STATUS: September 30, 2013.--Introduced in House. September 15, 2014.--Passed in House as amended Agreed to by voice vote. September 16, 2014.--Referred to Senate. H.R.3222 Flushing Remonstrance Study Act (Engrossed in House [Passed House] - EH) HR 3222 EH 113th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 3222AN ACT To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of sites associated with the 1657 signing of the Flushing Remonstrance in Queens, New York, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `Flushing Remonstrance Study Act'. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Dutch involvement in North America started with Henry Hudson's 1609 voyage on the ship, Half Moon, employed by the Dutch East India Company. (2) After 1640, New Netherland gradually began to transform from a chain of trading posts into a settlement colony. (3) As Dutch and English settlers moved closer to one another, they began to assimilate in what would later become Queens County. (4) The Dutch and English settlements had not been without conflict. Although the Dutch Republic was well known for its toleration of other faiths, Director General Peter Stuyvesant and his council thought that liberty of worship should not be granted to Quakers. (5) When Quakers began to arrive in Flushing, the colonial government issued an ordinance that formally banned the practice of all religions outside of the Dutch Reformed Church. (6) On December 27, 1657, 30 Flushing residents signed what was later called the Flushing Remonstrance, objecting to this order. None of the remonstrance's authors were Quakers. (7) Dutch colonial authorities proceeded to arrest the signers of the Flushing Remonstrance. In 1662, John Bowne defied the ban and allowed Quakers to hold services in his house. Bowne was fined and banished to the Dutch Republic for showing contempt for secular authority. (8) Bowne was later exonerated after appealing to the guarantees of religious liberty before the Dutch West India Company and returned to Flushing in 1664. The colony later fell to British control on September 24, 1664. (9) The Flushing Remonstrance is now considered by many to be instrumental in the development of religious liberty in the United States and a precursor to the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. (10) In 1957, the United States Postal Service released a 3-cent postage stamp commemorating the 300th Anniversary of the signing of the Flushing Remonstrance which read, `Religious Freedom in America'. (11) Queens remained rural and agricultural through the 18th and 19th Centuries. Although its Dutch identity diminished, the tolerance of diversity that has harbored Quakers and other religious sects in the Dutch Colonial period continues to this day. Queens is the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, with a population of over 2,200,000 representing over 100 different nations and speaking over 138 different languages. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Act: (1) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of the Interior. (2) STUDY AREA- The term `study area' means the John Bowne House located at 3701 Bowne Street, Queens, New York, the Friends Meeting House located at 137-17 Northern Boulevard, Queens, New York, and other resources in the vicinity of Flushing related to the history of religious freedom during the era of the signing of the Flushing Remonstrance. SEC. 4. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY. (a) Study- The Secretary shall conduct a special resource study of the study area. (b) Contents- In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall-- (1) evaluate the national significance of the study area's resources based on their relationship to the history of religious freedom associated with the signing of the Flushing Remonstrance; (2) determine the suitability and feasibility of designating resources within the study area as a unit of the National Park System; (3) consider other alternatives for preservation, protection, and interpretation of the study area by Federal, State, or local governmental entities, or private and nonprofit organizations; (4) identify properties related to the John Bowne House that could potentially meet criteria for designation as a National Historic Landmark; (5) consult with interested Federal, State, or local governmental entities, private and nonprofit organizations, or any other interested individuals; (6) evaluate the impact of the proposed action on the flow of commerce and commercial activity, job opportunities, and any adverse economic effects that could not be avoided if the proposal is implemented; (7) identify cost estimates for any Federal acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance associated with the alternatives; (8) analyze the effect of the designation of the study area as a unit of the National Park System on-- (A) existing recreational activities, and on the authorization, construction, operation, maintenance, or improvement of energy production and transmission infrastructure; and (B) the authority of State and local governments to manage those activities; and (9) identify any authorities, including condemnation, that will compel or permit the Secretary to influence or participate in local land use decisions (such as zoning) or place restrictions on non-Federal lands if the study area is designated a unit of the National Park System. (c) Notification of Private Property Owners- Upon the commencement of the study, owners of private property in or adjacent to the study area shall be notified of the study's commencement and scope. (d) Applicable Law- The study required under subsection (a) shall be conducted in accordance with section 8(c)) of the National Park System General Authorities Act (16 U.S.C. 1a-5(c)). (e) Report- Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available for the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report containing the results of the study and any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary. Passed the House of Representatives September 15, 2014. Attest: Clerk. 113th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 3222AN ACT To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of sites associated with the 1657 signing of the Flushing Remonstrance in Queens, New York, and for other purposes.

STATUS: September 26, 2013.--Introduced. March 4, 2014.--Reported to Committee. H. Rept. 113-372, Part I. March 13, 2014.--Passed in House by recorded vote: 238 - 174 (Roll no. 132). March 24, 2014.--Received in the Senate referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. H.R.3189 Water Rights Protection Act (Referred in Senate - RFS) HR 3189 RFS 113th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 3189IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 24, 2014 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources AN ACT To prohibit the conditioning of any permit, lease, or other use agreement on the transfer of any water right to the United States by the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `Water Rights Protection Act'. SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF WATER RIGHTS. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture-- (1) shall not condition the issuance, renewal, amendment, or extension of any permit, approval, license, lease, allotment, easement, right-of-way, or other land use or occupancy agreement on the transfer of any water right (including joint and sole ownership) directly to the United States, or any impairment of title, in whole or in part, granted or otherwise recognized under State law, by Federal or State adjudication, decree, or other judgment, or pursuant to any interstate water compact; and (2) shall not require any water user (including any federally recognized Indian tribe) to apply for or acquire a water right in the name of the United States under State law as a condition of the issuance, renewal, amendment, or extension of any permit, approval, license, lease, allotment, easement, right-of-way, or other land use or occupancy agreement. SEC. 3. DEFINITION. For purposes of this Act, the term `water right' means any surface, groundwater, or storage use filed, permitted, certificated, confirmed, decreed, adjudicated, or otherwise recognized by a judicial proceeding or by the State in which the user acquires possession of the water or puts it to beneficial use. Such term shall include water rights for federally recognized Indian tribes. SEC. 4. IMPACT ON EXISTING AUTHORITY. Nothing in this Act limits or expands any existing legally recognized authority of the Secretaries to issue, grant, or condition any permit, approval, license, lease, allotment, easement, right-of-way, or other land use or occupancy agreement on Federal lands subject to their respective jurisdictions. SEC. 5. EFFECT ON RECLAMATION CONTRACTS. Nothing in this Act shall in any way interfere with existing or future Bureau of Reclamation contracts entered into pursuant to Federal reclamation law (the Act of June 17, 1902 (32 Stat. 388, chapter 1093), and Acts supplemental to and amendatory of that Act). SEC. 6. EFFECT ON ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT. Nothing in this Act shall affect the implementation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). SEC. 7. EFFECT ON FEDERAL RESERVED WATER RIGHTS. Nothing in this Act limits or expands any existing reserved water rights of the Federal Government on lands administered by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture. SEC. 8. EFFECT ON FEDERAL POWER ACT. Nothing in this Act limits or expands authorities pursuant to sections 4(e), 10(j), or 18 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 797(e), 803(j), and 811). SEC. 9. EFFECT ON INDIAN WATER RIGHTS. Nothing in this Act limits or expands any existing reserved water right or treaty right of any federally recognized Indian tribe. Passed the House of Representatives March 13, 2014. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.

