthening its oversight of
President Clinton has said he will support
office and GAO will testify before the
independent contractors. In 1991, DOE
NAFTA if such agreements are reached.
oversight panel. Both have issued numer-
introduced a new contract rule that holds
Witnesses: A final witness list was
ous reports criticizing DOE's contract
most private contractors accountable for
not available at press time. However, an
management.
cost overruns which could have been
aide to the commerce subcommittee said
In a December 1992 "transition" re-
avoided through proper contract perfor-
witnesses would include representatives
port prepared to assist wcomers to Con-
mance.
from the Agriculture Department, the
gress and the Clinton administration,
However, the report states, "the sys-
General Accounting Office and Public
GAO noted that DOE and its predecessor
temic nature of [DOE's contract] weak-
Citizen, a consumer advocacy and protec-
agencies have given contractors wide lati-
nesses - insufficient oversight, lack of
tion group.
tude since World War II, when the gov-
essential information, nonstandard con-
When: The hearing is scheduled for
emment sought partners in private indus-
tracts, and questionable fees - requires
10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, in 2226 Ray-
try to undertake the task of building
wholesale changes within DOE."
burn.
nuclear weapons. The GAO report notes
The oversight panel also will con-
House Energy contacts: Bruce
that these private contractors operated for
sider recommendations included in a re-
Gwinn, majority, x63160; Doug Bennett,
years under the veil of national security,
port prepared by the White House Office
minority, 63400. - DR
without close oversight or financial risk.
of Management and Budget that high-
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
IN COMMITTEE
B9
lights weaknesses in government con-
When: The hearing is scheduled for
House Energy contacts: Bob Roach,
tracting at all civilian agencies, a subcom-
11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, in 2123
majority, x54441; Dennis Wilson, minor-
mittee staffer said.
Rayburn.
ity, x53641. - LH
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
STATUS OF MAJOR LEGISLATION
HOW TO USE THIS SECTION: Major bills are listed below alpha-
3/24 - Energy secretary
betically by subject. Each bill's current status is noted, followed by an
3/25 - Interior secretary
index of key reports on each subject.
3/26 - Natural resources-outside witnesses
3/29 - Natural resources-outside witnesses
Appropriations
3/30 - Energy programs-outside witnesses
3/31 - Indian programs-outside witnesses
FY 1994 budget
4/14 - National Park Service
Latest action: Before leaving office, President Bush sent his FY
4/19 - Office of Surface Mining
1994 budget proposal to Congress 1/6/93. President Clinton is expected
4/20 - Bureau of Indian Affairs
to send a revised budget proposal to Congress in mid-March 1993.
4/21 - Fossil energy, strategic petroleum reserve, Naval petro-
leum reserves, clean coal
Agriculture
4/22 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
House action
4/27 - U.S. Forest Service
House subcommittee schedule:
4/28 - Energy conservation
2/24/93 - Agriculture secretary
5/3 - Bureau of Mines
3/11/ - Alternative agriculture research
5/6 - Bureau of Land Management
3/30 - Soil Conservation Service
5/10 - Members of Congress
3/31 - Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service
Clean Water Act
Commerce (NOAA)
House action
Latest action: House Merchant Marine subcommittee on envi-
House subcommittee schedule:
ronment hearing on clean water funding set for 2/18/93.
3/2/93 - Marine Mammal Commission
Story in this issue.
House history: Rep. Edwards 1/5/93 introduced environmental-
Energy and water
ist-backed wetlands bill (HR 350).
House action
EESC publications: Following is a partial list of EESC publi-
House subcommittee schedule:
cations on the Clean Water Act:
3/24/93 - Members of Congress, outside witnesses
Outlook for 103rd Congress - 1/28/93 Special Report, "Out-
3/25 - Members of Congress, outside witnesses
look: environment, energy and natural resources in the 103rd Con-
3/29 - Members of Congress, outside witnesses
gress," p. 12.
3/30 - Members of Congress, outside witnesses
3/31 - Members of Congress, outside witnesses
4/1 - Members of Congress, outside witnesses
Environmental policy
4/14 - Assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, chief of
engineers and director of civil works
Latest action: Senate Governmental Affairs Committee hearing
4/15 - Assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, chief of
set for 2/18/93 on bill to elevate Environmental Protection Agency to
Cabinet level.
engineers and director of civil works
4/19 - Interior secretary, Bureau of Reclamation
House history: Rep. Boehlert 1/5/93 introduced bill to elevate
4/20 - Tennessee Valley Authority, Appalachian Regional
EPA to Cabinet (HR 109).
Commission
Senate history: Sen. Glenn 1/21 introduced EPA-to-Cabinet bill
4/21 - Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Federal Energy Regu-
(S 171).
latory Commission
Story in this issue.
4/22 - Energy secretary
EESC publications: Following is a partial list of EESC publi-
4/26 - DOE: environment, safety and health; environmental
cations on environmental policy:
restoration and waste management; general sciences; basic energy
Outlook for 103rd Congress - 1/28/93 Special Report, "Out-
sciences; fusion; supporting technology
look: environment, energy and natural resources in the 103rd Con-
4/27 - DOE: solar and renewables; nuclear fission; uranium
gress," p. 4.
supply and enrichment activities; nuclear waste disposal fund
4/28 - DOE: atomic energy defense activities (closed)
Mining law reform
4/29 - DOE: atomic energy defense activities (closed); power
marketing administrations (open)
House history: Rep. Rahall 1/5/93 introduced mining law re-
form bill (HR 322).
