88–747 

113TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 113–551 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND 

RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2015 

JULY 23, 2014.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of 

the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. CALVERT, from the Committee on Appropriations, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

together with 

MINORITY VIEWS 

[To accompany H.R. 5171] 

The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in 

explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for the 

Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, 

and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 

2015. The bill provides regular annual appropriations for the Department of the Interior (except the Bureau of Reclamation and the 

Central Utah Project), the Environmental Protection Agency, and 

for other related agencies, including the Forest Service, the Indian 

Health Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National 

Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities. 

CONTENTS 

Page number 

Bill Report 

Title I—Department of the Interior: 2 10 

Bureau of Land Management ............................................................ 2 10 

United States Fish and Wildlife Service ........................................... 8 14 

National Park Service ......................................................................... 18 28 

United States Geological Survey ....................................................... 22 36 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ............................................. 24 39 

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement ......................... 25 40 

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement ................. 28 41 

Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education ............. 30 43 

Office of the Secretary ........................................................................ 39 49 

Insular Affairs ..................................................................................... 40 50 


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Page number 

Bill Report 

Office of the Solicitor .......................................................................... 44 51 

Office of Inspector General ................................................................. 44 51 

Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians ......................... 44 51 

Department-wide Programs: 46 52 

Wildland Fire Management, Interior Department ........................... 46 52 

FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund, Interior Department 49 53 

Central Hazardous Materials Fund .................................................. 49 54 

Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration ................. 50 54 

Working Capital Fund ........................................................................ 50 54 

General Provisions, Department of the Interior ............................... 52 54 

Title II—Environmental Protection Agency: 62 55 

Science and Technology ...................................................................... 62 57 

Environmental Programs and Management ..................................... 63 59 

Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund ....................... 64 66 

Office of Inspector General ................................................................. 64 66 

Buildings and Facilities ...................................................................... 64 66 

Hazardous Substance Superfund ....................................................... 64 67 

Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Program ............. 65 68 

Inland Oil Spill Programs .................................................................. 66 69 

State and Tribal Assistance Grants .................................................. 66 69 

Administrative Provisions .................................................................. 73 72 

Title III—Related Agencies: 75 72 

Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture .............................. 75 72 

Wildland Fire Management, Forest Service ..................................... 80 82 

FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund, Forest Service ......... 84 84 

Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services ............................................................................................ 91 84 

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ..................... 99 88 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ......................... 99 88 

Other Related Agencies: 100 89 

Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental 

Quality .............................................................................................. 100 89 

Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board ........................... 101 89 

Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation ................................... 102 90 

Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts 

Development .................................................................................... 103 91 

Smithsonian Institution ..................................................................... 103 91 

National Gallery of Art ....................................................................... 105 93 

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ............................ 106 93 

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars ........................ 107 94 

National Endowment for the Arts ..................................................... 107 94 

National Endowment for the Humanities ......................................... 108 95 

Commission of Fine Arts .................................................................... 109 96 

National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs ...................................... 110 96 

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation ....................................... 110 97 

National Capital Planning Commission ............................................ 110 97 

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum .................................... 110 97 

Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission ................................. n/a 98 

Title IV—General Provisions: 111 99 

INTRODUCTION

The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2015 totals $30,220,000,000. 

This amount reflects a $162,000,000 increase from the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2014 and a $408,889,000 reduction from 

the budget request. 

The amounts in the accompanying bill are reflected by title in 

the table below. 


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BUDGET AUTHORITY RECOMMENDED IN BILL BY TITLE 

Activity Budget estimates, 

fiscal year 2015 

Committee bill, 

fiscal year 2015 

Committee bill 

compared with 

budget estimates 

Title I, Department of the Interior: 

New budget authority ...................................................... $10,794,136,000 $10,991,737,000 +$197,601,000 

Title II, Environmental Protection Agency: 

New budget authority ...................................................... 7,890,020,000 7,482,747,000 ¥407,273,000 

Title III, Related Agencies: 

New budget authority ...................................................... 11,944,733,000 11,745,516,000 ¥199,217,000 

Title IV, General Provisions: 

New budget authority ...................................................... 0 0 0 

Grand total, New budget authority ............................. 30,628,889,000 30,220,000,000 ¥408,889,000 

COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT

Members of Congress have provided considerable input in fashioning this bill. In total, 333 Members submitted nearly 3,200 programmatic requests relating to multiple agencies and programs. 

The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee 

takes seriously its oversight responsibility and conducted 13 budget 

hearings and briefings this year (including six hearings involving 

the public and American Indians and Alaska Natives) to carefully 

review the programs and budgets under its jurisdiction. The Subcommittee held the following oversight hearings: 

Department of the Interior FY15 budget oversight hearing— 

March 25, 2014 

Environmental Protection Agency FY15 budget oversight hearing—March 27, 2014 

U.S. Forest Service FY15 budget oversight hearing—April 2, 

2014 

National Park Service FY15 budget oversight hearing—April 3, 

2014 

Fish and Wildlife Service FY15 budget oversight hearing—April 

3, 2014 

Bureau of Land Management FY15 budget oversight hearing— 

April 4, 2014 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement FY15 budget oversight hearing—April 4, 

2014 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—April 7, 2014 

(morning) 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—April 7, 2014 

(afternoon) 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—April 8, 2014 

(morning) 

American Indian/Alaska Native Public Witnesses—April 8, 2014 

(afternoon) 

Public Witnesses—April 10, 2014 (morning) 

Public Witnesses—April 10, 2014 (afternoon) 

In total, 144 individuals representing the Executive Branch, Congress, State, tribal, and local governments, and the general public 

testified before the Subcommittee. In addition to those who testified personally, over 140 individuals and organizations provided 

written testimony for the permanent hearing record. These hearVerDate Mar 15 2010 06:14 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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ings are contained in eight published volumes totaling over 10,000 

pages which are publicly available online. 

COST OF WILDLAND FIRE

In eight of the last ten years, the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior have exceeded their wildland fire suppression 

budgets despite being fully funded at the ten-year suppression average for such costs. Fire seasons have grown longer and more destructive, putting people, communities, and ecosystems at greater 

risk. Fire borrowing has now become routine rather than extraordinary. Borrowing from non-fire accounts to pay suppression costs 

results in the Forest Service and Department of the Interior having 

fewer resources available for forest management activities, including hazardous fuels management and other proven efforts to improve overall forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic 

wildland fires. 

The Committee believes the most catastrophic wildland fires 

should be treated similar to other major natural disasters such as 

floods and hurricanes and funded through the disaster cap adjustment established by the Budget Control Act of 2011 (P.L. 112–25). 

This common sense reform would allow for a more responsible and 

stable way to budget for wildland fire costs. 

As Congress continues to debate the best approach for fire budgeting, the Committee has provided robust wildland fire funding in 

its fiscal year 2015 bill. The bill includes a total of $4.088 billion 

in wildland fire funding for the Department of the Interior and the 

Forest Service, $149 million above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level. Fire suppression accounts (including FLAME) are again fully 

funded at the ten-year average level. Hazardous fuels funding, a 

critical component of an effective overall fire strategy, is increased 

by $90 million over the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. And, the 

Committee has provided an additional $470 million in funding to 

address the projected shortfall in suppression funding for fiscal 

year 2014. 

PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES (PILT)

The Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program provides compensation to local governments for the loss of tax revenue resulting 

from the presence of Federal land in their county or State. In 2014, 

49 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of 

Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands received PILT payments. 

Mandatory funding for PILT payments is scheduled to expire on 

September 30, 2014. The Committee has included bill language extending by one year the mandatory authorization for full PILT 

funding for fiscal year 2015. 

REC FEE AUTHORITY

Enacted in 2004, the Federal Land Recreation Enhancement Act 

(FLREA) authorized five agencies to collect and expend recreation 

fees on land they manage: the Department of the Interior’s Bureau 

of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

(FWS), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service 

(USFS). These fees, which leverage other funding sources and comVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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plement appropriated funds, fund projects that directly benefit the 

visitor experience. 

The authority for FLREA is scheduled to sunset in December 

2014 which will result in agencies no longer having explicit recreation fee authority. This would impact the Department of the Interior’s estimated annual collection of $200 million, of which the National Park Service collects nearly $180 million. In 2013, the rec fee 

program collected nearly $260 million from the Forest Service and 

the Department of the Interior combined. An extension of rec fee 

authority is necessary for land managers to plan for upcoming seasons including selling annual passes, hiring seasonal employees, 

planning projects, organizing volunteers, and accepting reservations. 

The budget request includes a legislative proposal to continue the 

existing authority. In order to prevent the expiration of the authority and allow authorizing committees of jurisdiction ample time to 

consider extending and perhaps modifying this authority, the Committee has included within Title IV General Provisions a one-year 

extension of the current rec fee authority. 

COST OF LITIGATION

The Committee continues to be concerned that many of the legitimate goals of the Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, 

and other agencies under the Committee’s jurisdiction—as well as 

the work of this Committee—are undermined by litigation filed in 

an effort to shift land management decisions from the agencies to 

the courts, regardless of merit. 

Litigation is a huge unbudgeted cost for land management agencies. The Committee is concerned that, as budgets shrink, agencies 

are forced to settle lawsuits quickly because they don’t have funds 

available to complete court-imposed work. In addition, the courts 

are not concerned whether agencies have funding necessary to 

meet court mandates. As a result, the courts are playing an increasing role in determining how and where agencies use their 

funding. 

Given ongoing concerns, the Department of the Interior, EPA, 

and the Forest Service are directed to provide to the House and 

Senate Committees on Appropriations, and to make publicly available no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, detailed 

Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) fee information as specified in 

the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014. 

WESTERN GROUSE AND THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

The Committee remains concerned about the recent listing of the 

lesser prairie chicken, the proposed listing of the Gunnison sagegrouse and the bi-State distinct population segment (DPS) of greater sage-grouse, and the potential proposed listing for greater sagegrouse range-wide and in the Columbia Basin DPS. These species 

and populations are collectively known as western grouse, and the 

aforementioned listing actions impact 17 western States in the 

lower 48 States from North Dakota to Texas and from Washington 

to California. 

Based on past experience and recent evidence, the States are 

rightfully concerned that these listings will fail at recovery while 

eliminating jobs and curtailing future job growth, devastating State 


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and local economies, and undermining the nation’s ability to develop conventional and renewable resources necessary for energy 

independence. 

In addition to sharing the States’ concerns, the Committee is concerned that the Fish and Wildlife Service’s actions on western 

grouse are being driven by litigation deadlines that leave the Service with no flexibility to take into consideration the extraordinary 

conservation planning efforts and expenditures at the Federal, 

State, and local levels. It is clear to the Committee that the conservation of western grouse is a commonly-shared long-term goal 

that should be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate success that 

extends beyond any arbitrary Federal regulatory deadline, so long 

as extinction is not imminent. 

Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes a general 

provision in Title I of the bill, delaying for one year any final rule 

to list the Gunnison sage-grouse or the bi-State DPS of greater 

sage-grouse, and any proposed rule to list the greater sage-grouse 

range-wide or in the Columbia Basin. The Committee expects all 

stakeholders to maintain the current pace of work in good faith 

during the fiscal year to demonstrate that sage-grouse conservation 

is working. The Committee directs the Bureau of Land Management not to delay the processing of permits due to any uncertainty 

surrounding the listing of western grouse. The Committee directs 

the Fish and Wildlife Service to include in its fiscal year 2016 

budget submission an update on the status of all western grouse. 

The Committee intends to revisit any future legislative listing 

delays on an annual basis so as to prevent extinction. 

Furthermore, the recommendation concentrates existing resources on western grouse conservation in the following key areas: 

Wildland Fire.—The Committee continues to be concerned about 

the threat wildland fire poses to sage-grouse and directs the Department of the Interior to use resources made available under the 

Bureau of Land Management and the Department of the Interior’s 

Wildland Fire Program to reduce and mitigate catastrophic fire. 

Further, the Committee directs the Department to use the additional $4,000,000 above the budget request for emergency stabilization and rehabilitation to restore areas burned by wildland fire 

with an emphasis on restoring sage-grouse habitat. 

Invasive Species.—The Committee recommendation continues 

funding for all ongoing invasive species programs at the fiscal year 

2014 enacted level, but includes a general provision in Title IV of 

the bill to cap administrative activities at ten percent, in an effort 

to get more invasive species program dollars on the ground. 

Federal Lands.—The BLM is responsible for managing the majority of sage-grouse habitat. Congress appropriated $15,000,000 in 

both fiscal year 2013 and 2014 for the BLM to plan for sage-grouse 

conservation. The Committee recommends $15,000,000 again for 

fiscal year 2015 so that the BLM can implement and begin evaluating those plans. 

Private Lands.—The Partners for Fish and Wildlife program 

within the Fish and Wildlife Service is a voluntary, non-regulatory 

program designed to help willing landowners conserve habitat on 

their lands. The Committee recommendation continues funding for 

this program at the fiscal year 2014 enacted level, and directs the 

program to adjust its regional funding allocations as necessary so 


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that implementation of the Sage Grouse Initiative is the program’s 

top priority. 

State Efforts.—States have primary management responsibility 

of most wildlife within their borders. The State and Tribal Wildlife 

Grants program within the Fish and Wildlife Service is designed 

to help States and Tribes restore imperiled species so that they 

don’t have to be listed under the Endangered Species Act. The 

President proposed to cut the program by $8,695,000 in fiscal year 

2015. The Committee recommendation restores the proposed cut 

and directs the funds to competitive interstate grants that specifically address species listed as Candidates under the ESA, such as 

sage-grouse. This increase is partially offset by redirecting a 

$4,000,000 increase requested by the President for 20 new sagegrouse ESA personnel. 

STATE WILDLIFE DATA

The Committee is concerned that the Department of the Interior, 

its bureaus, and the Forest Service are not maximizing the opportunity to save funds and leverage States’ on-the-ground wildlife expertise. State wildlife agencies often have the best available science 

on species and retain primary jurisdiction over most wildlife on 

Federal, State, and private lands. The Federal government should 

recognize and fully utilize State resources, including scientific information about species population numbers, conservation status, 

and habitat availability, among other data. The Committee directs 

Federal agencies to cooperatively engage with State wildlife agencies and to use State fish and wildlife data and analyses as a primary source to inform Federal land use, land planning, and related 

natural resource decisions. The agencies should not duplicate analysis of raw data previously prepared by the States. Federal agencies should also provide their data to State wildlife managers to ensure that the most complete data is available to be incorporated 

into all decision support systems. 