STATUS: January 28, 2014.--Introduced in Senate. July 30, 2014.--Hearing by subcommittee. (59) H.R.3008 To provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of National Forest System land in Los Padres National Forest in California, and for other purposes. (Referred in Senate - RFS) HR 3008 RFS 113th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 3008IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJanuary 28, 2014 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources AN ACT To provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of National Forest System land in Los Padres National Forest in California, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) FEDERAL LAND- The term `Federal land' means the approximately 5 acres of National Forest System land in Santa Barbara County, California, as generally depicted on the map. (2) FOUNDATION- The term `Foundation' means the White Lotus Foundation, a nonprofit foundation located in Santa Barbara, California. (3) MAP- The term `map' means the map entitled `San Marcos Pass Encroachment for Consideration of Legislative Remedy' and dated June 1, 2009. (4) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Agriculture. SEC. 2. LAND CONVEYANCE. (a) Land Exchange- Subject to the provisions of this section, if the Foundation offers to convey to the Secretary all right, title, and interest of the Foundation in and to a parcel of non-Federal land that is acceptable to the Secretary-- (1) the Secretary shall accept the offer; and (2) on receipt of acceptable title to the non-Federal land, the Secretary shall convey to the Foundation all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land. (b) Applicable Law- The land exchange authorized under subsection (a) shall be subject to section 206 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716). (c) Time for Completion of Land Exchange- It is the intent of Congress that the land exchange under subsection (a) shall be completed not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Alternative Sale of Federal Land- If the land exchange under subsection (a) is not completed by the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall offer to sell to the Foundation the Federal land for fair market value. (e) Additional Terms and Conditions- The land exchange under subsection (a) and any sale under subsection (d) shall be subject to-- (1) valid existing rights; (2) the Secretary finding that the public interest would be well served by making the exchange or sale; (3) any terms and conditions that the Secretary may require; and (4) the Foundation paying the reasonable costs of any surveys, appraisals, and any other administrative costs associated with the land exchange or sale. (f) Appraisals- (1) IN GENERAL- The land conveyed under subsection (a) or (d) shall be appraised by an independent appraiser selected by the Secretary. (2) REQUIREMENTS- An appraisal under paragraph (1) shall be conducted in accordance with nationally recognized appraisal standards, including-- (A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and (B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. (g) Management and Status of Acquired Land- Any non-Federal land acquired by the Secretary under this Act shall be managed by the Secretary in accordance with-- (1) the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the `Weeks Law') (16 U.S.C. 480 et seq.); and (2) any laws (including regulations) applicable to the National Forest System. Passed the House of Representatives January 27, 2014. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.

Status: August 8, 2013. Introduced in House. September 15, 2014.--Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 113-591. September 15, 2014.--Passed House. September 16, 2014.--Referred to Senate. H.R.3006 To authorize a land exchange involving the acquisition of private land adjacent to the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona for inclusion in the refuge in exchange for certain... (Reported in House - RH) HR 3006 RH Union Calendar No. 438113th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 3006[Report No. 113-591] To authorize a land exchange involving the acquisition of private land adjacent to the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona for inclusion in the refuge in exchange for certain Bureau of Land Management lands in Riverside County, California, and for other purposes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESAugust 2, 2013 Mr. CALVERT (for himself, Mr. RUIZ, Mr. GOSAR, and Mr. GRIJALVA) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources September 15, 2014 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic][For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on August 2, 2013]A BILL To authorize a land exchange involving the acquisition of private land adjacent to the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona for inclusion in the refuge in exchange for certain Bureau of Land Management lands in Riverside County, California, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act-- (1) MAP 1- The term `Map 1' means the map entitled `Specified Parcel of Public Land in California' and dated July 18, 2014. (2) MAP 2- The term `Map 2' means the map entitled `River Bottom Farm Lands' and dated July 18, 2014. SEC. 2. LAND EXCHANGE, CIBOLA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, ARIZONA, AND BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LAND IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. (a) Conveyance of Bureau of Land Management Land- In exchange for the land described in subsection (b), the Secretary of the Interior shall convey to River Bottom Farms of La Paz County, Arizona, all right, title and interest of the United States in and to certain Federal land administered by the Secretary through the Bureau of Land Management consisting of a total of approximately 80 acres in Riverside County, California, identified as `Parcel A' on Map 1. The conveyed land shall be subject to valid existing rights, including easements, rights-of-way, utility lines, and any other valid encumbrances on the land as of the date of the conveyance under this section. (b) Consideration- As consideration for the conveyance of the Federal land under subsection (a), River Bottom Farms shall convey to the United States all right, title, and interest of River Bottom Farms in and to two parcels of land contiguous to the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in La Paz County, Arizona, consisting of a total of approximately 40 acres in La Paz County, Arizona, identified as `Parcel 301-05-005B-9' and `Parcel 301-05-008-0' on Map 2. (c) Equal Value Exchange- The values of the Federal land and non-Federal land to be exchanged under this section shall be equal or equalized by the payment of cash to the Secretary by River Bottom Farms, if appropriate, pursuant to section 206(b) of the Federal Land Policy Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1716(b)). The value of the land shall be determined by the Secretary through an appraisal performed by a qualified appraiser mutually agreed to by the Secretary and River Bottom Farms and performed in conformance with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (U.S. Department of Justice, December 2000). If the final appraised value of the non-Federal land (`Parcel 301-05-005B-9' and `Parcel 301-05-008-0' on Map 2) exceeds the value of the Federal land (`Parcel A' on Map 1), the surplus value of the non-Federal land shall be considered to be a donation by River Bottom Farms to the United States. (d) Exchange Timetable- The Secretary shall complete the land exchange under this section not later than one year after the date of the expiration of any existing Bureau of Land Management lease agreement or agreements affecting the Federal land (`Parcel A' on Map 1) to be exchanged under this section, unless the Secretary and River Bottom Farms mutually agree to extend such deadline. (e) Administration of Acquired Land- The land acquired by the Secretary under subsection (b) shall become part of the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge and be administered in accordance with the laws and regulations generally applicable to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Union Calendar No. 438 113th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 3006[Report No. 113-591]A BILL To authorize a land exchange involving the acquisition of private land adjacent to the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona for inclusion in the refuge in exchange for certain Bureau of Land Management lands in Riverside County, California, and for other purposes. September 15, 2014Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

