Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016

Floor Speech

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Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased this amendment will improve the stewardship of public lands, water, and natural resources throughout the West.

I am pleased to see Western priorities included in this bill, from the drought-stricken California to the responsible production of strategic and critical minerals on Federal lands. They are critical to national defense and make possible modern amenities like smartphones and tablets.

On tribal lands, the House amendment will empower tribes with more authority over their own land. The best forestry bill we have seen in years came from Mr. Westerman, and he just talked about it.

Finally, the sportsmen's title will restore much-needed attorney fee transparency under the Equal Access to Justice Act. This law was created to help small businesses, veterans, and Social Security beneficiaries when they have to take the Federal Government to court. But it is being used on endless public lands litigation with consequences for sportsmen's access and other multiple use of public lands.

Finally, this would reinstate the Fish and Wildlife Service's own rulemaking regarding gray wolves in Wyoming and Western States.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues' support.

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