ADDRESSING UNATTAINABLE REGULATORY STANDARDS

In May 2014, the Administration released the latest Unified Regulatory Agenda which included more than 130 proposed regulatory 

actions by the EPA. The Committee has had longstanding concerns 

with respect to EPA’s process for setting standards through the 

IRIS process, and reforms are ongoing. Similarly the Committee 

has had longstanding concerns about EPA’s process for setting 

standards that may be technically or economically unachievable, 

and issuing new regulations while needed reforms have not been 

implemented. While the House has passed numerous regulatory reform efforts, the Administration has failed to adopt the most common sense solutions. In light of the Administration’s failure to institute necessary reforms, the fiscal year 2015 Interior and Environment appropriations bill proposes to address several of EPA’s 

unattainable regulatory standards including: • EPA’s proposed standards for new power plants which assume 

carbon capture and storage technologies that are not commercially 

available and scalable; 

• EPA’s proposed guidelines for existing power plants which cannot be met through technological or operating improvements at affected facilities; 


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• EPA’s lead renovation rule which sets onerous standards for 

test kits that remain commercially unavailable; and 

• EPA’s ballast water rule which assumes compliance using 

Coast Guard certified technologies that don’t exist. 

Recent Agency actions to preclude development based on hypothetical scenarios and to expand jurisdiction over water bodies 

prior to scientific input further demonstrates a lack of Agency regard for science, process, and impacts. In addition, EPA’s failure to 

actively promote and implement its integrated planning approach 

framework for municipalities to address, in the most efficient way 

possible, the multiple competing wastewater, storm water, and 

drinking water regulatory requirements that the Agency is imposing on them, is unacceptably burdening many municipalities economically and preventing them from being able to address their 

most serious water quality issues. While the Committee has provided funds in the bill to protect human health and the environment by improving air quality, providing clean water, and remediating pollution, no funds have been provided in this bill for specific 

rule-makings that reflect Administration overreach. 

REPROGRAMMING GUIDELINES

The following are the procedures governing reprogramming actions for programs and activities funded in the Department of the 

Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. 

The Committee reminds the agencies funded in this Act that these 

reprogramming guidelines are in effect, and must be complied with, 

until such time as the Committee modifies them through bill or report language. 

Definitions.—‘‘Reprogramming,’’ as defined in these procedures, 

includes the reallocation of funds from one budget activity, budget 

line-item or program area, to another within any appropriation 

funded in this Act. 

For construction, land acquisition, and forest legacy accounts, a 

reprogramming constitutes the reallocation of funds, including unobligated balances, from one construction, land acquisition, or forest legacy project to another such project. 

A reprogramming shall also consist of any significant departure 

from the program described in the agency’s budget justifications. 

This includes proposed reorganizations, especially those of significant national or regional importance, even without a change in 

funding. Any change to the organization table presented in the 

budget justification shall be subject to this requirement. 

General Guidelines for Reprogramming.— 

(a) A reprogramming should be made only when an unforeseen 

situation arises, and then only if postponement of the project or the 

activity until the next appropriation year would result in actual 

loss or damage. 

(b) Any project or activity, which may be deferred through reprogramming, shall not later be accomplished by means of further 

reprogramming, but instead, funds should again be sought for the 

deferred project or activity through the regular appropriations process. 

(c) Except under the most urgent situations, reprogramming 

should not be employed to initiate new programs or increase allocaVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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tions specifically denied or limited by Congress, or to decrease allocations specifically increased by the Congress. 

(d) Reprogramming proposals submitted to the House and Senate 

Committees on Appropriations for approval shall be considered approved 30 calendar days after receipt if the Committees have posed 

no objection. However, agencies will be expected to extend the approval deadline if specifically requested by either Committee. 

Criteria and Exceptions.—A reprogramming must be submitted 

to the Committees in writing prior to implementation if it exceeds 

$1,000,000 annually or results in an increase or decrease of more 

than 10 percent annually in affected programs, with the following 

exceptions: 

(a) With regard to the tribal priority allocations of the Bureau of 

Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, there is no restriction on reprogrammings among these programs. However, the Bureaus shall report on all reprogrammings made during a given fiscal year no later than 60 days after the end of the fiscal year. 

(b) With regard to the EPA, State and Tribal Assistance Grants 

account, the Committee does not require reprogramming requests 

associated with States and Tribes Partnership Grants. 

Assessments.—‘‘Assessment’’ as defined in these procedures shall 

refer to any charges, reserves, or holdbacks applied to a budget activity or budget line item for costs associated with general agency 

administrative costs, overhead costs, working capital expenses, or 

contingencies. 

(a) No assessment shall be levied against any program, budget 

activity, subactivity, budget line item, or project funded by the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act unless such assessment and the basis therefor are presented to the 

Committees on Appropriations in the budget justifications and are 

subsequently approved by the Committees. The explanation for any 

assessment in the budget justification shall show the amount of the 

assessment, the activities assessed, and the purpose of the funds. 

(b) Proposed changes to estimated assessments, as such estimates were presented in annual budget justifications, shall be submitted through the reprogramming process and shall be subject to 

the same dollar and reporting criteria as any other reprogramming. 

(c) The Committee directs that each agency or bureau which utilizes assessments shall submit an annual report to the Committees 

which provides details on the use of all funds assessed from any 

other budget activity, line item, subactivity, or project. 

(d) In no case shall contingency funds or assessments be used to 

finance projects and activities disapproved or limited by Congress, 

or to finance programs or activities that could be foreseen and included in the normal budget review process. 

(e) New programs requested in the budget should not be initiated 

before enactment of the bill without notification to, and the approval of, the Committees on Appropriations. This restriction applies to all such actions regardless of whether a formal reprogramming of funds is required to begin the program. 

Quarterly Reports.—All reprogrammings between budget activities, budget line items, program areas, or the more detailed activity 

levels shown in this agreement, including those below the monetary thresholds established above, shall be reported to the Committees within 60 days of the end of each quarter and shall include 


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cumulative totals for each budget activity, budget line item, or construction, land acquisition, or forest legacy project. 

Land Acquisitions, Easements, and Forest Legacy.—Lands shall 

not be acquired for more than the approved appraised value (as addressed in section 301(3) of Public Law 91–646), unless such acquisitions are submitted to the Committees on Appropriations for approval in compliance with these procedures. 

Land Exchanges.—Land exchanges, wherein the estimated value of the Federal lands to be exchanged is greater than $1,000,000, 

shall not be consummated until the Committees have had a 30-day 

period in which to examine the proposed exchange. In addition, the 

Committees shall be provided advance notification of exchanges 

valued between $500,000 and $1,000,000. 

Budget Structure.—The budget activity or line item structure for 

any agency appropriation account shall not be altered without advance approval of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT OF LANDS AND RESOURCES

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $956,875,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 954,085,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 957,180,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +305,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +3,095,000 

The Committee recommends $957,180,000 for Management of Lands and Resources, $305,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $3,095,000 above the budget request. Requested increases 

for fixed costs are not funded. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. The Committee recommendation includes further details below. 

Soil, Water, and Air Management.—The Committee recommends 

$43,848,000 for soil, water, and air management, $909,000 above 

the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $1,504,000 below the budget 

request. The Colorado River Basin Salinity Program is funded at 

$1,500,000. No funds are provided for the youth in the great outdoors initiative. 

Rangeland Management.—The Committee recommends 

$80,700,000 for rangeland management, $1,700,000 above the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and $5,772,000 above the budget request. 

The amount above the request should be used to hire the staff necessary to reduce the grazing permit backlog and carry out a systematic program of range monitoring, land health assessments, development and implementation of allotment management plans, 

and adaptive management. The Bureau is directed to investigate 

whether targeted grazing can help to conserve sage-grouse habitat. 

The Committee rejects the Bureau’s proposal to impose new grazing fees. 

Acceptance of Donation of Certain Existing Permits or Leases.— 

The Committee notes with concern that legislation to make land 

available for the mitigation of impacts on wildlife upon the relinVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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quishment of certain grazing permits or leases in the California 

Desert (section 122(b) of Division E of Public Law 112–174) has not 

been implemented as Congress intended. The purpose of the legislation is to establish a mitigation bank to provide: an expedited 

path forward for allowable development including renewable energy; an environmental benefit to wildlife; and opportunities for 

local governing agencies to plan and mitigate their growth without 

removing private lands from the tax rolls. The Committee recognizes that these goals are consistent with the Secretary’s priorities 

of renewable energy development and landscape-level conservation, 

and therefore encourages the Secretary to oversee efforts to convene all parties involved, and to work openly and in good faith to 

resolve remaining issues including: quantification of the mitigation 

benefit derived from the retirement of grazing permits; permanence 

or ‘‘durability’’ of the mitigation derived from voluntary grazing 

permit relinquishments; and establishment of a mitigation bank to 

expedite approved development projects within the California 

Desert Conservation Area. 

Horse and Burro Management.—The Committee recommends 

$80,045,000 to implement Public Law 92–195 (16 U.S.C. 1331 et 

seq.) requiring the protection, management, and control of freeroaming horses and burros on public lands, $2,800,000 above the 

fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $193,000 below the budget request. Within this amount, the Committee recommends $1,000,000 

to study and test the feasibility of implementing a sterilization program in partnership with universities and non-profit organizations 

in order to ensure that the program is scientifically sound and humanely implemented. The Committee also supports continued research to develop and refine a variety of fertility-control methods, 

including immunocontraceptives, which allow for self-sustaining 

populations of wild horses and burros while maintaining the genetic viability of the protected herds. The bill continues a prohibition on funds to implement Section 1333(b)(2)(C) of Title 16, United 

States Code, requiring the humane destruction of excess animals 

that are not adopted. The bill also continues a general provision 

within Title I allowing the BLM to enter into long-term contracts 

and agreements for holding facilities off the range. 

The horse and burro management program in its current state 

is unsustainable and the Committee cannot afford to perpetuate 

the situation for much longer. The Committee received testimony 

this year from advocates for a long-term strategy of sustainable, 

non-lethal population management, as well as advocates for shortterm solutions to the problems caused by an overabundance of freeroaming horses and burros currently on the range. The Committee 

has a responsibility to see that both issues are addressed and invites the Bureau and bipartisan stakeholders to work with the 

Committee in preparation for the fiscal year 2016 budget. 

Wildlife Management.—The Committee recommends $52,338,000 

for wildlife management, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 

and $251,000 below the budget request. The recommendation includes $15,000,000 for sage-grouse conservation, as requested. 

Sage-grouse conservation is discussed in further detail in the front 

of this report. 

Plant Conservation Program.—The Committee is supportive of 

the Bureau’s existing plant conservation and native plant materials 


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program and expects the Bureau to continue the program through 

resources provided under various accounts. The Committee is concerned that the Bureau’s policy of using highly localized genetic varieties of native seeds may be unnecessarily limiting, driving up 

procurement costs, and causing delays in re-seeding areas burned 

by fire. The Bureau is directed to publish its yearly estimated seed 

needs by variety, to be more transparent with the science supporting its policy, and to more clearly explain the policy in the fiscal year 2016 budget request. 

Recreation Management.—The Committee recommends 

$63,906,000 for recreation resources management, $3,055,000 

below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $4,551,000 below the 

budget request. No funds are provided for the youth in the great 

outdoors initiative. The bill includes a general provision in Title IV 

prohibiting the use of funds to close areas open to recreational 

hunting and shooting as of January 1, 2013. 

The Committee is concerned about the BLM’s potential development or expansion of new public lands along a portion of the Red 

River between Texas and Oklahoma that are the subject of a longstanding boundary dispute. The Committee directs the Secretary to 

consult with the States and Congress before taking any further action. 

Energy and Minerals.—The Committee recommends 

$147,493,000 for energy and minerals, $17,374,000 above the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and $44,714,000 above the budget request. 

The recommendation includes the redistribution of inspection base 

funding from Oil and Gas Management to Oil and Gas Inspection 

and Enforcement. The recommendation includes the increases requested to implement GAO-recommended reforms in oil and gas 

management, inspection, and enforcement, but pays for the increases from reductions elsewhere in the bill instead of through the 

proposed new inspection fees. 

Resource Management Planning.—The Committee recommends 

$38,125,000 for resource management planning, $1,000,000 above 

the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $4,274,000 below the budget 

request. Included is $1,000,000 to initiate the requested geospatial 

information program. The Committee cautions the Bureau not to 

duplicate existing efforts at the U.S. Geological Survey and in the 

private sector. 

Law Enforcement.—The Committee recommends $20,000,000 for 

law enforcement, $5,325,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $5,657,000 below the budget request. The Bureau is directed to focus on visitor safety and archaeological resource protection, and to defer to the Department of Justice and the Department 

of Homeland Security for investigative and other non-emergency 

matters of Federal law not unique to Bureau lands or property. 

Challenge Cost Share.—The Committee recommends $3,464,000 

for the challenge cost share program, $1,051,000 above the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and $115,000 below the budget request. 

The Committee directs the Bureau to focus the program on supporting the goals of the youth in the great outdoors initiative. The 

Committee believes those goals are best achieved through partnerships with the outdoor industry and the general public for projects 

focused on the maintenance and development of trails. Of the funds 

provided, $300,000 is for long-standing outdoor ethics education 


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and stewardship programs designed to help keep America’s public 

lands healthy, open and accessible for opportunities to enjoy responsible outdoor recreation, especially high-impact activities such 

as recreational shooting and off-highway vehicle use. 

National Landscape Conservation System.—The Committee recommends $30,819,000 for the national landscape conservation system, $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$3,181,000 below the budget request. No funds are provided for the 

youth in the great outdoors initiative. The bill includes a general 

provision in Title I prohibiting the use of funds to implement Secretarial Order Number 3310 pertaining to wild lands. 

Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 

2000.—The Committee is concerned that BLM has attempted to 

place the responsibility for fencing upon private landowners within 

the cattle free area identified by the Act, despite the Act’s clear 

mandate that fencing is BLM’s responsibility. The BLM is directed 

to comply with the Act. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $19,463,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 25,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 4,816,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥14,647,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥20,184,000 

The Committee recommends $4,816,000 for Land Acquisition, 

$14,647,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$20,184,000 below the budget request. The amounts recommended 

by the Committee compared with the budget estimates by activity 

are shown in the table at the end of this report. 

The Committee directs the Bureau of Land Management to 

prioritize recreational access projects that significantly enhance access to existing public lands that are impractical to access for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities. 

OREGON AND CALIFORNIA GRANT LANDS

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $114,467,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 103,957,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 114,467,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +10,510,000 

The Committee recommends $114,467,000 for the Oregon and 

California grant lands, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 

and $10,510,000 above the budget request. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end 

of this report. 

RANGE IMPROVEMENTS

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation of not 

less than $10,000,000 to be derived from public lands receipts and 

Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act lands grazing receipts, as requested. 


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SERVICE CHARGES, DEPOSITS, AND FORFEITURES

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation estimated to be $32,465,000 for Service Charges, Deposits, and Forfeitures, as requested. 

MISCELLANEOUS TRUST FUNDS

The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation estimated to be $24,000,000, as requested. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

The Committee recommendation includes the requested Administrative Provisions. 