STATUS: August 1, 2013.--Introduced in House. December 16, 2013.--Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 113-296. February 6, 2014.--Passed in House with recorded vote. 220 - 194 February 10, 2014.--Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. H.R.2954 Public Access and Lands Improvement Act (Referred in Senate - RFS) HR 2954 RFS 113th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 2954IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 10, 2014 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources AN ACT To authorize Escambia County, Florida, to convey certain property that was formerly part of Santa Rosa Island National Monument and that was conveyed to Escambia County subject to restrictions on use and reconveyance. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `Public Access and Lands Improvement Act'. TITLE I--SANTA ROSA ISLAND TITLE FAIRNESS AND LAND PRESERVATION ACT SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the `Santa Rosa Island Title Fairness and Land Preservation Act'. SEC. 102. CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY. (a) Conveyance Free of Restrictions- Notwithstanding the restrictions on conveyance of property located on Santa Rosa Island, Florida, contained in the Act of July 30, 1946 (chapter 699; 70 Stat. 712), and the deed to the property from the United States to Escambia County, Florida, dated January 15, 1947, Escambia County may, at its discretion, convey or otherwise dispose of all of its right, title, and interest (in whole or in part), in and to any portion of the property that was conveyed to it pursuant to that Act and deed, to any person or entity, free from any restriction on conveyance or reconveyance imposed by the United States in that Act or deed. Any conveyance under this subsection shall be subject to the conditions set forth in subsection (c). (b) Leasehold Interests- No person or entity holding a leasehold interest in the property as of the date of the enactment of this Act shall be required to involuntarily accept a fee interest in lieu of their leasehold interest in the property. (c) Conditions- Any conveyance under subsection (a) shall be subject to the following conditions: (1) Not later than two calendar years after the date of the enactment of this Act, Escambia County shall convey to Santa Rosa County all right, title, and interest held in and to any portion of the property that was conveyed to Escambia County under the Act and deed that fall in the jurisdictional boundaries of Santa Rosa County, Florida. The conveyance by Escambia County to Santa Rosa County shall be absolute and shall terminate any subjugation of Santa Rosa County to Escambia County or any regulation of Santa Rosa County by Escambia County. Santa Rosa County shall not be required to pay any sum for the subject property other than actual costs associated with the conveyance. (2) Santa Rosa County or any other person to which property is conveyed under this title may reconvey property, or any portion of property, conveyed to it under this section. (3) For all properties defined under subsection (a) the leaseholders, or owners are free to pursue incorporation, annexation, or any other governmental status so long as all other legal conditions required for doing so are followed. (4) Each property defined under subsection (a) is under the jurisdiction of the county and any other local government entity in which the property is located. (5) Any proceeds from the conveyance of any property defined under subsection (a) by Escambia County or Santa Rosa County, other than direct and incidental costs associated with such conveyance, shall be considered windfall profits and shall revert to the United States. (6) Escambia County and Santa Rosa County shall in perpetuity preserve those areas on Santa Rosa Island currently dedicated to conservation, preservation, public, recreation, access and public parking in accordance with resolutions heretofore adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of each respective county. (d) Determination of Compliance- Escambia County and Santa Rosa County shall have no deadline or requirement to make any conveyance or reconveyance of any property defined under subsection (a) other than the conveyance required under subsection (c)(1). Each county may establish terms for conveyance or reconveyance, subject to the conditions set forth in this title and applicable State law. TITLE II--ANCHORAGE LAND CONVEYANCE ACT SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the `Anchorage Land Conveyance Act of 2014'. SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) CITY- The term `City' means the city of Anchorage, Alaska. (2) NON-FEDERAL LAND- The term `non-Federal land' means certain parcels of land located in the City and owned by the City, which are more particularly described as follows: (A) Block 42, Original Townsite of Anchorage, Anchorage Recording District, Third Judicial District, State of Alaska, consisting of approximately 1.93 acres, commonly known as the Egan Center, Petrovich Park, and Old City Hall. (B) Lots 9, 10, and 11, Block 66, Original Townsite of Anchorage, Anchorage Recording District, Third Judicial District, State of Alaska, consisting of approximately 0.48 acres, commonly known as the parking lot at 7th Avenue and I Street. (C) Lot 13, Block 15, Original Townsite of Anchorage, Anchorage Recording District, Third Judicial District, State of Alaska, consisting of approximately 0.24 acres, an unimproved vacant lot located at H Street and Christensen Drive. (3) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 203. CONVEYANCE OF REVERSIONARY INTERESTS, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA. (a) In General- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall convey to the City, without consideration, the reversionary interests of the United States in and to the non-Federal land for the purpose of unencumbering the title to the non-Federal land to enable economic development of the non-Federal land. (b) Legal Descriptions- As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the exact legal descriptions of the non-Federal land shall be determined in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary. (c) Additional Terms and Conditions- The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions to the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. (d) Costs- The City shall pay all costs associated with the conveyance under subsection (a), including the costs of any surveys, recording costs, and other reasonable costs. TITLE III--FERNLEY ECONOMIC SELF-DETERMINATION ACT SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) CITY- The term `City' means the City of Fernley, Nevada. (2) FEDERAL LAND- The term `Federal land' means the approximately 9,407 acres of land located in the City of Fernley, Nevada, that is identified by the Secretary and the City for conveyance under this title. (3) MAP- The term `map' means the map entitled `Proposed Fernley, Nevada, Land Sales' and dated January 25, 2013. SEC. 302. CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN FEDERAL LAND TO CITY OF FERNLEY, NEVADA. (a) Conveyance Authorized- Subject to valid existing rights and not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary of the Interior receives an offer from the City to purchase the Federal land depicted on the map, the Secretary, acting through the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation, shall convey, notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713), to the City in exchange for consideration in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Federal land, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to such Federal land. (b) Appraisal To Determine Fair Market Value- The Secretary shall determine the fair market value of the Federal land to be conveyed-- (1) in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and (2) based on an appraisal that is conducted in accordance with nationally recognized appraisal standards, including-- (A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition; and (B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. (c) Availability of Map- The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management. (d) Reservation of Easements and Rights-of-Way- The City and the Bureau of Reclamation may retain easements or rights-of-way on the Federal land to be conveyed, including easements or rights-of-way the Bureau of Reclamation determines are necessary to carry out-- (1) the operation and maintenance of the Truckee Canal; or (2) the Newlands Project. (e) Costs- The City shall, at closing for the conveyance authorized under subsection (a), pay or reimburse the Secretary, as appropriate, for the reasonable transaction and administrative personnel costs associated with the conveyance authorized under such subsection, including the costs of appraisal, title searches, maps, and boundary and cadastral surveys. (f) Conveyance Not a Major Federal Action- A conveyance or a combination of conveyances made under this section shall not be considered a major Federal action for purposes of section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)). SEC. 303. RELEASE OF UNITED STATES. Upon making the conveyance under section 302, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States is released from any and all liabilities or claims of any kind or nature arising from the presence, release, or threat of release of any hazardous substance, pollutant, contaminant, petroleum product (or derivative of a petroleum product of any kind), solid waste, mine materials or mining related features (including tailings, overburden, waste rock, mill remnants, pits, or other hazards resulting from the presence of mining related features) on the Federal land in existence on or before the date of the conveyance. SEC. 304. WITHDRAWAL. Subject to valid existing rights, the Federal land to be conveyed under section 302 of this title shall be withdrawn from all