Interior and related agencies
Senate history: Sen. Bumpers 1/28 introduced reform bill (S
House action
257).
House subcommittee schedule:
EESC publications: Following is a partial list of EESC publi-
2/3/93 - Energy Information Agency
cations on mining law reform:
2/23 - Minerals Management Service
Outlook for 103rd Congress - 1/28/93 Special Report, "Out-
2/24 - U.S. Geological Survey
look: environment, energy and natural resources in the 103rd Con-
3/10 - Navajo-Hopi
gress," p. 5.
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
STATUS OF MAJOR LEGISLATION
C2
Pesticides
speech to Congress 2/17/93.
Senate history: Sen. Nickles 1/21/93 introduced a bill to impose
Senate history: Sen. Kennedy 2/4/93 introduced a food safety
noil import fee (S65). An oil import fee also was proposed 1/28 by Sen.
Johnston (S 254).
bill (S 331) that would set a uniform "negligible risk" standard to limit
pesticide residues on food.
House history: Rep. English 1/26 introduced an oil import fee
House history: Rep. Waxman 2/4 introduced House companion
bill (HR 600). Rep. Stark 2/3 introduced a bill to levy a new tax on the
carbon content of fossil fuels (HR 804).
(HR 872) to Kennedy food safety bill.
EESC publications: Following is a partial list of EESC publi-
EESC publications: Following is a partial list of EESC publi-
cations on energy taxes:
cations on pesticide issues:
Outlook for 103rd Congress - 1/28/93 Special Report, "Out-
Outlook for 103rd Congress — 1/28/93 Special Report, "Out-
look: environment, energy and natural resources in the 103rd Con-
look: environment, energy and natural resources in the 103rd Con-
gress," p. 15.
gress," p. 9.
Wilderness
Superfund
Senate history: Sen. Lautenberg 2/4/93 introduced legislation
Alaska: Bills to designate the 1.5-million-acre coastal plain of
(S 343) to limit municipal liability for hazardous waste cleanup under
Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge were introduced 1/5/93 by
Rep. Lehman (HR 39) and 1/21/93 by Sen. Roth (S 39).
superfund law.
California: Bills to create more than 8 million acres of wilderness
House history: Rep. Smith (N.J.) 1/21/93 introduced municipal
liability legislation (HR 540, HR 541).
in the California desert were introduced 1/21/93 by Rep. Lehman (HR
518) and by Sen. Feinstein (S 21).
Rep. Torricelli 2/4/93 introduced House companion (HR 870) to
Colorado: A bill to designate 648,600 acres of wilderness in
Lautenberg's municipal liability bill.
EESC publications: Following is a partial list of EESC publi-
national forest and BLM lands in Colorado was introduced 1/5/93 by
Rep. Hefley (HR 195). Bills to set aside 611,730 acres of wilderness in
cations on superfund:
Colorado were introduced 1/26/93 by Rep. Skaggs (HR 631) and by Sen.
Outlook for 103rd Congress — 1/28/93 Special Report, "Out-
Brown (S 206).
look: environment, energy and natural resources in the 103rd Con-
New Mexico: A bill to designate 16,674 acres of wilderness in
gress," p. 10.
New Mexico was introduced 2/4/93 by Sen. Domenici (S 313).
Taxes
EESC publications: Following is a partial list of EESC publi-
cations on wilderness issues:
Outlook for 103rd Congress - 1/28/93 Special Report, "Out-
Latest action: President Clinton was expected to propose some
look: environment, energy and natural resources in the 103rd Con-
form of a new energy tax when he outlines his economic plans in a
gress," p. 16.
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
In the House
In the Senate
Monday
Monday
No action
No action
Tuesday
Tuesday
Foreign Affairs:
Whaling resolution mkup.
B3
No action
9:30 a.m., 2172 Rayburn
Natural Resources:
Babbitt hg.
B1
9:30 a.m., 1324 Longworth
Science:
Energy technology hg.
B7
1 p.m., 2325 Rayburn
Wednesday
Wednesday
Energy:
DOE contracting hg.
B8
No action
11 a.m., 2123 Rayburn
Merchant Marine:
Oil Pollution Act hg.
B2
10 a.m. 1334 Longworth
Thursday
Thursday
Energy:
Free trade and pesticides hg.
B7
Govl Affairs:
EPA-to-Cabinet hg.
B6
10 a.m., 2226 Rayburn
9:30 a.m., 342 Dirksen
Merchant Marine:
Clean water funding hg.
B2
10 a.m., 1334 Longworth
Natural Resources:
Indian fish and wildlife hg.
B5
9:30 a.m., room to be announced
Conservation corps hg.
B4
10 a.m., 1324 Longworth
Friday
Friday
No action
No action
WEEKLY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 15, 1993