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is to 

conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats 

for the continuing benefit of people. The Service has responsibility 

for migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, certain 

inter-jurisdictional fisheries, certain marine mammals, the National Fish Hatchery System, and the National Wildlife Refuge 

System. 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $1,188,339,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 1,260,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 500,842,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥687,497,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥759,158,000 

The Committee recommends $500,842,000 for Resource Manage- ment, $687,497,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$759,158,000 below the budget request. Most of the perceived reduction represents transfers to new accounts for Partners for Fish 

and Wildlife, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and Fish and 

Aquatic Conservation, which were previously within the Resource 

Management account. A detailed table of funding recommendations 

below the account level is provided at the end of this report. The 

Committee recommendation includes further details below. 

Ecological Services.—The Committee recommends against the 

proposed new consolidated budget structure for Ecological Services. 

The Committee received hearing testimony this year from Service 

partners expressing concern about a decrease in budget transparency as a result of the proposal. The Committee shares this concern, in particular because habitat conservation plans (HCPs), recovery and delisting, and environmental contaminants remain 

funding priorities. The fate of those activities in particular would 

have been less certain under the proposed new structure. 

Endangered Species.—The Committee recommends $169,537,000 

for endangered species, $974,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and incomparable to the budget request because of the proposed budget restructuring. The Committee recommendation includes new bill language allowing for the transfer of funds from ReVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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source Management to Fish and Aquatic Conservation for non-regulatory ESA activities. 

Candidate Conservation.—The Committee recommends 

$11,219,000 for the conservation of candidate species, $311,000 

below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and incomparable to the 

budget request because of the proposed budget restructuring. The 

Committee recommends against the proposed increase of 

$4,000,000 and 20 new FTE employees for sage-grouse, and instead 

recommends that the funds be used to help restore the proposed 

cut to the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program. Sage-grouse 

conservation is discussed in further detail in the front of this report. 

Listing and Critical Habitat.—The Committee recommends 

$17,852,000 for ESA listings and critical habitat designations, 

$2,663,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $4,927,000 

below the budget request. The Committee recommendation continues bill language as requested, capping funds for ESA listings, 

critical habitat designations, and petitions in order to limit the impacts of petitions and lawsuits on the rest of the budget. The Committee remains concerned that deadlines imposed by the 2011 

multispecies litigation settlements may be compromising the Service’s ability to be thorough in its economic impact analyses, to provide fair public notice and opportunity to comment, to base decisions upon the best available scientific evidence, and to be exceptionally transparent with the information upon which its decisions 

are made. The Service is directed to re-evaluate its workplans in 

order to meet these obligations in light of the budget, and to request deadline extensions as necessary. 

The Committee notes that there is substantial disagreement regarding the sufficiency and accuracy of the science underpinning 

the Service’s proposal to list the northern long-eared bat. The Service made a prudent decision in June 2014 to extend a final listing 

decision for 6 months. If, at the end of the 6-month extension, the 

Service makes a final decision to list the species, the Committee 

encourages the Service to make every effort to consider including 

a special rule that addresses threats to the species while allowing 

activities that minimally affect the species to continue. 

Consultation and HCPs.—The Committee recommends 

$62,550,000 for ESA consultations and habitat conservation planning (HCP) activities, $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and incomparable to the budget request because of the 

proposed budget restructuring. The increase above the enacted 

level is for additional FTE employees to work on HCPs. The Committee recognizes the important role of HCPs in both recovery of 

species and in providing economic certainty and growth to municipalities affected by listed species, and encourages the Service to 

place a priority on working with partners making good faith efforts 

to develop and implement responsible HCPs. 

Recovery.—The Committee recommends $77,916,000 for recovery, 

$1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and incomparable to the budget request because of the proposed budget restructuring. The Committee recommends that the increase above 

the fiscal year 2014 enacted level be used to increase the Service’s 

contribution to long-standing, multi-partner recovery programs, 

such as for northern aplomado falcons and California condors, for 


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which non-Federal partners have been shouldering the large majority of the costs to prevent extinction. 

The Committee is concerned that the Service has failed to act in 

a timely fashion to delist the valley elderberry longhorn beetle, 

which the Service first recommended for delisting in 2006. The 

Service failed to act on its own recommendation until 2010 when 

it received a petition to do so that triggered deadlines required by 

the ESA. The Service issued a proposed rule to delist in 2012 but 

to date has not issued a final rule. The Committee has been made 

aware that the reason for the delay in this case is at least partly 

attributable to a scientific peer review suggesting that further 

studies are needed. Seemingly unnecessary further studies, along 

with allegations of a conflict of interest with one of the peer reviewers, are cause for concern. Therefore, the Committee has included 

a general provision in Title I of the bill to delay for at least one 

year any decision by the Service to either withdraw the proposed 

rule or to issue a final rule, and to re-open the public comment period in the interim. The social and economic costs of listing the valley elderberry longhorn beetle under the ESA are well documented 

and tragic. The Committee strongly supports its delisting as has 

been the recommendation by the Service for the past eight years. 

The Committee believes that proposals to delist and downlist 

species should be finalized within 12 months just as they are for 

proposals to list. Similarly, the Committee believes that listings 

come with an obligation to develop recovery plans and evaluate the 

economic impacts of implementing such plans within 18 months as 

is the policy but not the practice. The Federal government is as obligated to recover and delist species as it is to list them in the first 

place. For this reason, the Committee has included a general provision in Title I of the bill to require the Service to develop such recovery plans and economic analyses for certain amphibians which 

the Service has recently listed. 

The Committee directs the Service to include in its next Recovery 

Report to Congress an update on whether each species is more or 

less numerous, or unknown, since the species was listed, the recovery plan was finalized, or the latest 5-year status review was completed, whichever is more recent. 

The Committee encourages the Service to move forward with a 

proposal to delist the gray wolf, because the Service has established that the species is recovered, and because the current situation creates unnecessary management challenges along arbitrary 

geographic boundaries within States like Oregon, where wolves are 

currently listed under the ESA on one side of a highway, but 

delisted and under State management on the other side of the 

highway. 

In response to supportive testimony by diverse groups of constituents, the Committee recommends $1,000,000 from within 

funds to restore the wolf-livestock demonstration program, as authorized by Public Law 111–11. The Committee urges the Administration and interested parties to seek funding for this program 

through the Department of Agriculture in future years. 

The Committee has been made aware of the controversy surrounding the proposed La Purisima Conservation Bank in California, which would create an easement on private lands which 

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tat on other lands. The Federal government’s role in the establishment of conservation banks on split estates must not impact the 

private property rights of any surface or subsurface owners without 

their consent or fair compensation. The Committee directs the 

Service to publish in the Federal Register advance notice of its intent to approve any future phase of the La Purisima project involving a split estate, and invite public comment on the proposed 

agreement, as stated in the Service’s May 2, 2003, policy on conservation banking. 

Habitat Conservation.—The Committee rejects the budget proposal to change Habitat Conservation from a subactivity to an activity, as explained above. The Committee recommends $50,941,000 

for programs within this subactivity. The Partners for Fish and 

Wildlife program has been moved to a new account, as explained 

above. Coastal programs are funded at $13,684,000, an increase of 

$500,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level to accelerate 

technical corrections and updates of coastal floodplain maps. 

Migratory Bird Management.—The Committee recommends 

$45,213,000 for migratory bird management, $1,255,000 below the 

fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $1,709,000 below the budget request. The Committee has been made aware that black vulture predation on livestock is a problem, either due to a learned behavior, 

an overabundance of black vultures, or both. The Committee directs the Service to institute an electronic application and reporting 

system for depredation permits, and to process such applications as 

quickly as possible. The fiscal year 2016 budget request should 

quantify average permit processing times and set a goal to minimize such times. The fiscal year 2016 budget request should also 

include an estimate of costs, FTE, and a timeline to develop and 

test an appropriate survey protocol to assess black vulture distribution and population size, and to determine whether and where the 

species may be overabundant. 

Law Enforcement.—The Committee recommends $66,737,000 for 

law enforcement, $2,462,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and equal to the budget request. The recommendation includes program increases of $1,247,000 to strengthen the only wildlife forensics laboratory in the nation, as requested, and $747,000 

for three additional agents in the Service’s Special Investigations 

Unit, in order to combat wildlife trafficking. Funding is provided to 

enforce Lacey Act illegal logging violations. 

International Affairs.—The Committee recommends $14,599,000 

for international affairs, $1,093,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request. The Committee remains concerned about the severity of poaching in Africa, particularly with respect to elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn, and the 

destabilizing effect it has on regional security, including by providing a significant source of financing for armed groups with links 

to transnational organized crime and terrorism. The Committee 

notes the negative consequences to U.S. interests in regional security, development, and biodiversity conservation. The Committee 

supports the Service’s role in the following elements of the National 

Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking: (1) site-based law enforcement protection in Africa for the most at-risk populations of 

forest and savannah elephants; (2) development and implementation of regional wildlife law enforcement networks in Africa and 


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Asia; and (3) training local park guards and other wildlife law enforcement officers. These programs should be carried out in coordination with other U.S. agencies including Department of State and 

USAID, local governments and international conservation partners. 

The Committee encourages the Secretary to work with the intelligence community to develop an appropriate framework for the 

timely sharing of information and intelligence that would enable 

FWS to more effectively investigate and make arrests on wildlife 

trafficking crimes. 

The Committee received testimony from a diverse array of concerned citizens and organizations regarding the Service’s unilateral 

action to ban the trade and transport of products containing ivory 

that have legally been in the United States for years and in some 

cases generations, including expensive family heirlooms and rare 

musical instruments. Everyone supports saving elephants, but the 

Service’s regulatory actions have gone too far by penalizing innocent U.S. citizens instead of focusing on the heart of the problem 

overseas. Therefore the Committee has included a general provision in Title I to maintain the status quo legal domestic ivory trade 

and transport policies. 

The Committee is concerned that the Service appears to have 

begun to implement a proposed rule regarding captive-bred wildlife 

(76 Fed. Reg. 58455) before such rule has been finalized, resulting 

in at least one instance of permitting delays for the routine and 

lawful transport of captive bred, ‘‘generic’’ tigers. Until the rulemaking process has been completed and a final rule has been published, the Committee reminds the Service that all permits should 

be processed in accordance with existing regulations and past 

precedents so that permitees can reasonably plan and operate. 

Science.—The Committee recommends $5,096,000 for science, 

$12,139,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$5,096,000 above the budget request. No funds are provided in the 

proposed new science subactivity, a decrease of $31,634,000 below 

the budget request. 

The Committee recognizes that scientific support from the U.S. 

Geological Survey has been insufficient in meeting the Service’s 

needs, and supports re-building the Service’s capacity for scientific 

research and application. However, the Service appears to be struggling with how to go about building its capacity. The fiscal year 

2015 budget requests a third location in the budget for science in 

as many years. The Service has added a layer of science administrators nationwide, which seems unnecessary. The Committee 

notes that the National Fish Hatchery System has been a national 

leader in the science of fish health and fish culture for decades 

under the existing fisheries program leadership structure. The 

Committee encourages the Service to reconsider its approach and 

to propose future increases for science within the budgets of existing programs that need the science, such as fisheries, refuges, migratory birds, and endangered species, if such science is a priority 

for the programs. 

Landscape Conservation Cooperatives.—No funds are provided 

for Landscape Conservation Cooperatives due to higher priorities 

elsewhere in the Service’s budget. 


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PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE

It is estimated that 73 percent of the nation’s land is privately 

owned and that the majority of the nation’s fish and wildlife species occur on those lands. Thus the Fish and Wildlife Service cannot be successful in its mission without voluntary, non-regulatory 

partnerships with private landowners. The Partners for Fish and 

Wildlife Program began in 1987 and was codified by the Partners 

for Fish and Wildlife Act in 2006. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 * ........................................................... $51,776,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 * ..................................................................... 52,066,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 52,066,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +290,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

* Funding for this program was in the Resource Management account. 

The Committee recommends $52,066,000 for Partners for Fish 

and Wildlife, $290,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

equal to the budget request. Whereas the budget request included 

the program under the Resource Management account, the Committee recommends moving the program to its own account in 

order to prevent the use of funds for activities not authorized by 

the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act. The Committee directs the 

program to adjust its regional funding allocations as necessary so 

as to reflect the Sage Grouse Initiative as the program’s top priority. The Committee directs the Service to seek reauthorization of 

the program. 

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM

The National Wildlife Refuge System comprises approximately 

150 million acres of land and waters, with refuges in all U.S. 

States and Territories around the world. These lands and waters, 

including 54 million acres within five Marine National Monuments, 

provide habitat for thousands of species of wildlife and plants, 

sanctuary for hundreds of threatened and endangered species, and 

secure spawning areas for economically and recreationally important native fish. The 562 refuges range from a half-acre to 19.6 million acres in size. The Refuge System also encompasses 4.2 million 

acres managed under easement, agreement, or lease, including waterfowl production areas in 209 counties within 38 wetland management districts and 50 wildlife coordination areas. Over 45 million people visit the Refuge System annually. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 * ........................................................... $472,202,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 * ..................................................................... 476,400,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 476,865,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +4,663,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +465,000 

* Funding for this program was in the Resource Management account. 

The Committee recommends $476,865,000 for the National Wildlife Refuge System, $4,663,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $465,000 above the budget request. The amount above 

the budget request is to restore the proposed transfer of planning 

funds to the Land Acquisition account. Whereas the budget request 

included funding for the Refuge System under the Resource Management account, the Committee recommends moving the Refuge 


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System to its own account in order to prevent the use of funds for 

activities not authorized by the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act and related mandates. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. The Committee recommendation includes further details below. 

The bill includes a provision limiting the establishment or boundary expansion of any refuge unless expressly authorized by Congress. The Service is unique in its authority to administratively establish a refuge, expand its boundaries, and to purchase lands, 

water rights, and mineral rights therein, without any further action from Congress. The Committee recognizes that such authority 

originated with the need to act quickly to save species from certain 

extinction, and urges Congress to act quickly (as it has before) if 

similar circumstances arise. In the meantime, the Service’s use of 

its unilateral authority has become a problem for two reasons: 

(1) New refuges and an expanded Federal estate place an additional funding burden on a Refuge System already struggling to 

keep up with its responsibilities. According to its closest partners, 

$900 million is needed to fully fund the Refuge System, and without increases in operations and maintenance, the Refuge System 

cannot fulfill its obligation to the American public, wildlife, and 

46.5 million annual visitors. Further, the Service reports that the 

Refuge System has a $1.7 billion maintenance backlog. The Committee will continue to do what it can to be supportive of the Refuge System, but higher bipartisan funding priorities in this bill 

prevent the Committee from keeping pace with the additional costs 

of operating and maintaining new and expanded refuges. 