forms of-- (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. TITLE IV--LAND DISPOSAL TRANSPARENCY AND EFFICIENCY ACT SEC. 401. PROHIBITION ON ACQUISITION OF LAND. (a) Short Title- This title may be cited as the `Land Disposal Transparency and Efficiency Act'. (b) Prohibition on Acquisition of Land- No land or interests in land may be added by acquisition, donation, transfer of administrative jurisdiction, or otherwise to the inventory of land and interests in land administered by the Bureau of Land Management until a centralized database of all lands identified as suitable for disposal by Resource Management Plans for lands under the administrative jurisdiction of the Bureau is easily accessible to the public on a website of the Bureau. The database required under this subsection shall be updated and maintained to reflect changes in the status of lands identified for disposal under the administrative jurisdiction of the Bureau. (c) Report- Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall provide to the Committee on Natural Resources in the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in the Senate a report detailing the status and timing for completion of the database required by subsection (b). TITLE V--PRESERVING ACCESS TO CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASHORE RECREATIONAL AREA ACT SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the `Preserving Access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area Act'. SEC. 502. REINSTATEMENT OF INTERIM MANAGEMENT STRATEGY. (a) Management- After the date of the enactment of this Act, Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area shall be managed in accordance with the Interim Protected Species Management Strategy/Environmental Assessment issued by the National Park Service on June 13, 2007, for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, North Carolina, unless the Secretary of the Interior (hereafter in this title referred to as the `Secretary') issues a new final rule that meets the requirements set forth in section 503. (b) Restrictions- The Secretary shall not impose any additional restrictions on pedestrian or motorized vehicular access to any portion of Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area for species protection beyond those in the Interim Management Strategy, other than as specifically authorized pursuant to section 503 of this title. SEC. 503. ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS TO CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASHORE RECREATIONAL AREA FOR SPECIES PROTECTION. (a) In General- If, based on peer-reviewed science and after public comment, the Secretary determines that additional restrictions on access to a portion of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area are necessary to protect species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the Secretary may only restrict, by limitation, closure, buffer, or otherwise, pedestrian and motorized vehicular access for recreational activities for the shortest possible time and on the smallest possible portions of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. (b) Limitation on Restrictions- Restrictions imposed under this section for protection of species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) shall not be greater than the restrictions in effect for that species at any other National Seashore. (c) Corridors Around Closures- To the maximum extent possible, the Secretary shall designate pedestrian and vehicular corridors of minimal distance on the beach or interdunal area around closures implemented under this section to allow access to areas not closed. SEC. 504. INAPPLICABILITY OF FINAL RULE AND CONSENT DECREE. (a) Final Rule- The final rule titled `Special Regulations, Areas of the National Park System, Cape Hatteras National Seashore--Off-Road Vehicle Management' (77 Fed. Reg. 3123-3144) shall have no force or effect after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Consent Decree- The April 30, 2008, consent decree filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina regarding off-road vehicle use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina shall not apply after the date of the enactment of this Act. TITLE VI--GREEN MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT HERITAGE PROTECTION ACT SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the `Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act'. SEC. 602. CLARIFICATION OF LEGAL AUTHORITY OF GREEN MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT. (a) Legal Authority of Lookout- Section 4(b) of the Washington State Wilderness Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-339; 98 Stat. 300; 16 U.S.C. 1131 note) is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: `, and except that with respect to the lands described in section 3(5), the designation of such lands as a wilderness area shall not preclude the operation and maintenance of Green Mountain Lookout.'. (b) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the Washington State Wilderness Act of 1984. SEC. 603. PRESERVATION OF GREEN MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT LOCATION. The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may not move Green Mountain Lookout from its current location on Green Mountain in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest unless the Secretary determines that moving Green Mountain Lookout is necessary to preserve the Lookout or to ensure the safety of individuals on or around Green Mountain. If the Secretary makes such a determination, the Secretary shall move the Green Mountain Lookout to a location outside of the lands described in section 3(5) of the Washington State Wilderness Act of 1984 and designated as a wilderness area in section 4(b) of such Act. TITLE VII--RIVER PADDLING PROTECTION ACT SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the `River Paddling Protection Act'. SEC. 702. REGULATIONS SUPERSEDED. (a) In General- The rivers and streams of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park shall be open to hand-propelled vessels as determined by the director of the National Park Service within 3 years of the date of enactment of this Act. Beginning on the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the following regulations shall have no the force or effect regarding closing rivers and streams of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park to hand-propelled vessels: (1) Section 7.13(d)(4)(ii) of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, regarding vessels on streams and rivers in Yellowstone National Park. (2) Section 7.22(e)(3) of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, regarding vessels on lakes and rivers in Grand Teton National Park. (b) Coordination of Recreational Use- The Fish and Wildlife Service shall coordinate any recreational use of hand-propelled vessels on the Gros Ventre River within the National Elk Refuge with Grand Teton National Park to ensure such use is consistent with the requirements of the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act. TITLE VIII--GRAZING IMPROVEMENT ACT SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the `Grazing Improvement Act'. SEC. 802. TERMS OF GRAZING PERMITS AND LEASES. Section 402 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1752) is amended-- (1) by striking `ten years' each place it appears and inserting `20 years'; and (2) after subsection (h), insert the following new subsections: `(i) Only applicants, permittees and lessees whose interest in grazing livestock is directly affected by a final grazing decision concerning renewal, transfer or reissuance of a grazing permit or lease may appeal the decision to an administrative law judge or appeal officer as applicable. `(j) Legal Fees- `(1) Any person, other than a directly affected party, challenging an action of the Secretary concerned regarding a final grazing decision in Federal court who is not a prevailing party shall pay to the prevailing parties (including a directly affected party who intervenes in such suit) fees and other expenses incurred by that party in connection with the challenge unless the Court finds that the position of the person was substantially justified. `(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term `directly affected party' means any applicant, permittee, or lessee (or any organization representing applicants, permittees or lessees) whose interest in grazing livestock is directly affected by the final grazing decision.'