(2) The Committee has been made aware of efforts by the Service to purchase lands and water rights without due consultation 

and cooperation with State and local officials. Federal lands are exempt from local taxes, but the Service continually proposes to zero 

out payments in lieu of taxes through the National Wildlife Refuge 

Fund. Economic studies cited by the Service to justify its actions 

are misleading because they do not account for the variability of 

impacts at local levels. Federal purchase of water rights similarly 

denies a fundamental resource to State and local officials and the 

people they are elected to govern. The Federal government must be 

more sensitive to State and local needs, particularly in light of a 

rapidly changing climate and the uncertainty it brings. 

FISH AND AQUATIC CONSERVATION

Since 1871, the Fisheries program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service has been a leader in managing species, conserving habitat, 

and sustaining the biological health of America’s aquatic resources. 

Its role began as the U.S. Fish Commission on Fish and Fisheries 

140 years ago with a singular focus on stock assessment and propagation for subsistence and recreational purposes. Over time, it has 

taken on the added focus of holistically and collaboratively managing populations of fish and other aquatic species, conserving and 

restoring habitat, managing for threats of invasive species, and ultimately sustaining the biological health of America’s aquatic resources. These resources are among the world’s richest in abundance and diversity and provide scientific, aesthetic, recreational, 

commercial, subsistence, cultural, social, and economic benefits to 


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Americans. Approximately 700 employees in the Fish and Aquatic 

Conservation Program are located nationwide in 154 facilities, including 72 National Fish Hatcheries and one historic fish hatchery, 

65 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices (including the Alaska 

Conservation Genetics Laboratory), nine Fish Health Centers, six 

Fish Technology Centers, and the Aquatic Animal Drug Approval 

Partnership (AADAP) Program. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 * ........................................................... $135,319,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 * ..................................................................... 138,919,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 147,916,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +12,597,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +8,997,000 

* Funding for this program was in the Resource Management account. 

The Committee recommends $147,916,000 for Fish and Aquatic Conservation (herein ‘‘Fisheries’’), $12,597,000 above the fiscal year 

2014 enacted level and $8,997,000 above the budget request. 

Whereas the budget request included funding for Fisheries under 

the Resource Management account, the Committee recommends 

moving Fisheries to its own account in response to efforts by the 

Service since fiscal year 2012 to shift National Fish Hatchery System funds away from mitigation and recreation, and towards recovery and programs outside of Fisheries, despite concerns from the 

States, other program partners, and the Committee. A detailed 

table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. The Committee recommendation includes further details below. 

Program-wide.—The bill includes new language codifying the 

fundamental activities of Fisheries already authorized by various 

statutes and Executive Orders but without a unifying ‘‘organic’’ 

Act, and mandating that they continue in fiscal year 2015. Those 

activities include: conserving fish, other aquatic species, and their 

habitats at self-sustaining levels and furthering the science therein; fulfilling the Federal government’s fishery mitigation responsibilities for Federal water development projects; fulfilling Indian 

tribal trust responsibilities; minimizing aquatic invasive species; 

and promoting youth engagement, employment, and conservation 

through demonstrated support for recreational fishing and other 

public use and enjoyment of aquatic resources. 

National Fish Hatchery System Operations.—The Committee recommends $52,860,000 for operations, $6,332,000 above the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and $4,243,000 above the budget request. 

The increases are intended to enable Fisheries to meet the mandates below. 

The Service informed the Committee before its publication that 

the March, 2013, National Fish Hatchery System Strategic Hatchery and Workforce Planning Report would go out for consultation. 

The Committee was disappointed to learn that parts of the report 

are already being implemented before the consultation has been 

completed, despite a budget increase in fiscal year 2014 and despite 

strong concerns by the States. The Committee’s intent for fiscal 

year 2015 is to maintain the status quo at all hatcheries and to 

keep all hatcheries in proper working condition until such time as 

the Service has properly and in good faith consulted with the 

States, Tribes, the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, 


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and other key partners, and updated the Fisheries Program Strategic Plan. To that end, the bill includes the following new provisions: 

(1) Capping funding for Endangered Species Act activities at fiscal year 2012 levels. This is to ensure that funds appropriated in 

this account for recreation are not diverted to recovery as has been 

the Service’s stated intent. 

(2) Allowing for additional funding for ESA activities to be transferred from the Resource Management account where the bulk of 

the ESA budget currently resides. The Assistant Director for Ecological Services has lead responsibility for ESA. If he needs the 

help of the Fisheries program in order to meet high ESA priorities, 

he should have the flexibility to transfer funds to Fisheries in order 

to carry out the work. 

(3) Assigning the Secretary of the Interior with the lead for annually determining the Federal government’s hatchery mitigation 

responsibilities. Where those responsibilities are not clearly defined 

in statute, and where those responsibilities fluctuate as part of the 

normal fisheries management process, the Secretary should consult 

with States, Tribes, and other Federal cabinet agencies. 

(4) Requiring the Secretary to annually fulfill those hatchery 

mitigation responsibilities and report to Congress on any responsibilities not fulfilled. Only the Secretary of the Interior, with responsibility for the national fish hatchery system and with a history of hatchery propagation for recreational fishing dating back 

140 years, is equipped to meet those responsibilities. 

(5) Requiring those Federal agencies responsible for Federal 

water development projects to share up to 100 but not less than 50 

percent of the costs to fulfill the Federal government’s hatchery 

mitigation responsibilities. The intent is to ensure that mitigation 

costs are factored up front into the budgets of future water development projects. The Service is directed to include a full estimate of 

the costs, along with a cross-cut table of amounts requested, by 

agency, in its annual budget request to Congress. 

(6) Preventing the Service from terminating any current production programs, or repurposing, downsizing, or closing any hatcheries. The intent is to maintain the status quo until the program 

partners have been fully consulted and a strategic plan has been 

published. Once completed, the Committee will revisit this provision in future appropriations so that the Service, in consultation 

with States and Tribes, has reasonable flexibility to make normal 

adjustments. 

(7) Requiring the Service to publish an annual hatchery operations and maintenance plan, by facility, so that annual budgets 

and production targets are transparent to program partners and 

Congress. 

Mass Marking.—The Committee recommendation continues a 

general provision in Title I requiring the mass marking of 

salmonids. The Committee recognizes the differences of opinion 

about the policy among affected parties. The Committee therefore 

requests that the Government Accountability Office report to the 

Congress on the effect of the mass marking policy on the recovery 

of threatened and endangered salmonids. 

Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership.—The Committee 

recommends not less than $237,000 for the Aquatic Animal Drug 


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Approval Partnership, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 

and the budget request. 

Habitat Assessment and Restoration.—The Committee recommendation includes $12,748,000 for the National Fish Passage 

Program, as requested. The Committee directs the Service to determine whether unintentional barriers to fish passage are being installed faster than this and other programs like it are removing 

them, and to determine whether program funding is more effective 

if focused on prevention instead of restoration. 

Aquatic Invasive Species.—The Committee recommends an increase of $4,400,000 as requested to fight the spread of Asian carp. 

The Committee is concerned about the rapid spread of several 

invasive species of Asian carp into the Upper Mississippi River and 

Ohio River basins and tributaries, which are threatening ecosystems and billions of dollars of economic activity connected to 

outdoor recreation in States throughout the Midwest. While the 

Committee continues to support Federal efforts focused on preventing the spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes, there is 

growing recognition of the threat these invasive species pose to 

other ecosystems in the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River basins. 

The Committee directs the Service, in coordination with the Army 

Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, and U.S. Geological 

Survey, to lead a multi-agency effort to slow the spread of Asian 

carp in the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins and 

tributaries by providing high-level technical assistance, coordination, best practices, and support to State and local government 

strategies to slow, and eventually eliminate, the threat posed by 

Asian carp. To the maximum extent practicable, the multi-agency 

effort shall apply lessons learned and best practices developed 

under the Asian Carp Control Strategic Framework to efforts in 

the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River basins. 

The Committee remains concerned about the rapid spread of 

quagga and zebra mussels in the West. As the Aquatic Nuisance 

Species Task Force stated in its February 2010 Quagga-Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters, ‘‘Without increased and 

immediate action, quagga and zebra mussels will cause irreparable 

ecological damage to western waters and long-term costs will be in 

the billions.’’ The Committee therefore recommends not less than 

$3 million to implement one or more of the Highest Priority Actions 

identified in the Action Plan, and directs the Service to transfer 

funds to other Federal member agencies of the Task Force if necessary to implement these Actions. These additional funds are intended to supplement existing funds already budgeted by Task 

Force member agencies for fiscal year 2015. 

CONSTRUCTION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $15,722,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 15,687,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 14,305,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥1,417,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥1,382,000 

The Committee recommends $14,305,000 for Construction, 

$1,417,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $1,382,000 

below the budget request. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 


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No funding is provided for installation of photovoltaic solar arrays. 

The goal of moving to self-sufficient, renewable energy is laudable, 

but the Committee is concerned that the Service’s estimate of 32 

years to recoup the costs of the project exceeds the average length 

of the warranty of photovoltaic solar arrays currently on the market, which is 25 years. Photovoltaic technology is advancing rapidly 

while costs are coming down, and the Service is encouraged to request future funding for such projects when they become more economically viable. No funding is provided for demolition and removal of buildings. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $54,422,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 55,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 14,500,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥39,922,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥40,500,000 

The Committee recommends $14,500,000 for Land Acquisition, 

$39,922,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$40,500,000 below the budget request. The amounts recommended 

by the Committee compared with the budget estimates by activity 

are shown in the table at the end of this report. 

In a time when budgetary constraints allow for only a limited 

number of new land acquisition projects, the Committee is encouraged by programs that leverage public/private partnerships for 

land conservation like the Highlands Conservation Act, which has 

a record of more than a 2 to 1 ratio in non-Federal matching funds. 

Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes $3,500,000 for 

the Highlands Conservation Act Grants and directs the Fish and 

Wildlife Service to work with the Highlands States regarding priority projects for fiscal year 2015. 

The Committee understands that the Fish and Wildlife Service 

(FWS) is developing a proposal to place certain private rangeland 

in central California into permanent Federal conservation easements without sufficient stakeholder involvement in the process. 

The Committee is concerned that this program may infringe on private property rights by denying landowners the ability to use, develop or manage their property; unnecessarily increase regulatory 

burdens and restrictions on private land management; and deny 

local governments’ ability to develop and zone land use and planning activities. Therefore, the Committee has included bill language prohibiting the use of funds for issuing a final environmental 

assessment, an environmental impact statement, or a categorical 

exclusion for the California Foothills Legacy Area easement program. The Committee directs the FWS to work with affected stakeholders to address their concerns. 

COOPERATIVE ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund provides grants to States and territories for endangered species recovery actions on non-Federal lands and provides funds for non-Federal land acquisition to facilitate habitat protection. 


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Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $50,095,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 50,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 49,227,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥868,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥773,000 

The Committee recommends $49,227,000 for the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, $868,000 below the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and $773,000 below the budget request. A 

detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level 

is provided at the end of this report. 

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FUND

The National Wildlife Refuge Fund makes payments in lieu of 

taxes based on their fair market value to counties in which Service 

lands are located. Payments to counties in all 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are 

estimated to be $68,990,000 in fiscal year 2015, with $63,202,000 

derived from this appropriation and $5,788,000 from the net refuge 

receipts estimated to be collected in fiscal year 2014. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $13,228,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 38,073,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +24,845,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +38,073,000 

The Committee recommends $38,073,000 for the National Wildlife Refuge Fund, $24,845,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $38,073,000 above the budget request. The Committee 

notes the inconsistency with which the Administration proposes 

full funding for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (as is provided elsewhere in this bill) and proposes zero funding for the National Wildlife Refuge Fund. Both programs are designed to accomplish the 

same goal, albeit for different but similar lands, and should therefore be treated similarly. 

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION FUND

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act of 1989 provided for grants to carry out wetlands conservation projects in the 

United States, Canada, and Mexico for the benefit of wetlands-associated migratory birds and other wildlife. Additional program 

funding comes from fines, penalties, and forfeitures collected under 

the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918; from Federal fuel excise 

taxes on small gasoline engines, as directed by amendments to the 

Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950, to benefit coastal ecosystem projects; and from interest accrued on the fund established under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937. 

Authorization of appropriations expired in fiscal year 2012. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $34,145,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 34,145,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 34,145,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 


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The Committee recommends $34,145,000 for the North American 

Wetlands Conservation Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and the budget request. 

NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION

The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 2000 authorized grants for the conservation of neotropical migratory birds in 

the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, with 75 percent of the amounts available to be expended on projects outside 

the United States. Authorization of appropriations expired in fiscal 

year 2010. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $3,660,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 3,660,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 3,660,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $3,660,000 for neotropical migratory 

bird conservation, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

the budget request. 

MULTINATIONAL SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND

The Multinational Species Conservation Fund provides technical 

support and cost-sharing grant assistance to countries to strengthen anti-poaching activities; builds community support for conservation near the species’ habitats; conducts surveys, monitoring, and 

applied research; and provides infrastructure and field equipment 

necessary to conserve habitats. These funds help to leverage work 

with partners and other collaborators to conserve and protect African and Asian elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, great apes and marine turtles and their habitats. Authorizations of appropriations for 

the programs within this Fund have all expired. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $9,061,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 9,061,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 10,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +939,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +939,000 

The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for the Multinational 

Species Conservation Fund, $939,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and the budget request. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. The Committee recognizes that international wildlife 

trafficking has national security implications and therefore supports the Service’s interagency and international cooperative efforts. The Committee further urges the Service and other interested parties to seek to reauthorize these programs. 

STATE AND TRIBAL WILDLIFE GRANTS

The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program provides Federal 

grant funds to the States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories, and Tribes, to develop and 

implement programs for the benefit of fish and wildlife that are not 

under Federal jurisdiction. The intent is to avoid the costly and 


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time-consuming process entered into through the Endangered Species Act or other regulatory actions. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $58,695,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 50,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 58,695,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +8,695,000 

The Committee recommends $58,695,000 for State and Tribal 

Wildlife Grants, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$8,695,000 above the budget request. Tribal competitive grants are 

funded at $5,000,000, an increase of $1,000,000 above the budget 

request. State formula grants are funded at $41,000,000 as requested. State competitive grants are funded at $12,695,000, an increase of $7,695,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee recommendation is in response to an increase in 

the Service’s Endangered Species Act listing activities as a consequence of settlement agreements entered into by the Service in 

2011, many of which are likely to impair the nation’s ability to become energy independent. The Committee’s intent with the State 

competitive grants is to have multiple States working together and 

with the Service to make a concerted push where it is reasonably 

possible to conserve species named in the settlement agreements so 

that listing becomes unnecessary. The Service is expected to consult with the States to determine the highest priorities, to award 

grants accordingly, and to communicate successes. States are encouraged to do the same with the formula grants. 

LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM

RESCISSION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... ¥1,327,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... ¥2,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥2,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥673,000 

The Committee recommends a rescission of $2,000,000 from recovered funds and unobligated balances within the Landowner Incentive Program account, $2,000,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $673,000 below the budget request. 

PRIVATE STEWARDSHIP GRANTS

RESCISSION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... ¥24,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... ¥24,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥24,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends a rescission of $24,000 from recovered funds and unobligated balances within the Private Stewardship Grants account, $24,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and equal to the budget request. 


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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

The mission of the National Park Service (Service) is to preserve 

unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the 

national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration 

of this and future generations. Established in 1916, the National 

Park Service has stewardship responsibilities for the protection and 

preservation of the heritage resources of the national park system. 

The system, consisting of 401 separate and distinct units, is recognized globally as a leader in park management and resource preservation. The national park system represents much of the finest 

the Nation has to offer in terms of scenery, historical and archeological relics, and cultural heritage. Through its varied sites, the 

National Park Service attempts to explain America’s history, interpret its culture, preserve examples of its natural ecosystems, and 

provide recreational and educational opportunities for U.S. citizens 

and visitors from all over the world. In addition, the National Park 

Service provides support to tribal, local, and State governments to 

preserve culturally significant, ecologically important, and public 

recreational lands. 

The National Park Service will be 100 years old in 2016, and the 

Service has embarked on a ten-year effort to enhance the national 

parks leading up to this historic celebration. The Committee supports this effort leading to a second century of conservation, environmental stewardship and recreation benefiting millions of visitors from throughout the world. 

OPERATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $2,236,753,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 2,283,852,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 2,268,610,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +31,857,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥15,242,000 

The Committee recommends $2,268,610,000 for Operation of the 

National Park System (ONPS), $31,857,000 above the fiscal year 

2014 enacted level and $15,242,000 below the budget request. The 

amounts recommended by the Committee compared with the budget estimates by activity are shown in the table at the end of this 

report. 

Additional Guidance.—The following additional direction and 

guidance is provided with respect to funding provided within this 

account: 

Centennial of the National Park Service.—The Centennial of the 

National Park Service marks the beginning of a second century of 

stewardship, education, conservation, and recreation involving 

some of America’s most treasured spaces. The Committee recognizes the importance of this historic national celebration and is 

committed to its success. Accordingly, the Committee is providing 

$30 million, as requested, within the National Park Service Operations account to support the Centennial Initiative and related efforts to address the Service’s deferred maintenance backlog. The 

Committee understands that these funds will support enhanced 

visitor services in the areas of interpretation and education, law 

enforcement and protection, and facility operations; expand opportunities for managing and coordinating volunteers in parks; proVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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vide meaningful youth service and training opportunities to educate and train the next generation of Park Service leaders; and 

support repair and rehabilitation projects on high priority park assets across the entire system. 

Recognizing the scope of this effort, specifically in terms of funding provided and the complexity of the numerous efforts being undertaken, the Committee directs the Service to provide a report, 

not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, detailing the 

distribution of funds supporting the Centennial Initiative and the 

anticipated return on investment on this substantial Federal investment. 

Lastly, the Committee commends the Service for its planned public engagement campaign to highlight the Centennial and many of 

the nation’s prized park units with the American public. The Committee notes that this marketing effort will be funded in collaboration with the National Park Foundation, the Service’s congressionally chartered nonprofit partner, and other non-Federal partners. 

Aquatic Invasive Species.—The Committee remains concerned 

about the rapid spread of quagga and zebra mussels in the West. 

The Committee directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop and 

continue to update, using the best available science minimum protocols and training techniques for Federal, State, local, and private 

entities, a consistent standard of inspection and decontamination of 

recreational watercraft and equipment, as prescribed in the February 2010 Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. 

Waters. 

Further, the Committee directs the National Park Service to provide no less than $2,000,000 for quagga, and zebra mussel containment, prevention, and enforcement and prioritize the decontamination of watercraft and equipment leaving the watersheds of contaminated bodies, including Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Lastly, 

the Committee directs the Service to report back, no later than 90 

days after enactment of this Act, on steps taken to address this 

pervasive threat to western watersheds. 

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats.—The Committee is concerned over the effects white-nose syndrome is having on the important roles bats perform in ecological functions in parks and supports the Service’s efforts to address the disease. Specifically, the 

Committee supports measures detailed in the budget request to 

control the spread of the disease; protect and better inventory NPS 

bat and cave resources; expand research and partnerships for research on WNS management; monitor NPS resources for WNS; 

conduct public education about WNS; and standardize visitor WNS 

screening procedures across park units. 

Park Partnerships.—Over the past several years and most recently in its explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated 

Appropriations Act, 2014, the Committee has expressed its support 

for ongoing public-private partnerships and strongly encouraged 

the Service to expand their use. These partnerships frequently leverage Federal dollars many times over and add value to our national parks by bringing wide-ranging perspectives to the efficient 

management of park resources. The Committee believes such partnerships are fundamental to the long-term fiscal and administrative health of the Service. 


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Further, the Committee believes there is merit in the Service 

partnering with qualified entities to cooperatively finance and manage improvements to park facilities and programs, including assisting in the planning and construction of facilities, repairing and rehabilitating facilities and landscapes, and providing educational 

and interpretive programs. The Committee commends the Service 

for efforts thus far made to expand partnerships but believes more 

can be done. The Department and the Service are therefore strongly encouraged to reassess current policies in order to encourage the 

greater use of partnerships that have historically proven beneficial 

to national parks and partners. 

Screening technology.—The Committee encourages the National 

Park Police to review and procure the latest technological advancements in screening equipment for high-risk soft targets by utilizing 

the SAFETY Act and other procurement methods beyond the 

Transportation Safety Laboratory as additional tools for reviewing 

designated technologies. The goal of the SAFETY Act is to encourage the development and deployment of effective anti-terrorism 

products and services. 

Anacostia River.—The Committee is aware of the potential presence of toxics such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), 

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and other substances in the bottom sediments of the Anacostia River. These chemicals are detrimental to aquatic life and are possible human carcinogens. As the 

National Park Service has significant land interests adjacent to the 

Anacostia River, the Committee encourages the Service to coordinate work with the District of Columbia’s Department of the Environment and its ongoing remedial investigation to characterize the 

nature and extent of toxics in the sediment, and its planned feasibility study to examine best remediation options. 

Historic properties.—The Committee supports innovative partnerships that exist between the Service and its friends groups to raise 

private funds to restore and open closed historic properties. The 

Committee urges the Service to work with friends groups to expand 

this practice wherever practicable and report back to the Committee on a timely basis on its progress and any impediments to 

achieving successful outcomes. 

Historic Leases.—The Committee believes that historic leases 

provide a cost-effective, innovative opportunity to attract private 

capital and expertise to the challenges of preserving park resources. The Committee applauds the efforts of the Service and private partners to successfully implement such leases, and encourages the broader use of this important authority to mitigate the 

maintenance backlog of historic structures. 

Sewall-Belmont House and Museum.—The Sewall-Belmont 

House and Museum is an affiliated site of the National Park System and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 

Service is presently conducting a study to determine if this historic 

landmark merits inclusion in the park system as a standalone unit. 

The Committee urges the timely completion of the study and directs the Service to share its findings with the Committee. Further, 

the Committee urges the Service to engage public and private supporters of the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum to develop a 

long-term sustainability strategy. 


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U.S. Capitol Concerts.—The Committee continues its longstanding support for funding for the National Capitol Area Performing Arts Program and directs the Service to maintain funding 

for the summer concert series staged on the U.S. Capitol grounds 

at the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. 

National Mall Restoration.—The National Mall is the most visited national park in the nation with 25 million annual visitors. 

The Committee continues to support the public-private partnership 

relating to the restoration of the National Mall. Integral to this effort is the management and operation of concessions and visitor 

services. Accordingly, the Committee directs the Service to prepare 

and submit, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, a multi-year 

plan for the management and operation of concessions within the 

National Mall and Memorial Parks. 

Everglades Restoration.—The Committee notes the substantial 

progress made toward restoration of the Everglades ecosystem and 

continues to support this multi-year effort to preserve one of the 

great ecological treasures of the United States. The Department is 

directed to work with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida 

to examine the water quality of the L–28 canal system. Further, 

the Committee urges the Service to work in partnership with the 

Tribe to examine the potential benefits of clearing vegetation downstream of the existing culverts under the Tamiami Trail. 

St. Augustine Commemoration.—The Committee commends the 

Department of the Interior for appointing the Federal Commission 

to commemorate the 450th anniversary of St. Augustine (FL). St. 

Augustine has been the home to many of America’s ‘‘firsts’’ including the first permanent European settlement, the first freed African-American settlement, and the beginning of both the AfricanAmerican experience and the Latino-American experience in the 

New World. The Committee commends the partnership between 

the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation that 

has resulted in $100,000 being provided to support the work of the 

Commission. The Committee urges the Service to work with the 

Commission to identify additional funds that can be leveraged in 

support of this important endeavor. 

Chief Standing Bear Trail Study.—The Committee urges the 

Service to study the establishment and designation of a nationally 

recognized Chief Standing Bear National Historic Trail spanning 

the Great Plains from Nebraska to Oklahoma and formally marking the path Chief Standing Bear traveled to bury his son in his 

tribal homeland. 

Commemorating the Lincoln Assassination.—During 2015, the 

Service and other partners will honor the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln and commemorate 150 years since his assassination 

at Ford’s Theatre. Programming is being developed to commemorate the tragic events and highlight the lasting legacy of Lincoln. 

A special exhibition will reunite artifacts from the night of the assassination for the first time in 150 years. An around-the-clock 

vigil and special programming will occur on April 14 and 15, 2015 

at Ford’s Theatre to mark Lincoln’s assassination, one of the pivotal moments in American history. The Committee directs the 

Service to support this initiative within available funds and encourages the use of non-Federal funds from participating partners to 

support this effort. 


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U.S. Park Police aviation support.—The Committee understands 

the importance of the Washington, DC area U.S. Park Police aviation unit which supports law enforcement and park operations in 

the national capitol area. It has come to the Committee’s attention 

that there may be a need to replace an aging helicopter and requests that U.S. Park Police provide, not later than 90 days after 

enactment of this Act, a report on progress toward replacing this 

helicopter. Further, the Committee asks the U.S. Park Police to examine historical use of its existing aging helicopter to ensure that 

the suggested replacement model is commensurate with proven 

need. 

U.S. Park Police budget presentation.—The Committee commends 

the Service for initiating changes to its annual budget presentation 

to align the U.S. Park Police budget with the park areas it supports. The Committee urges the Service to initiate this transition 

in the execution of the fiscal year 2015 budget and expects future 

budget justifications to reflect these changes. 

Ozark National Scenic Riverways.—The Committee understands 

that the Service is in the process of updating the Draft General 

Management Plan for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The 

Committee believes it is critical for the Service and the Department 

to take into account the many genuine concerns raised by Federal, 

State, and local officials, including local communities and businesses, prior to finalizing, implementing, or enacting the new Draft 

General Management Plan. The Committee strongly urges the 

Service to develop a framework that maintains public access and 

reiterates its strong objection to any effort to administratively declare wilderness areas absent a congressional wilderness designation. The Committee directs the Service to work collaboratively 

with affected parties to ensure that any Draft Management Plan 

for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways addresses the legitimate 

concerns of affected stakeholders including, but not limited to, local 

communities and businesses. 

National Park Service Diversity.—The Committee recognizes the 

importance of diversity within the professional staff of the National 

Park Service and encourages efforts to diversify the Service’s workforce. Further, the Committee encourages the Service to, within existing funds, emphasize communication and outreach strategy to 

underserved communities to alert them of cultural and historic programs recognizing and celebrating diversity. Lastly, the Committee 

encourages the Service to promote programs that will increase diversity amongst park service visitors. 

NPS-administered Parkways.—The National Park Service is directed to prepare and submit to the Committee a report on traffic 

safety involving NPS-administered parkways. The report shall include recommendations on improving safety through enhanced traffic separation barriers and other means. 

America’s First Frontier.—The Committee urges the Service to 

advance interpretive efforts at existing National Park Service sites 

and in collaboration with other Federal, State, and local agencies 

to detail the start of westward expansion through the Northwest 

Territory as America’s First Frontier. 

Bill Language.—The Committee has, since 2006, included bill 

language authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to acquire or 

lease property to facilitate the transportation of visitors to and 


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from Ellis, Governors, and Liberty Islands, NY and NJ. The language was necessitated by the need to establish a screening process 

for visitors to the Statue of Liberty in the aftermath of the events 

of September 11, 2001. While the location of future, permanent 

screening facilities for the ferry operation to the Statue of Liberty 

and Ellis Island is now uncertain, prior-year bill language is retained as the Service reviews the security risks of alternative sites 

before making final decisions on the future location of permanent 

security screening facilities. 

NATIONAL RECREATION AND PRESERVATION

The National Recreation and Preservation account provides for 

outdoor recreation planning, preservation of cultural and national 

heritage resources, technical assistance to Federal, State and local 

agencies, and administration of Historic Preservation Fund grants. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $60,795,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 51,998,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 60,695,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥100,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +8,697,000 

The Committee recommends $60,695,000 for National Recreation 

and Preservation, $100,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 

and $8,697,000 above the budget request. The amounts recommended by the Committee compared with the budget estimates 

by activity are shown in the table at the end of this report. 

Additional Guidance.—The following additional direction and 

guidance is provided with respect to funding provided within this 

account: 

Heritage Partnership Program (HPP).—The Committee recommends $18,289,000 for the Heritage Partnership Program 

(HPP), equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. These funds support grants to local non-profit groups in support of historical and 

cultural recognition, preservation and tourism activities. 

Congress has in recent years expanded from 27 to 49 the number 

of authorized heritage partnerships, creating additional pressure 

on available grant funding. The National Park Service, as the administrator of the program, has developed a new funding strategy 

that ensures newer areas receive enough federal funding to establish themselves to a level that may eventually become self-sustaining. Under this approach, older, more established, areas will 

continue to receive funds, but at a level that recognizes the decades 

of significant Federal financial support these areas have received. 

Heritage Areas were never intended to receive Federal funding in 

perpetuity, yet the Committee notes they continue to depend on annual appropriations. 

The Committee has in the recent past provided direction for the 

development of self-sufficiency plans, and the Committee fully expects pressure on HPP funding to increase in future years. Accordingly, the Committee directs that participating heritage areas move 

expeditiously to develop plans for long-term self-sustainability. The 

Committee supports the Service’s efforts to allocate funding in a 

manner that moves all 49 areas towards self-sustainability. 