. SEC. 803. RENEWAL, TRANSFER, AND REISSUANCE OF GRAZING PERMITS AND LEASES. (a) Amendment- Title IV of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: `SEC. 405. RENEWAL, TRANSFER, AND REISSUANCE OF GRAZING PERMITS AND LEASES. `(a) Definitions- In this section: `(1) CURRENT GRAZING MANAGEMENT- The term `current grazing management' means grazing in accordance with the terms and conditions of an existing permit or lease. `(2) SECRETARY CONCERNED- The term `Secretary concerned' means-- `(A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System land; and `(B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior. `(b) Renewal, Transfer, Reissuance, and Pending Processing- A grazing permit or lease issued by the Secretary of the Interior, or a grazing permit issued by the Secretary of Agriculture regarding National Forest System land, that expires, is transferred, or is waived shall be renewed or reissued under, as appropriate-- `(1) section 402; `(2) section 19 of the Act of April 24, 1950 (commonly known as the `Granger-Thye Act'; 16 U.S.C. 580l); `(3) title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1010 et seq.); or `(4) section 510 the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 (16 U.S.C. 410aaa-50). `(c) Terms; Conditions- The terms and conditions (except the termination date) contained in an expired, transferred, or waived permit or lease described in subsection (b) shall continue in effect under a renewed or reissued permit or lease until the date on which the Secretary concerned completes the processing of the renewed or reissued permit or lease that is the subject of the expired, transferred, or waived permit or lease, in compliance with each applicable law. `(d) Cancellation; Suspension; Modification- Notwithstanding subsection (c), a permit or lease described in subsection (b) may be cancelled, suspended, or modified in accordance with applicable law. `(e) Renewal Transfer Reissuance After Processing- When the Secretary concerned has completed the processing of the renewed or reissued permit or lease that is the subject of the expired, transferred, or waived permit or lease, the Secretary concerned shall renew or reissue the permit or lease for a term of 20 years after completion of processing. `(f) Compliance With National Environmental Policy Act of 1969- The renewal, reissuance, or transfer of a grazing permit or lease by the Secretary concerned shall be categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement if-- `(1) the decision continues to renew, reissue, or transfer the current grazing management of the allotment; `(2) monitoring of the allotment has indicated that the current grazing management has met, or has satisfactorily progressed towards meeting, objectives contained in the applicable land use or resource management plan of the allotment, as determined by the Secretary concerned; or `(3) the decision is consistent with the policy of the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture, as appropriate, regarding extraordinary circumstances. `(g) Environmental Reviews- `(1) The Secretary concerned, in the sole discretion of the Secretary concerned, shall determine the priority and timing for completing required environmental reviews regarding any grazing allotment, permit, or lease based on the environmental significance of the allotment, permit, or lease and available funding for that purpose. `(2) The Secretary concerned shall seek to conduct environmental reviews on an allotment or multiple allotment basis, to the extent practicable, for purposes of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and other applicable laws. `(h) NEPA Exemptions- The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) shall not apply to the following: `(1) Crossing and trailing authorizations of domestic livestock. `(2) Transfer of grazing preference. `(3) Range improvements as defined under 43 U.S.C. 315c and 16 U.S.C. 580h. `(i) Temporary Trailing and Crossing- `(1) Any application for temporary trailing or crossing that has been submitted in a timely manner or not less than 30 days prior to the anticipated trailing or crossing shall be granted, modified or denied not less than fifteen days prior to the date of requested crossing or trailing. The minimum times specified in this subsection shall not preclude the approval of an application in a shorter time where an immediate need exists. `(2) Temporary trailing or crossing authorizations across lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service system of lands shall not be subject to protest or appeal except by the applicant or an affected permittee or lessee.'. (b) Table of Contents- The table of contents for the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 is amended by adding after the item for section 404, the following: `Sec. 405. Renewal, transfer, and reissuance of grazing permits and leases.'. TITLE IX--RIM FIRE EMERGENCY SALVAGE ACT SEC. 901. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the `Rim Fire Emergency Salvage Act'. SEC. 902. EXPEDITED FOREST SERVICE TIMBER SALVAGE AND RESTORATION PILOT PROJECTS IN RESPONSE TO THE CALIFORNIA RIM FIRE. (a) Pilot Projects Required- As part of the restoration and rehabilitation activities undertaken on the lands within the Stanislaus National Forest adversely impacted by the 2013 Rim Fire in California, the Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct a timber salvage and restoration pilot project on burned National Forest System land within the Rim Fire perimeter. (b) Management Plan- (1) USE OF EIS PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE- The Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct the pilot project required by subsection (a) in the manner provided in the proposed alternative contained in the draft environmental impact statement noticed in the Federal Register on December 6, 2013, for Rim Fire recovery. (2) MODIFICATION- During the course of the pilot project, the Secretary may adopt such modifications to the management plan as the Secretary considers appropriate in response to public comment and consultation with interested Federal, State, and tribal agencies. (c) Legal Sufficiency- The pilot project required by subsection (a), and activities conducted under the pilot project, are deemed to be in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a), the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq.), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). (d) Administrative and Judicial Review and Action- The pilot project required by subsection (a), and activities conducted under the pilot project, are not subject to-- (1) administrative review; (2) judicial review by any court of the United States; or (3) a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction based on environmental impacts in a case for which a final decision has not been issued. SEC. 903. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING USE OF FUNDS GENERATED FROM SALVAGE SALES CONDUCTED AFTER CATASTROPHIC WILD FIRES ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND OR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LANDS. It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System lands, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to Bureau of Land Management land, should use existing authorities available to the Secretary to retain revenues (other than revenues required to be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury) generated by salvage sales conducted in response to catastrophic wild fires on such land to cover the cost of restoration projects on such land. TITLE X--CHESAPEAKE BAY ACCOUNTABILITY AND RECOVERY ACT SEC. 1001. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the `Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014'. SEC. 1002. CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSCUT BUDGET. (a) Crosscut Budget- The Director, in consultation with the Chesapeake Executive Council, the chief executive of each Chesapeake Bay State, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, shall submit to Congress a financial report containing-- (1) an interagency crosscut budget that displays-- (A) the proposed funding for any Federal restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year, including any planned interagency or intra-agency transfer, for each of the Federal agencies that carry out restoration activities; (B) to the extent that information is available, the estimated funding for any State restoration activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year; (C) all expenditures for Federal restoration activities from the preceding 2 fiscal years, the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal year; and (D) all expenditures, to the extent that information is available, for State restoration activities during the equivalent time period described in subparagraph (C); (2) a detailed accounting of all funds received and obligated by all Federal agencies for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years, including the identification of funds which were transferred to a Chesapeake Bay State for restoration activities; (3) to the extent that information is available, a detailed accounting from each State of all funds received and obligated from a Federal agency for restoration activities during the current and preceding fiscal years; and (4) a description of each of the proposed Federal and State restoration activities to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year (corresponding to those activities listed in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1)), including the-- (A) project description; (B) current status of the project; (C) Federal or State statutory or regulatory authority, programs, or responsible agencies; (D) authorization level for appropriations; (E) project timeline, including benchmarks; (F) references to project documents; (G) descriptions of risks and uncertainties of project implementation; (H) adaptive management actions or framework; (I) coordinating entities; (J) funding history; (K) cost sharing; and (L) alignment with existing Chesapeake Bay Agreement and Chesapeake Executive Council goals and priorities. (b) Minimum Funding Levels- The Director shall only describe restoration activities in the report required under subsection (a) that-- (1) for Federal restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $100,000; and (2) for State restoration activities, have funding amounts greater than or equal to $50,000. (c) Deadline- The Director shall submit to Congress the report required by subsection (a) not later than 30 days after the submission by the President of the President's annual budget to Congress. (d) Report- Copies of the financial report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations, Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations, Environment and Public Works, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (e) Effective Date- This section shall apply beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act for which the President submits a budget to Congress. SEC. 1003. RESTORATION THROUGH ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT. (a) In General- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with other Federal and State agencies, and with the participation of stakeholders, shall develop a plan to provide technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States to employ adaptive management in carrying out restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. (b) Plan Development- The plan referred to in subsection (a) shall include-- (1) specific and measurable objectives to improve water quality, habitat, and fisheries identified by Chesapeake Bay States; (2) a process for stakeholder participation; (3) monitoring, modeling, experimentation, and other research and evaluation technical assistance requested by Chesapeake Bay States; (4) identification of State restoration activities planned by Chesapeake Bay States to attain the State's objectives under paragraph (1); (5) identification of Federal restoration activities that could help a Chesapeake Bay State to attain the State's objectives under paragraph (1); (6) recommendations for a process for modification of State and Federal restoration activities that have not attained or will not attain the specific and measurable objectives set forth under paragraph (1); and (7) recommendations for a process for integrating and prioritizing State and Federal restoration activities and programs to which adaptive management can be applied. (c) Implementation- In addition to carrying out Federal restoration activities under existing authorities and funding, the Administrator shall implement the plan developed under subsection (a) by providing technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay States using resources available for such purposes that are identified by the Director under section 1002. (d) Updates- The Administrator shall update the plan developed under subsection (a) every 2 years. (e) Report to Congress- (1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress an annual report on the implementation of the plan required under this section for such fiscal year. (2) CONTENTS- The report required under paragraph (1) shall contain information about the application of adaptive management to restoration activities and programs, including level changes implemented through the process of adaptive management. (3) EFFECTIVE DATE- Paragraph (1) shall apply to the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act. (f) Inclusion of Plan in Annual Action Plan and Annual Progress Report- The Administrator shall ensure that the Annual Action Plan and Annual Progress Report required by section 205 of Executive Order No. 13508 includes the adaptive management plan outlined in subsection (a). SEC. 1004. INDEPENDENT EVALUATOR FOR THE CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM. (a) In General- There shall be an Independent Evaluator for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, who shall review and report on restoration activities and the use of adaptive management in restoration activities, including on such related topics as are suggested by the Chesapeake Executive Council. (b) Appointment- (1) IN GENERAL- The Independent Evaluator shall be appointed by the Administrator from among nominees submitted by the Chesapeake Executive Council. (2) NOMINATIONS- The Chesapeake Executive Council may submit to the Administrator 4 nominees for appointment to any vacancy in the office of the Independent Evaluator. (c) Reports- The Independent Evaluator shall submit a report to the Congress every 2 years in the findings and recommendations of reviews under this section. (d) Chesapeake Executive Council- In this section, the term `Chesapeake Executive Council' has the meaning given that term by section 307 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-567; 15 U.S.C. 1511d). SEC. 1005. DEFINITIONS. In this title, the following definitions apply: (1) ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT- The term `adaptive management' means a type of natural resource management in which project and program decisions are made as part of an ongoing science-based process. Adaptive management involves testing, monitoring, and evaluating applied strategies and incorporating new knowledge into programs and restoration activities that are based on scientific findings and the needs of society. Results are used to modify management policy, strategies, practices, programs, and restoration activities. (2) ADMINISTRATOR- The term `Administrator' means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (3) CHESAPEAKE BAY STATE- The term `Chesapeake Bay State' or `State' means the States of Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York, the Commonwealths of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. (4) CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED- The term `Chesapeake Bay watershed' means the Chesapeake Bay and the geographic area, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, consisting of 36 tributary basins, within the Chesapeake Bay States, through which precipitation drains into the Chesapeake Bay. (5) CHIEF EXECUTIVE- The term `chief executive' means, in the case of a State or Commonwealth, the Governor of each such State or Commonwealth and, in the case of the District of Columbia, the Mayor of the District of Columbia. (6) DIRECTOR- The term `Director' means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. (7) STATE RESTORATION ACTIVITIES- The term `State restoration activities' means any State programs or projects carried out under State authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows: (A) Physical restoration. (B) Planning. (C) Feasibility studies. (D) Scientific research. (E) Monitoring. (F) Education. (G) Infrastructure development. (8) FEDERAL RESTORATION ACTIVITIES- The term `Federal restoration activities' means any Federal programs or projects carried out under existing Federal authority that directly or indirectly protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including programs or projects that provide financial and technical assistance to promote responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may be categorized as follows: (A) Physical restoration. (B) Planning. (C) Feasibility studies. (D) Scientific research. (E) Monitoring. (F) Education. (G) Infrastructure development. TITLE XI--ALASKA NATIVE VETERAN ALLOTMENT SEC. 1101. ALASKA NATIVE VETERAN ALLOTMENT. (a) Definitions- In this section: (1) APPLICATION- The term `application' means the Alaska Native Veteran Allotment application numbered AA-084021-B. (2) FEDERAL LAND- The term `Federal land' means the 80 acres of Federal land that is-- (A) described in the application; and (B) depicted as Lot 2 in U.S. Survey No. 13957, Alaska, that was officially filed on October 9, 2009. (3) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of the Interior. (b) Issuance of Patent- Notwithstanding section 41 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1629g) and subject to subsection (c), the Secretary shall-- (1) approve the application; and (2) issue a patent for the Federal land to the person that submitted the application. (c) Terms and Conditions- (1) IN GENERAL- The patent issued under subsection (b) shall-- (A) only be for the surface rights to the Federal land; and (B) be subject to the terms and conditions of any certificate issued under section 41 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1629g), including terms and conditions providing that-- (i) the patent is subject to valid existing rights, including any right of the United States to income derived, directly or indirectly, from a lease, license, permit, right-of-way, or easement on the Federal land; and (ii) the United States shall reserve an interest in deposits of oil, gas, and coal on the Federal land, including the right to explore, mine, and remove the minerals on portions of the Federal land that the Secretary determines to be prospectively valuable for development. (2) ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS- The Secretary may require any additional terms and conditions for the issuance of the patent under subsection (a) that the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. Passed the House of Representatives February 6, 2014. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.

STATUS: November 17, 2014.--Introduced.

STATUS: November 17, 2014.--Introduced.

STATUS: November 13, 2014.--Introduced.