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Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Grants.— 

The Committee supports the budget request for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Grant Program. 

Japanese American Confinement Site Grants.—The Committee 

supports the budget request for the Japanese American Confinement Site Grant Program which leverages proportional funding 

through partnerships with local preservation groups to preserve 

Japanese American World War II confinement sites. 

American Battlefield Protection Program Assistance Grants.—The 

Committee supports the budget request for the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) which assists in the preservation 

and protection of America’s battlefields through site identification, 

documentation, planning, interpretation, and educational efforts. 

Bill language.—The Committee has included within Title IV 

General Provisions bill language extending by one year the American Battlefield Protection Program. 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND

The Historic Preservation Fund supports the State historic preservation offices to perform a variety of functions. These include 

State management and administration of existing grant obligations; review and advice on Federal projects and actions; determinations and nominations to the National Register; Tax Act certifications; and technical preservation services. The States also review properties to develop data for planning use. Funding in this 

account also supports direct grants to qualifying organizations for 

individual preservation projects and for activities in support of heritage tourism and local historic preservation. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $56,410,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 56,410,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 56,410,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $56,410,000 for historic preservation, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and the budget request. 

Additional Guidance.—The following guidance is provided with 

respect to funding provided within this account: 

State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices.—The bill provides 

$47,425,000 for State Historic Preservation Offices, of which 

$500,000 is for grants to underserved communities. The bill also 

provides $8,985,000 for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices. 

CONSTRUCTION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $137,461,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 138,339,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 138,265,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +804,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥74,000 

The Committee recommends $138,265,000 for Construction, 

$804,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $74,000 

below the budget request. 


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Tamiami Trail project.—The Committee was pleased to see the Governor of Florida pledge $90 million to support the completion 

of the Tamiami Trail 2.6 mile bridge segment. The Committee 

notes that the Administration has demonstrated its support in the 

reauthorization of the Highway bill for the Tamiami trail and other 

nationally significant federal transportation projects. The Committee also notes that the National Park Service has pledged in its 

fiscal year 2015 budget, a matching of $30 million per year for 

three years, from its non-appropriated Federal Lands Transportation Program starting in fiscal year 2015 to cover 50 percent of 

the cost of contract payments due. 

The Committee understands that the Service recently released a 

draft boundary adjustment study of the Ocmulgee National Monument area, that the preferred alternative of this draft recommends 

additional protections for the important prehistoric settlements 

that lie adjacent to the existing National Monument, and that the 

Service is currently reviewing public comments on the draft for 

possible incorporation into the final study. The Committee looks 

forward to receiving the recommendations of the Service once the 

study is finalized. 

Bill Language.—The Committee has included bill language providing that a single procurement may be issued which includes the 

full scope of the project for any project initially funded in fiscal 

year 2015 with a future phase indicated in the NPS five-year Line 

Item Construction program. The solicitation and contract in such 

procurement shall be subject to availability of funds. Executing a 

single contract has the potential to increase economies of scale and 

reduce overall costs. 

LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

RESCISSION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. ¥$28,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... ¥30,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... ¥28,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 2,000,000 

The Committee recommends the rescission of the annual contract 

authority provided by 16 U.S.C. 460l–10a. This authority has not 

been used in years and there are no plans to use it in fiscal year 

2015. The Committee does not agree with the Administration’s proposal to permanently cancel the authority. 

LAND ACQUISITION AND STATE ASSISTANCE

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $98,100,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 104,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 67,486,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥30,614,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥36,514,000 

The Committee recommends $67,486,000 for Land Acquisition and State Assistance, $30,614,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $36,514,000 below the budget request. In addition 

to the traditional State Conservation Grants, the Committee continues funding for the competitive grant program at the fiscal year 


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2014 enacted level of $3,000,000. The amounts recommended by 

the Committee compared with the budget estimates by activity are 

shown in the table at the end of this report. 

American Battlefield Protection Program.—Given the significance 

of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, the Committee recognizes the importance of the American Battlefield Protection Program which has provided land acquisition grant funding to protect 

historically significant battlefields outside of current NPS boundaries. Since fiscal year 1999, more than 19,000 acres of the most 

historically significant sites have been preserved from development. 

The Committee is encouraged by efforts of key authorizing committees to modify and extend the authorization of this important program. Accordingly, while these efforts continue, the Committee has 

included bill language extending by one year the authorization for 

American Battlefield Protection Program grants. 

CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 10,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 10,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +10,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee has provided $10,000,000 for the Centennial 

Challenge matching grant program, a key component of the Service’s Centennial Initiative. The Committee understands that funds 

will be matched on at least a 1:1 basis and administered under existing Service partnership authorities. Funds provided will be dedicated to supporting signature projects and programs which provide 

critical enhancements for the parks beyond amounts provided for 

basic operations. The Committee reminds the Service that the 

amount provided for the Centennial Challenge is intended to supplement funding for core operations. The Committee expects the 

Service to fully fund day-to-day operational costs of the parks 

through its core operations accounts. The Committee directs that 

preference be given to projects that have a clear and immediate 

visitor benefit as well as a higher partner match. The Committee 

notes that the Service has a long history of working with philanthropic partners and fully supports the use of public-private partnerships wherever feasible. 

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

The United States Geological Survey (USGS, or ‘‘Survey’’) was 

established by an Act of Congress on March 3, 1879, to support the 

mission of the Department of the Interior and its science requirements. The USGS also works in collaboration with other Federal, 

State, and tribal cooperators to conduct research and provide scientific data and information to describe and understand the Earth; 

minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage 

water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and 

protect our quality of life. The USGS is the Federal government’s 

largest earth-science research agency and the primary source of 

data on the Nation’s surface and ground water resources. Its programs address increasingly complex societal issues such as the development of alternative and unconventional energy resources, 


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management of critical ecosystems, understanding and adaptation 

to climate change, and responses to natural and human-induced 

hazards. For more than a century, the diversity of scientific expertise and collaborative partnerships with universities, research institutions, and major public and private laboratories has enabled 

USGS to carry out large-scale, multi-disciplinary investigations and 

provide impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners, policymakers, and the public. 

SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $1,032,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 1,073,268,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 1,035,718,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +3,718,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥37,550,000 

The Committee recommends $1,035,718,000 for Surveys, Inves- tigations, and Research, $3,718,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $37,550,000 below the budget request. The Committee recommendation provides a small increase to the Survey 

recognizing that its scientific work is vital to managers at Federal, 

State, and local levels to inform public policy decisions regarding 

human health, public safety, and national security. The Committee 

commends the Survey for its proposed programmatic reductions included in the request and supports those reductions throughout the 

bill, unless otherwise stated. Requested increases for fixed costs are 

not funded. 

Ecosystems.—The Committee recommends $153,191,000 for ecosystem programs, $380,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 

and $8,834,000 below the budget request. The Committee recommendation includes the requested increases for the California 

Bay Delta; the Chesapeake Bay; Wildfire Restoration Ecology; the 

Everglades; Asian carp control; and pollinators. 

Climate and Land Use Change.—The Committee recommends 

$133,428,000 for climate and land use change programs, $1,453,000 

above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $15,653,000 below the 

budget request. The Committee recommendation includes the requested increases for drought impacts and adaptive management; 

the Chesapeake Bay; and Landsat science products for climate and 

natural resources assessments. 

The Committee encourages the Department to make an effort to 

diversify the workforce at Climate Science Centers through outreach and recruitment programs at Historic Black Colleges and 

Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and other Minority 

Servicing Institutions. 

Energy, Minerals, and Environmental Health.—The Committee 

recommends $91,552,000 for energy, minerals, and environmental 

health, $37,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$7,521,000 below the budget request. The Committee recommendation includes the requested increases for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 

The Committee supports continuing the in-depth analysis of the 

extent and sources of endocrine-disrupting chemicals impacting fish 

and wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed including the Potomac basin. 


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Natural Hazards.—The Committee recommends $133,186,000 for 

natural hazards, $4,700,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $4,847,000 above the budget request. The Committee recommendation provides full funding for earthquake, volcano, and 

landslide hazards, including the requested increase for induced 

seismicity. The Committee does not agree to the proposed reduction 

for geodetic monitoring and active-source seismic profiling. 

The Committee recognizes that, of all natural hazards, earthquakes pose the greatest threat for catastrophe as over 75 million 

people live in metropolitan areas with significant earthquake risk. 

The Committee urges the Survey to continue its investments and 

improvements to the Advanced National Seismic System, research, 

and outreach efforts with State and university partners. Furthermore, the Committee provides $5,000,000 from within the funds 

provided for Earthquake Hazards to transition the earthquake 

early warning demonstration project into an operational capability 

on the West Coast. 

The Committee is concerned about the lack of knowledge and onshore, real-time instrumentation available for the Cascadia 

subduction zone. Scientific understanding of earthquakes and the 

ocean environment will benefit from collecting offshore data. Therefore, the Committee encourages the Survey to plan for offshore 

monitoring of the Cascadia subduction zone in future budget requests to ensure maximum effectiveness of the earthquake early 

warning system. 

The Committee understands that marine geohazards (earthquake-induced tsunamis, landslide-induced tsunamis and subsea 

volcano eruptions) pose a threat to citizens living on the West 

Coast, as well as the submarine areas in U.S. Island Territories 

that contain rich deposits of rare earth minerals and other strategic minerals important to national defense. To better understand 

marine hazard risk and resource availability, the Committee encourages the Survey to work in partnership with other Federal 

agencies and non-governmental organizations where practicable to 

support research and assessments of marine hazards and critical 

minerals on deepwater ships of exploration with an active STEM 

Education program. 

Water Resources.—The Committee recommends $209,267,000 for 

water resources, $1,986,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $1,119,000 below the budget request. The Committee recommendation includes the requested increases for the National 

Groundwater Monitoring Network; the California Bay Delta; the 

Chesapeake Bay; the National Streamflow Information Program; 

and State water use grants. 

The Committee recommendation also continues funding at the 

fiscal year 2014 enacted level for the Water Resources Research Institutes. The Committee supports the Survey’s efforts to focus this 

funding on meeting its strategic goals and objectives, and urges the 

Survey and interested parties to seek reauthorization of this program. 

The Committee directs that funding for the National Groundwater Monitoring Network shall be used to provide cost-share 

grants to States in the form of cooperative agreements to upgrade 

monitoring networks to national standards and to incorporate wells 

into the network. The funding will also support the additional work 


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by the USGS to manage the network and provide data access 

through an internet web portal. 

Core Science Systems.—The Committee recommends 

$106,151,000 for core science systems, $2,656,000 below the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and $3,249,000 below the budget request. 

The Committee recommendation includes the requested increases 

for the Big Earth Data Initiative; Ecosystem Information; the 3–D 

Elevation Program; the Alaska mapping project; and the National 

Map Modernization effort. 

Science Support.—The Committee recommends $105,611,000 for 

science support activities, $5,093,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $2,656,000 below the budget request. The Committee agrees with the proposed reductions in administrative services. 

Facilities.—The Committee recommends $103,332,000 for facilities, $2,911,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$3,365,000 below the budget request. The Committee recommendation provides $2,000,000 for the USGS Cost Savings and Innovation Plan. The Committee supports this long-term effort to reduce 

the USGS facilities footprint and directs the Survey to include a 

summary of the completed renovations and analysis of savings 

achieved in its fiscal year 2016 budget request, as well as projected 

future savings to the bureau. 

Bill Language.—The bill provides two-year funding authority except for satellite operations and deferred maintenance and capital 

improvement projects, which are no-year authority. Provisos include a funding limitation on surveys on private property and a 

cost-share requirement on topographic mapping and water resources activities in cooperation with States and municipalities. 

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is responsible for the 

environmentally and economically sound development of the Nation’s offshore energy and mineral resources. The Bureau’s management of these resources helps meet the Nation’s energy needs 

by providing access to—and fair return to the American taxpayer 

for—offshore energy and mineral resources through strategic planning and resource and economic evaluation. Conventional energy 

activities include development of the Five-Year Outer Continental 

Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program; assessment of mineral 

resource potential, tracking of inventories of oil and gas reserves, 

and development of production projections; and economic evaluation to ensure the receipt of fair value through lease sales and 

lease terms. 

OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $69,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 72,422,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 72,422,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +3,422,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $72,422,000 for Ocean Energy Management as requested and $3,422,000 above the fiscal year 2014 

enacted level. The estimated collection of offsetting rental receipts 


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and cost recovery fees total $97,348,000. The Committee recommendation does not provide funding for National Ocean Policy 

Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning. 

The Committee continues to support the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 bill language authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to establish higher minimum rates of basic pay through fiscal 

year 2015 for petroleum engineers and petroleum engineering technicians at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. 

The Committee supports the development of the ePlans initiative, which will serve to reduce review processing time for exploration and development plans and facilitate the timely issuance of 

permits. Further, given the highly technical nature of operations on 

the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), the Committee supports 

BOEM’s continued collaboration with the National Academy of 

Sciences. 

The Committee welcomes BOEM’s Programmatic Environmental 

Impact Statement (PEIS) for geological and geophysical (G&G) activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and encourages the timely issuance of permits for G&G activities to better understand the potential resources on the Atlantic OCS and incorporate this information into the development process of the upcoming 2017–2022 Five Year Program. The Committee supports the 

$2,500,000 request to develop the PEIS required to move forward 

with the 2017–2022 Five Year Oil and Gas Leasing Program, and 

encourages the consideration of leasing for all areas with reasonable potential for future resource development, including areas of 

the Mid- and South-Atlantic. 

BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement is responsible for oversight of exploration, development, and production operations for oil, gas, and other marine minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Leases in Federal waters off the shores of California, Alaska, and the Gulf of Mexico provide about 25 percent of 

the Nation’s oil production and more than 10 percent of domestic 

natural gas production. The Bureau facilitates the safe and environmentally responsible development of oil and gas and the conservation of offshore resources. The Bureau’s safety and environmental compliance activities include oil and gas permitting; facility 

inspections, regulations and standards development; safety and oil 

spill research; field operations; environmental compliance and enforcement; review of operator oil spill response plans; production 

and development; and operation of a national training center for inspectors and engineers. 

OFFSHORE SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $63,745,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 66,147,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 66,147,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +2,402,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $66,147,000 for Offshore Safety and 

Environmental Enforcement as requested, and $2,402,000 above 


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the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. The estimated collection of offsetting rental receipts, cost recovery fees and inspection fees totals 

$123,579,000. 

Environmental Enforcement Activity.—The Committee rejects the 

consolidation of the Environmental Enforcement Activity into the 

Operations, Safety and Regulation Activity because the proposal 

would reduce budget transparency. 

The Committee appreciates the Bureau’s efforts to keep pace 

with new ideas and technologies, and therefore supports the request for Best Available and Safest Technologies (BAST). The Committee expects that this investment will leverage funds to address 

issues associated with technology validation, testing protocols and 

economic feasibility analysis, to ease permitting processes complicated by ever-emerging technologies in higher-risk, harsh environments. 

Red Snapper Fishery.—The Committee recognizes the economic, 

cultural, and recreational importance of the red snapper fishery in 

the Gulf of Mexico. The Committee is concerned that the Bureau’s 

Idle Iron policy, which requires removal of oil and gas platforms 

that go unused for a period of five years, is negatively impacting 

the red snapper fishery in the Gulf. Given the importance of this 

target species and recent concerns expressed by local communities, 

the Committee directs the Bureau of Safety and Environmental 

Enforcement to share with each of the Gulf State’s Marine Resources Departments, and the Committee, its current list of idle 

platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and the schedule for removal of 

each platform. Additionally, the Committee directs the Bureau to 

work with each of the Gulf States regarding incorporating this 

abandoned infrastructure into the Rigs to Reefs program of each 

State. 

OIL SPILL RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $14,899,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 14,899,000 

Recommended, 2014 ........................................................................... 14,899,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $14,899,000 for Oil Spill Research, 

equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and the budget request. 

The Committee supports BSEE’s emphasis on improving oil spill 

response options and pro-active evaluations of oil spill response capabilities for conditions unique to Arctic environments in anticipation of production on the Alaska North Slope. 

The Committee is interested in the Department’s findings related 

to anticipated maintenance and/or enhancements that would be 

needed at the Ohmsett facility. Any plans or intended investments 

would be expected within a new strategic plan, which should be developed prior to expiration of the Bureau’s 2012–2015 plan. 

OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 

(OSM), through its regulation and technology account, regulates 

surface coal mining operations to ensure that the environment is 

reclaimed once mining is completed. The OSM accomplishes this 


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mission by providing grants and technical assistance to those 

States that maintain their own regulatory and reclamation programs and by conducting oversight of State programs. Further, the 

OSM administers the regulatory programs in the States that do not 

have their own programs and on Federal and tribal lands. Through 

its Abandoned Mine Land (AML) reclamation program, the OSM 

provides funding for environmental restoration at abandoned coal 

mines based on fees collected from current coal production operations. In their un-reclaimed condition these abandoned sites endanger public health and safety, and prevent the beneficial use of 

land and water resources. Mandatory appropriations provide funding for the abandoned coal mine sites as required under the 2006 

amendments to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. 

REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $122,713,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 116,110,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 121,713,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥1,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +5,603,000 

The Committee recommends $121,713,000 for Regulation and 

Technology, $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$5,603,000 above the budget request. Since fiscal year 2011, the 

Administration has proposed to reduce grants for State programs 

in order to pressure States into raising fees on industry. Each year 

the Committee has summarily rejected this proposal and the Committee does so again in fiscal year 2015. The bill funds regulatory 

grants at $68,590,000, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. 

The Committee similarly rejects the proposal to increase inspections and enhanced Federal oversight of State regulatory programs. 

Delegation of the authority to the States is the cornerstone of the 

surface mining regulatory program, and State regulatory programs 

do not require enhanced Federal oversight to ensure continued implementation of a protective regulatory framework. Accordingly, 

the Committee has not provided the requested funding and FTE increase for those activities within the Regulation and Technology account. 

Further the Committee has reduced funding for the Office of the 

Director within the executive direction line by $1,000,000 and directs OSM and the Administration to discontinue efforts to push 

States to raise fees as the bill provides the funds necessary for 

States to operate their regulatory programs. 

Within 180 days of enactment, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) shall conduct a study on the status of the 1974 United 

Mine Workers of America Pension Plan and the 1993 Multiemployer Health Benefit Plan in relation to the solvency of the private 

sector contributors to the plans. In particular the Committee asks 

CRS to analyze the impact to the pensioners and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation in the event of the insolvency of the 

plans. 


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ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $27,399,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 28,695,000 

Recommended, 2015 27,399,000 

Comparison:.

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥1,296,000 

The Committee recommends $27,399,000 for the Abandoned 

Mine Reclamation Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 

and $1,296,000 below the budget request. 

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, 

and the Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs (together, 

‘‘Indian Affairs’’) provide services directly or through contracts, 

grants, or compacts to a service population of more than 1.7 million 

American Indians and Alaska Natives who are enrolled members 

of 566 federally recognized Tribes in the 48 contiguous United 

States and Alaska. While the role of the organization has changed 

significantly in the last four decades in response to a greater emphasis on Indian self-determination, Tribes still look to Indian Affairs for a broad spectrum of services. Programs are funded and operated in a highly decentralized manner, with almost 85 percent of 

all appropriations expended at the local level, and over 62 percent 

of appropriations provided directly to Tribes and tribal organizations through grants, contracts, and compacts. 

In preparation of the fiscal year 2015 budget, the Subcommittee 

held two days of hearings and received testimony from over 100 

witnesses on a variety of topics pertaining to American Indian and 

Alaska Native programs. The Federal government has a legal and 

moral obligation to provide quality services to American Indians 

and Alaska Natives. On a bipartisan basis, the Committee has 

been attempting to protect and, where possible, strengthen the 

budgets of those agencies and programs serving Indian Country in 

this bill to address longstanding needs. 

OPERATION OF INDIAN PROGRAMS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $2,378,763,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 2,412,596,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 2,434,202,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +55,439,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +21,606,000 

The Committee recommends $2,434,202,000 for the operation of 

Indian programs, $55,439,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $21,606,000 above the budget request. A detailed table of 

funding recommendations below the account level is provided at 

the end of this report. The Committee recommendation includes 

further details below. 

Contract Support Costs.—The Committee recommendation includes $246,000,000 as requested for full funding of estimated contract support costs. The Committee expects Indian Affairs to submit a reprogramming request to the Committee if the final calculated contract support costs exceed this amount in order to enVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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sure that contract support costs are fully paid. The Committee recognizes that inconsistencies exist between the Bureaus and the Indian Health Service in the ways that contract support costs are estimated and managed, and encourages both the agencies and the 

Tribes to recommend ways that the Committee can be helpful in 

promoting consistency. Tribes that exercise their self-determination 

rights and enter into contracts with multiple Federal agencies 

shouldn’t have to navigate inconsistent rules across different agencies. 

Road Maintenance.—The Committee recommends $26,461,000 

for road maintenance, $2,158,000 above the fiscal year 2014 operating plan and $2,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee recognizes that too many roads on Indian reservations are 

in poor condition and are a significant safety concern. Moreover, 

poor road conditions have a direct negative impact on school children. The amount above the budget request is intended to address 

the most urgent safety concerns, including the roads used as school 

bus routes. The Committee urges Tribes to work with the Bureau 

of Indian Affairs to inventory all school bus route roads in the reservation system, and to submit such inventory annually with the 

Bureau’s budget request so that the Committee can begin to more 

comprehensively address this problem. 

Trust-Natural Resources Management.—The Committee recommends $180,352,000 for natural resources management programs that help the Federal government meet its trust responsibilities, $3,943,000 below the fiscal year 2014 operating plan and 

$3,660,000 below the budget request. Cooperative landscape conservation is funded at $5,948,000, which is $3,999,000 below the 

fiscal year 2014 operating plan. In the Committee’s opinion, the 

Bureau took advantage of its unique budget flexibility in fiscal year 

2014 by increasing this program from $947,000 to $9,947,000. Forestry is funded at $47,735,000, equal to the fiscal year 2014 operating plan and $1,840,000 above the budget request, in recognition 

of the importance of tribal forestry management in the larger national effort to minimize major wildland fires through sustainable 

forestry and hazardous fuels reduction. 

Education.—The Committee recommends $822,228,000 for Bureau of Indian Education system operations and maintenance, 

$33,474,000 above the fiscal year 2014 operations plan and 

$27,839,000 above the budget request. Indian Education remains 

among the Committee’s top priorities because it is a fundamental 

trust responsibility and because the elementary and secondary students in particular have fallen far behind their peers for reasons 

now well documented by the Government Accountability Office, the 

Department of Education, and others. Changes to the budget request and further instructions follow. 

The Committee recommends $12,592,000 for the education program enhancements budget line item, $502,000 above the fiscal 

year 2014 operating plan and $473,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee recommends $2,000,000 from within funds for 

matching competitive grants to tribally controlled schools that voluntarily choose to implement reforms recommended by the joint 

Department of the Interior—Department of Education American 

Indian Education Study Group. 


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The Committee recommends $15,520,000 for early child and fam- ily development, $69,000 above the fiscal year 2014 operating plan 

and equal to the budget request. The Committee strongly supports 

early childhood development models that address the achievement 

gap of Indian children primarily located on rural reservations by 

teaching preschool Indian children the skills they need to begin 

school and offering developmental opportunities for parents. The 

BIE is directed to publish its report on the 2013–14 school year internal review of early childhood education programs in order to improve program direction and transparency. The Committee recommends $72,019,000 to fully fund tribal grant support costs, $23,766,000 above the fiscal year 2014 operating plan and the budget request. The Committee recognizes that 

fully funding these costs is consistent with the policy of fully funding contract support costs, and is instrumental for encouraging 

tribal control of schools. 

The Committee recommends $2,000,000 for competitive grants to 

Tribal Education Departments as authorized by section 1042 of the 

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (25 U.S.C. 2020). 

The Committee recommends $14,739,000 for the Johnson 

O’Malley program, $401,000 above the fiscal year 2014 operating 

plan and equal to the budget request. The BIE is directed, in coordination with the Department of Education including using existing Department methods if practicable, and in consultation with 

Tribes, to biennially update its count of students eligible for the 

Johnson-O’Malley Program, and to include a discussion of the application of the results in its annual budget request to Congress, 

beginning with the fiscal year 2016 request. 

Early childhood caries (i.e. cavities) is an epidemic in Indian 

country and among other things it impacts the ability of children 

to concentrate and learn. The Committee received testimony again 

this year about an initiative to increase preventive dental care for 

children by bringing dentists and hygienists into elementary 

schools. The Committee recommendation includes $500,000 in the 

Indian Health Service budget to begin the initiative and directs the 

BIE to work with the Service and to consult with Tribes about piloting the initiative in the BIE school system. 

The Committee is supportive of standards and curricula that emphasize tribal history, language and culture. As alternative proposals are considered, language immersion should be carefully considered as a serious option for improved language development and 

student outcomes. 

The Committee notes with concern the BIE’s implementation of 

Common Core assessments in light of shortfalls in IT technology at 

most schools. The BIE is directed to include in its fiscal year 2016 

budget request an estimate of the IT readiness at each of the 183 

schools in the BIE system. 

The Committee continues language limiting the expansion of 

grades and schools in the BIE system, including charter schools, 

but has revised the language to delegate waiver authority to the 

BIE Director instead of the Assistant Secretary. The intent of the 

language is to prevent already limited funds from being spread further to additional schools and grades. The intent is not to limit 

tribal flexibility at existing schools. Nothing in the bill is intended 

to prohibit a Tribe from converting a tribally-controlled school alVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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ready in the BIE system to a charter school in accordance with 

State and Federal law. 

The Committee includes new bill language providing the BIE Director with the authority to approve satellite schools of existing 

BIE schools if a tribe can demonstrate that the establishment of 

such satellite schools would provide comparable levels of education 

as are being offered at such existing BIE schools, and would not 

significantly increase costs to the Federal Government. The intent 

is to provide tribes with additional flexibilities as to where students 

are educated without compromising how they are educated and to 

significantly reduce the hardship and expense of transporting students over long distances, without unduly increasing costs that 

would otherwise unfairly come at the expense of other schools in 

the BIE system. 

The Committee remains concerned that control of BIE’s budget, 

procurement, hiring, and facilities maintenance and construction 

reside not within BIE but within the Bureau of Indian Affairs and 

the Deputy Assistant Secretary-Management (see Government Accountability Office report GAO–13–774). For the fiscal year 2016 

budget, the Committee will consider a new budget structure so that 

the BIE can manage all funds appropriated for the BIE school system. The Committee believes this change is necessary for leadership stability and accountability within the BIE. The Committee 

encourages the Secretary to submit a fiscal year 2016 budget proposing these changes after consulting with Tribes and tribal organizations. 

Public Safety and Justice.—The Committee recommends 

$352,850,000 for public safety and justice, $2,836,000 above the fiscal year 2014 operating plan and $1,000,000 above the budget request. The amount above the budget request is to provide training 

in Indian country to carry out the new provisions in the Violence 

Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. 

For the purpose of addressing the needs of American Indian 

youth in custody at tribal detention centers operated or administered by the BIA, the Committee considers educational and healthrelated services to juveniles in custody to be allowable costs for detention/corrections program funding. 

Indian Arts and Crafts Board.—The Committee recommends 

$1,279,000 as requested to transfer the Indian Arts and Crafts 

Board from the Office of the Secretary to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

Energy.—The Committee directs the Secretary to streamline and 

better coordinate all Departmental activities relating to Indian energy development, and to extend the coordination with other Federal agencies where feasible. As part of this effort, the Secretary 

should evaluate whether fees collected by the BLM from applications for permits to drill on Indian lands are fairly invested in staff 

dedicated to processing Indian energy permits, or whether funds 

are redirected elsewhere. A mechanism is needed to streamline the 

Federal permitting process and minimize the time required to obtain the necessary approvals across the many Federal agency jurisdictions. The Secretary is encouraged to submit with the fiscal year 

2016 budget request a proposal to transfer funds as necessary to 

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opment on Indian lands. Memoranda of understanding are encouraged if necessary to co-locate Department of Agriculture, Army 

Corps of Engineers, and Environmental Protection Agency personnel where practicable. The Secretary is encouraged to further 

pursue industry-funded employment agreements to increase permitting capacity on Indian lands, as recommended by the Office of 

Inspector General in June, 2014, and to carefully construct these 

agreements to avoid conflict-of-interest issues and minimize risks 

to the Federal Government. 

Federal Recognition.—The Committee understands the Administration’s desire to improve the Federal tribal recognition process, 

including the long delay from the date of filing of the petition to 

the actual decision. The Committee encourages the Secretary to 

carefully consider the input of all stakeholders in the development 

of the final rule. 

CONSTRUCTION

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $110,124,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 109,908,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 167,378,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +57,254,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +57,470,000 

The Committee recommends $167,378,000 for Construction, 

$57,254,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$57,470,000 above the budget request. A detailed table of funding 

recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. The Committee recommendation includes further details below. 

Education.—The Committee recommends $112,958,000 for education construction, $57,673,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $57,425,000 above the budget request. Of the recommended amount, $58,622,000 is for replacement school construction, $3,823,000 is for employee housing repair, and $50,513,000 is 

for facilities improvement and repair, restoring the cut proposed in 

the budget request. 