STATUS: September 18, 2014.--Introduced. S.2907 21st Century Energy Workforce Development Jobs Initiative Act of 2014 (Introduced in Senate - IS) S 2907 IS 113th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 2907 To require the Secretary of Energy to establish and carry out a comprehensive program to improve education and training for energy-related jobs. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 18, 2014 Ms. LANDRIEU (for herself and Mr. HEINRICH) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To require the Secretary of Energy to establish and carry out a comprehensive program to improve education and training for energy-related jobs. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `21st Century Energy Workforce Development Jobs Initiative Act of 2014'. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) there are, as of the date of enactment of this Act and for well into the future, significant opportunities for African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans throughout the energy industry at each level of education and training, but raising the educational achievement for large segments of the upcoming generation is resource-intensive and will take decades to achieve, although the payoff of an increased skilled labor pool would be enormous to society in general and United States industry in particular; (2) African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans represent an important talent pool to help meet the demands of the projected growth in the energy industry, and workforce training and education in business, finance, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics will prove vital in achieving that growth, as noted by the American Petroleum Institute; (3) improving minority preparation in science-, technology-, engineering-, and mathematics-related disciplines at the primary and secondary school levels is crucial to increasing the share of minority science-based degree attainment in 4-year and 2-year programs of higher education, as well as for increasing attainment of vocational certificates; (4) the rates at which African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans attain employment in the energy industry is in part related to the choice of the field of study for college degrees (4-year or 2-year) and vocational certificates; (5) data from the National Center for Education Statistics suggest that, over the 2001 through 2010 period, African-American and Hispanic-American students chose and completed 4-year college degrees applicable to employment in the oil and natural gas industry at rates 1/5 and 1/2 , respectively, the rates of the total student population; (6) with respect to 2-year associate degrees and certificates, data from the National Center for Education Statistics suggest that over the same time period, African-American and Hispanic-American students chose and completed programs of study or training applicable to employment in the oil and natural gas industry at rates roughly 1/10 above and 1/3 below, respectively, the rates of the total student population; (7) the American Petroleum Institute projects 525,000 new job opportunities in the oil and natural gas industry by 2020, with 166,000, or 31 percent of the jobs, expected to be held by African-American and Hispanic-American workers, and, with forward-looking policies, that number could increase to a projected 811,000 new job opportunities, with more than 285,000, or 35 percent, of the jobs being filled by minorities, by 2030; (8) the American Petroleum Institute projects that more than 50 percent of all jobs created in the oil and natural gas industry by 2020 would be high-paying skilled and semiskilled blue collar jobs, with a significant range of opportunities at the scientific or managerial level requiring a college degree; (9) the American Petroleum Institute projects that over 1/2 of the future potential job growth in the oil and natural gas industry, approximately 417,000 jobs, is expected in the Gulf region, with the East region expected to contribute nearly 140,000 job opportunities, the Rockies region nearly 116,000 job opportunities, and the West, Alaska, and Central regions expected to contribute approximately 138,000 job opportunities combined; (10) the National Mining Association reports that the coal mining industry supported a total of 805,680 jobs in 2011, including 204,580 direct jobs, including mine workers (143,520), support activities (7,280), and transportation (53,780); (11) broad occupational categories of potential job creation in the upstream oil and gas industry include-- (A) management, business, and financial jobs; (B) professional and related jobs; (C) service jobs; (D) sales and related jobs; (E) office and administrative support jobs; (F) skilled blue collar jobs; (G) semiskilled blue collar jobs; and (H) unskilled blue collar jobs; (12) potential job creation in the upstream oil and gas industry by selected detailed occupational category include-- (A) derrick, rotary drill, and service unit operators; (B) oil and gas roustabouts; (C) operating engineers and other construction workers; (D) equipment operators; (E) construction laborers; (F) first-line supervisors or managers of construction and extraction workers; (G) heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers; (H) pump operators and wellhead pumpers; (I) helpers and other extraction workers; (J) petroleum engineers; and (K) secretaries; (13) the National Petroleum Council estimates that over the decade beginning on the date of enactment of this Act 30,000 miles of new long-distance natural gas pipelines will be needed to manage the new sources of shale natural gas supply, while a 2007 Survey of Business Owners of the Census Bureau estimated that a very small percentage of pipelines were owned by minority-owned and woman-owned firms compared to the total owned by nonminority males; (14) in 2013, the Energy Information Administration estimated that relatively low natural gas prices, maintained by growing shale natural gas production, will spur increased use of natural gas in the industrial and electric power sectors by 16 percent, from 6,800,000,000 cubic feet per year in 2011 to 7,800,000,000,000 cubic feet per year in 2025, while total consumption of natural gas in the United States will continue to grow in the electric power sector from 16 percent of generation in 2000 to 30 percent in 2040, which will lead to a significant number of new jobs in the natural gas sector; (15) the Energy Information Administration estimates natural gas production in the United States will increase annually, outpacing domestic consumption and making the United States a net exporter of natural gas by 2019, while continued low levels of liquefied natural gas imports, combined with increased United States exports of domestically sourced liquefied natural gas, position the United States as a net exporter of liquefied natural gas by 2016, creating an abundance of new jobs and investment opportunities; (16) the Energy Information Administration estimates that coal-fired electricity generation will remain a dominant resource in the total generation portfolio of the United States, representing 34 percent of United States baseload electricity in 2035; (17) in 2013, a report by the Bloomberg New Energy Finance research team estimated that clean energy investment is most likely to grow by 230 percent to a projected $630,000,000,000 annually in 2030, driven by further improvements in the cost-competitiveness of wind and solar technologies and an increase in the roll-out of nonintermittent clean energy sources (including hydropower, geothermal, and biomass) requiring additional investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education; (18) a 2013 report by the Bloomberg New Energy Finance research team estimated that renewable energy projects (including wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass) will account for 70 percent of new power generation capacity between 2012 and 2030, and, by 2030, renewable energy will account for 1/2 of the generation capacity worldwide, up from 28 percent in 2012, requiring additional investment in supporting infrastructure, including long distance transmission systems, smart grids, storage, and demand response; and (19) the Energy Information Administration found that since 2005 renewable energy has garnered more than $1,300,000,000,000 worth of investment and the Energy Information Administration estimates that global energy consumption will increase by 47 percent between 2010 and 2035, with clean energy providing more than 1/2 of that new capacity and attracting up to $5,900,000,000,000 worth of investment, leading to new employment and investment opportunities. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION- The term `institution of higher education' has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). (2) PROGRAM- The term `program' means the comprehensive program to improve education and training for energy-related jobs established under section 4. (3) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Energy. (4) STEM- The term `STEM' means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. SEC. 4. COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR ENERGY-RELATED JOBS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. (a) In General- The Secretary shall establish and carry out a comprehensive program to improve education and training for energy-related jobs to increase the number of skilled minorities and women trained to work in energy-related jobs, including by-- (1) encouraging minority and women students to enter into the energy STEM fields; (2) ensuring that the educational system of the United States is equipping students with the skills, training, and technical expertise necessary to fill the employment opportunities vital to managing and operating the energy industry of the United States; and (3) providing students and other candidates with the necessary skills and certifications for skilled, semiskilled, and highly skilled energy-related jobs. (b) Priority- The Secretary shall make educating and training minorities and other workers for energy-related jobs a national priority under the program. (c) Direct Assistance- In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall provide direct assistance (including grants, technical expertise, mentorships, and partnerships) to community colleges, workforce development organizations, and minority-serving institutions. (d) Clearinghouse- In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall establish a clearinghouse-- (1) to maintain and update information and resources on training and workforce development programs for energy-related jobs; and (2) to act as a resource, and provide guidance, for schools, institutions of higher education, workforce development programs, and labor organizations that would like to develop and implement energy-related training programs. (e) Collaboration- In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall-- (1) collaborate with schools, institutions of higher education, workforce training organizations, labor organizations, National Laboratories, State energy offices, and the energy industry; (2) encourage and foster collaboration, mentorships, and partnerships among organizations (including schools, institutions of higher education, workforce development organizations, labor organizations, and industry) that provide effective job training programs in the energy field and institutions (including schools, institutions of higher education, and workforce development programs) that seek to establish those types of programs to share best practices and approaches that best suit local, State, and national needs; and (3) collaborate with the Energy Information Administration and the Bureau of the Census to develop a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the energy workforce needs and opportunities by State and by region. (f) Guidelines for Educational Institutions- (1) IN GENERAL- In carrying out the program, the Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor, shall develop guidelines for educational institutions of all levels, including for programs at elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education, to help provide graduates with the skills necessary to work in energy-related jobs. (2) INPUT- The Secretary shall solicit input from the oil, gas, coal, renewable, nuclear, utility, and pipeline industries in developing guidelines under paragraph (1). (3) ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION INITIATIVES- The guidelines developed under paragraph (1) shall include grade-specific guidelines for teaching energy efficiency and conservation initiatives to educate students and families. (4) STEM EDUCATION- The guidelines developed under paragraph (1) shall promote STEM education as STEM education relates to job opportunities in energy-related fields of study in schools and institutions of higher education nationally. (g) Outreach to MSIs- In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall-- (1) give special consideration to increasing outreach to minority serving institutions (including historically black colleges and universities, predominantly black institutions, Hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal institutions); (2) make resources available to minority-serving institutions with the objective of increasing the number of skilled minorities and women trained to go into the energy sector; and (3) encourage industry to improve the opportunities for students of minority-serving institutions to participate in industry internships and cooperative work and study programs. (h) Guidelines To Develop Skills for an Energy Industry Workforce- In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall collaborate with representatives from the energy industry (including the oil, gas, coal, nuclear, utility, pipeline, renewable, and nuclear sectors) to identify the areas of highest need in each sector and to develop guidelines for the skills necessary to develop a workforce trained to enter-- (1) the energy efficiency industry, including work in energy efficiency, conservation, weatherization, or retrofitting, or as inspectors or auditors; (2) the pipeline industry, including work in pipeline construction and maintenance or work as engineers or technical advisors; (3) the utility industry, including as utility workers, linemen, electricians, pole workers, or repairmen; (4) alternative fuels, including work in biofuel development and production; (5) the nuclear industry, including work as scientists, engineers, technicians, mathematicians, or security personnel; (6) the oil and gas industry, including work as scientists, engineers, technicians, mathematicians, petrochemical engineers, or geologists; (7) the renewable industry, including work in the development and production of renewable energy sources (such as solar, hydropower, wind, or geothermal energy); and (8) the coal industry, including work as coal miners, engineers, developers, and manufacturers of state-of-the-art coal facilities, technology vendors, coal transportation workers and operators, and mining equipment vendors. (i) Enrollment in Training and Apprenticeship Programs- In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall work with labor and community-based workforce organizations to help identify students and other candidates, including from historically underserved communities such as minorities, women, and veterans, to enroll into training and apprenticeship programs for energy-related jobs.

STATUS: September 18, 2014.--Introduced. S.2901 10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2014 (Introduced in Senate - IS) S 2901 IS 113th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 2901 To increase the quantity of solar photovoltaic electricity by providing rebates for the purchase and installation of an additional 10,000,000 photovoltaic systems by 2024, and for other purposes. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 18, 2014 Mr. SANDERS (for himself, Mr. MERKLEY, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. HARKIN, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, and Mr. MENENDEZ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To increase the quantity of solar photovoltaic electricity by providing rebates for the purchase and installation of an additional 10,000,000 photovoltaic systems by 2024, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2014'. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) there is enormous potential for increasing the quantity of electricity produced in the United States from distributed solar photovoltaic systems; (2) as the market for solar technology continues to grow, the industry will achieve economies of scale that make the cost of solar-generated electricity broadly competitive with the cost of electricity from fossil fuels; (3) producing electricity from distributed solar photovoltaic systems helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and does not result in emissions of harmful air pollutants such as mercury, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides; (4) increasing the quantity of electricity generated from domestic renewable energy sources enhances national energy security; (5) investments in solar energy and other renewable energy sources lead to the creation of green jobs that provide substantial economic benefits; (6) the United States solar industry employed more than 140,000 people spread across all 50 States in 2013, which is a 53 percent increase over 2010, according to the Solar Foundation; and (7) the solar industry is investing almost $15,000,000,000 in the United States economy annually, according to GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM- The term `photovoltaic system' includes-- (A) solar panels; (B) roof support structures; (C) inverters; (D) an energy storage system, if the energy storage system is integrated with the photovoltaic system; and (E) any other hardware necessary for the installation of a photovoltaic system. (2) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Energy. SEC. 4. REBATES FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS. (a) In General- The Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary shall provide rebates to eligible individuals or entities for the purchase and installation of photovoltaic systems for residential and commercial properties in order to install, over the 10-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, at least an additional 10,000,000 photovoltaic systems in the United States (as compared to the number of photovoltaic systems installed in the United States as of the date of enactment of this Act) with a cumulative capacity of at least 60,000 megawatts. (b) Eligibility- (1) IN GENERAL- To be eligible for a rebate under this section-- (A) the recipient of the rebate shall be a homeowner, business, nonprofit entity, or State or local government that purchased and installed a photovoltaic system for a property located in the United States; and (B) the recipient of the rebate shall meet such other eligibility criteria as are determined to be appropriate by the Secretary. (2) OTHER ENTITIES- After public review and comment, the Secretary may identify other individuals or entities located in the United States that qualify for a rebate under this section. (c) Amount- Subject to subsection (d)(2), the amount of a rebate provided to an eligible individual or entity for the purchase and installation of a photovoltaic system for a property under this section shall be equal to the lesser of-- (1) 15 percent of the initial capital costs for purchasing and installing the photovoltaic system, including costs for hardware, permitting and other `soft costs', and installation; or (2) $10,000. (d) Intermediate Report- As soon as practicable after the end of the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, and publish on the website of the Department of Energy, a report that describes-- (1) the number of photovoltaic systems for residential and commercial properties purchased and installed with rebates provided under this section; and (2) any steps the Secretary will take to ensure that the goal of the installation of an additional 10,000,000 photovoltaic systems in the United States is achieved by 2024. (e) Relationship to Other Law- The authority provided under this section shall be in addition to any other authority under which credits or other types of financial assistance are provided for installation of a photovoltaic system for a property. SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.