The amount for replacement school construction completes the 

last three projects on the 2004 priority list. The Committee directs 

the BIE to publish a new list in time for the fiscal year 2016 funding cycle. The BIE is urged to work with Tribes to develop and publish a maintenance and improvement plan for the full life cycle of 

each of the 183 schools in the BIE system and to budget accordingly. 

The Committee notes the conditions of the Bug O Nay Ge Shig 

School of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe as an example of the significant safety and health hazards that have not received due attention by this Administration. The Committee urges the BIE to 

continue to work with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and other 

Tribes to repair and replace their school facilities. 

Public Safety and Justice.—The Committee commends the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation for their 

initiative in addressing law enforcement needs by constructing a 

justice center to house their adult and juvenile detention and rehabilitation center, tribal courts, and police department. The ComVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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mittee also commends the Bureau of Indian Affairs in its efforts to 

assist the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in ensuring that the Center 

continues to operate effectively. Knowing that work must be done 

in consultation with Tribes, the Committee continues to encourage 

the Bureau to consider establishing regional detention centers at 

new or existing facilities, such as the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ 

Justice Center, as it works to combat the crime problem in Indian 

Country. 

The Committee urges the Office of Inspector General to update 

its 2004 report on Indian detention facilities. 

Maintenance Shortfalls.—The Committee is concerned that requested funding falls short of calculated amounts to properly operate and maintain facilities as indicated by the Bureau’s Facilities 

Maintenance Information System (FMIS), and that improperly 

funding maintenance now will lead to higher replacement costs in 

future years. The Committee directs the Bureau to submit with its 

annual budget request a table showing differences between 

amounts requested and amounts calculated by the FMIS, facilities 

condition index, estimates of outyear costs, and a justification of 

any requested funding shortfalls. 

INDIAN LAND AND WATER CLAIM SETTLEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS

PAYMENTS TO INDIANS

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $35,655,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 35,655,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 35,655,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $35,655,000 for Indian Land and 

Water Claim Settlements and Miscellaneous Payments to Indians, 

equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and the budget request. 

The Committee believes that the resolution of pending Indian 

water rights settlements is critically important to resolve outstanding legal claims against the United States and to provide 

Tribes with clean and reliable water supplies that are fundamental 

to economic growth and self-determination. They also benefit surrounding communities by providing water rights certainty. The 

Committee supports the Department’s efforts to fulfill commitments relating to Indian water rights settlements and its participation in negotiations of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement. 

INDIAN GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $6,731,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 6,731,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 7,731,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +1,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +1,000,000 

The Committee recommends $7,731,000 for the Indian Guaranteed Loan Program Account, $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2014 

enacted level and the budget request. Unemployment is a serious 

problem in Indian country. This program enables Indian Tribes 

and native-owned businesses to secure financing for development 

projects and for startup and expansion of business operations. 


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DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

The Office of the Secretary supports a wide-range of Departmental business, policy, and oversight functions. In September 

2010, Secretarial Order 3306 established the Office of Natural Resources Revenue as part of the reorganization of the former Minerals Management Service (MMS). This revenue collection and 

compliance function is now managed within the Office of the Secretary. 

DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $264,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 265,272,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 255,736,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥8,264,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥9,536,000 

The Committee recommends $255,736,000 for Departmental Operations, $8,264,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$9,536,000 below the budget request. The Committee concurs with 

the budget request proposal to transfer the Indian Arts and Crafts 

Board from the Office of the Secretary to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

National Monument Designations.—The Department is directed 

to work collaboratively with interested parties, including but not 

limited to, the Congress, States, local communities, tribal governments and others prior to planning, implementing, or making national monument designations. 

Contracting Models.—The Department provides transaction services between the public and the agency that result in the issuance 

of permits and registrations, and generate fee payments to support 

many diverse programs. In support of operating these programs efficiently, the Committee believes that in some instances using 

transaction-based or no-cost contracting models for delivering or 

procuring goods and services can save resources and avoid costs. 

The Committee encourages DOI and its bureaus and offices to pursue these models when it is appropriate and when it will result in 

efficiencies, savings or cost avoidance. The Committee directs DOI 

to report on the use of transaction-based or no-costing funding 

models for procuring goods and services within 120 days of enactment of this Act. 

Technical Assistance.—The Committee understands and values 

the technical expertise and depth of knowledge that Federal land 

managers and researchers possess, and sees the potential value in 

encouraging senior employees to share their expertise and technical 

assistance to supporting national parks and forests in other countries. The Committee also recognizes the value of encouraging 

these individuals to volunteer their services, consistent with ethics 

laws and requirements. The Committee encourages the Secretary 

of the Interior and the Chief of the Forest Service to connect willing former and current senior employees with opportunities to assist other countries in building the capacity to manage natural resources and public lands. 


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Bill Language.—The Committee has included bill language extending mandatory funding of the Payments in Lieu of Taxes 

(PILT) Program for fiscal year 2015. 

INSULAR AFFAIRS

ASSISTANCE TO TERRITORIES

The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) was established on August 4, 

1995, through Secretarial Order No. 3191, which also abolished the 

former Office of Territorial and International Affairs. The OIA has 

important responsibilities to help the United States government 

fulfill its responsibilities to the four U.S. territories of Guam, 

American Samoa (AS), U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and also the 

three freely associated States: the Federated States of Micronesia 

(FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the Republic of Palau. The permanent and trust fund payments to the territories and the compact nations provide substantial financial resources to these governments. During fiscal year 2004, financial arrangements for the Compacts of Free Association with the FSM 

and the RMI were implemented. These also included mandatory 

payments for certain activities previously provided in discretionary 

appropriations as well as Compact impact payments of $30,000,000 

per year split among Guam, CNMI, AS, and Hawaii. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $85,976,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 88,927,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 85,476,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥500,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥3,451,000 

The Committee recommends $85,476,000 for Assistance to Territories, $500,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$3,451,000 below the budget request. A detailed table of funding 

recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. 

COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $16,465,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 3,318,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 3,318,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥13,147,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $3,318,000 for Compact of Free Association, $13,147,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

equal to the budget request. The Committee expects the Compact 

will be renegotiated and therefore the discretionary stopgap funding will not be necessary in fiscal year 2015. A detailed table of 

funding recommendations below the account level is provided at 

the end of this report. 


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OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $65,800,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 65,800,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 64,024,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥1,776,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥1,776,000 

The Committee recommends $64,024,000 for salaries and expenses of the Office of the Solicitor, $1,776,000 below the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and the budget request. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $50,831,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 50,047,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 49,458,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥1,373,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥589,000 

The Committee recommends $49,458,000 for salaries and expenses of the Office of Inspector General, $1,373,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $589,000 below the budget request. 

The Committee urges the Office of Inspector General to update its 

2004 report on Indian detention facilities. 

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS

FEDERAL TRUST PROGRAMS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Congress has designated the Secretary of the Interior as the 

trustee delegate with responsibility for approximately 55 million 

surface acres of land, 57 million acres of subsurface mineral interests, and nearly $4.4 billion that is held in trust by the Federal 

Government on behalf of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and 

federally recognized Indian Tribes. The Office of the Special Trustee’s trust management of these assets includes conserving, maintaining, accounting, investing, disbursing, and reporting to individual Indians and federally recognized Tribes and tribal organizations on asset transactions generated from sales, leasing and other 

commercial activities on these lands. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $139,677,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 139,029,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 139,029,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥648,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $139,029,000 for Federal trust programs, $648,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal 

to the budget request. A detailed table of funding recommendations 

below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 


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DEPARTMENT-WIDE PROGRAMS 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

The Department’s Wildland Fire Management and FLAME wildfire suppression reserve accounts support fire activities for the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the Fish and 

Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $769,482,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 793,969,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 804,779,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +35,297,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +10,810,000 

The Committee recommends $804,779,000 for Wildland Fire 

Management at the Department of the Interior, $35,297,000 above 

the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $10,810,000 above the budget request. Total funding provided in fiscal year 2015 for Department-wide wildland fire accounts is $896,779,000. The detailed allocation of funding for these accounts is included in the table at the 

end of this report. 

The Committee notes that the budget request included a provision almost identical to legislation that has been developed in the 

House (H.R. 3992) and the Senate (S. 1875). The budget request 

proposes to allow wildland fire suppression costs above 70 percent 

of the 10-year average for fire suppression to be paid from within 

the discretionary budget cap adjustment established for natural 

disasters, recognizing that wildland fires are a natural disaster 

akin to hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. As the issue of the disaster cap adjustment falls outside of the Committee’s jurisdiction, 

the Committee’s recommendation does not include the request for 

suppression funding through the disaster cap adjustment. As in recent years, suppression operations are fully funded at the 10-year 

average level within the suppression operations account and the 

FLAME wildfire suppression reserve fund. 

The Committee is concerned that there may have been recent instances in which requests for information related to wildfires from 

Congressional, State and local government offices were not met 

with a full disclosure of information. The Committee expects the 

Department of the Interior to respond in a timely manner to such 

requests, so as not to impede the oversight responsibilities of Congressional committees, and State and local government offices. 

The Committee encourages the Department to consider the potential use of existing commercial satellite technology to provide 

early warning, mitigation and response capabilities for wildland 

fires and to determine whether such technology may provide a lowcost early warning capability to save lives and property. 

Wildfire Preparedness.—The Committee recommends 

$318,970,000 for Wildfire Preparedness, $37,042,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request. The 

Department should immediately notify the Committees on Appropriations if it appears that funding shortfalls may limit needed firefighting capacity. 

Wildfire Suppression Operations.—The Committee recommends 

$291,657,000, for Wildfire Suppression Operations, $5,779,000 

above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $23,097,000 above the 


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budget request. The Committee recommendation, including 

$92,000,000 in the FLAME wildfire suppression reserve fund, fully 

funds the 10-year fire suppression average expenditures. 

Fuels Management.—The Committee recommends $160,000,000 

for the Fuels Management program (formerly ‘‘Hazardous Fuels’’), 

$14,976,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$13,713,000 above the budget request. The Committee is encouraged that the budget request included a small increase over the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and recommends prioritizing funding 

for proactive hazardous fuels management and fire mitigation. 

The Department is directed to implement effective treatments in 

frequent fire forests that restore forest resiliency and reduce hazardous fuels. Treatments should be placed to effectively modify fire 

behavior and protect assets at risk including life and property. 

The Committee directs the Department of the Interior to work 

collaboratively with the Forest Service and other stakeholders in 

developing hazardous fuels management plans that take into consideration the conservation of sage-grouse habitat. 

The Committee encourages the administration to seek additional 

funding in fiscal year 2016 and subsequent fiscal years to continue 

this concerted effort. 

Burned Area Rehabilitation.—The Committee recommends 

$22,035,000 for the Burned Area Rehabilitation program, 

$6,000,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $4,000,000 

above the budget request. The Committee directs the Department 

to use the additional $6,000,000 for emergency stabilization, rehabilitation and seed to restore areas burned by wildfire with an emphasis on restoring sage-grouse habitat and encourages the Department to seek additional funding in fiscal year 2016 and subsequent 

fiscal years to ensure the rehabilitation of the sage-grouse habitat. 

The Committee notes that funding for emergency stabilization is 

meant to supplement emergency stabilization funding provided 

under suppression (generally ten percent), not replace it. The Committee is also concerned by the delay of emergency stabilization 

and rehabilitation funds to State and/or regional offices and directs 

the Department to more quickly allocate these funds so that critical 

work can be completed in a timely manner. Finally, the Department is directed to work with the Bureau of Land Management on 

the seed procurement direction provided in this report. 

The Committee is concerned with the pace of planning and implementation of post-fire rehabilitation by the Department of the 

Interior. The slow pace of rehabilitation leaves communities unable 

to access timber resources and delays the regeneration of Federal 

forests. The Committee directs the Department of the Interior to 

prioritize and expedite planning and implementation of post-fire rehabilitation projects. 

FLAME WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION RESERVE FUND

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $92,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 92,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +92,000,000 


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The Committee recommends $92,000,000 for the FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $92,000,000 above the budget request. As discussed 

above under the Wildland Fire Management account, the Committee fully funds the 10-year average expenditure for wildfire suppression. 

CENTRAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $9,598,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 10,010,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 9,598,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥412,000 

The Committee recommends $9,598,000 for the Central Hazardous Materials Fund, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 

and $412,000 below the budget request. 

NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION

NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $6,263,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 7,767,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 6,094,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥169,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥1,673,000 

The Committee recommends $6,094,000 for the Natural Resource 

Damage Assessment Fund, $169,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $1,673,000 below the budget request. A detailed 

table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of this report. 

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $57,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 64,307,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 53,786,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥3,214,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥10,521,000 

The Committee recommends $53,786,000 for the Working Capital 

Fund, $3,214,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$10,521,000 below the budget request. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (INCLUDING

TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) 

Section 101 continues a provision providing for emergency transfer authority (intra-bureau) with the approval of the Secretary. 

Section 102 continues a provision providing for emergency transfer authority (Department-wide) with the approval of the Secretary. 

Section 103 continues a provision providing for the use of appropriations for certain services. 

Section 104 continues a provision permitting the transfer of 

funds between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian 

Education, and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. 


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Section 105 continues a provision authorizing the acquisition of 

lands for the purpose of operating and maintaining facilities that 

support visitors to Ellis, Governors, and Liberty Islands, NJ and 

NY. 

Section 106 continues a provision allowing Outer Continental 

Shelf inspection fees to be collected by the Secretary of the Interior. 

Section 107 continues a provision authorizing the Bureau of 

Land Management to implement an oil and gas leasing Internet 

program. 

Section 108 continues a provision allowing for the reorganization 

of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement only in conformance with Committee reprogramming 

guidelines. 

Section 109 continues a provision allowing the Bureau of Land 

Management to enter into long-term cooperative agreements for 

long-term care and maintenance of excess wild horses and burros 

on private land. 

Section 110 continues a provision dealing with the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service’s responsibilities for mass marking of salmonid 

stocks. 

Section 111 modifies a provision addressing BLM actions regarding grazing on public lands. 

Section 112 continues a provision prohibiting funds to implement, administer or enforce Secretarial Order 3310 issued by the 

Secretary of the Interior on December 22, 2010. 

Section 113 continues a provision providing the Secretary of the 

Interior statutory authority to enter into rental or lease agreements that benefit Bureau of Indian Education operated schools. 

Section 114 continues through fiscal year 2020 forest ecosystem 

health and recovery activities. 

Section 115 maintains the status quo on regulations relating to 

the legal domestic trade and transport of products containing ivory. 

Section 116 suspends any further study, withdrawal or finalization of any rule pertaining to the valley elderberry longhorn beetle 

and re-opens the public comment period. 

Section 117 delays the issuance of further rules for sage-grouse. 

Section 118 requires the Fish and Wildlife Service to issue a recovery plan and economic analysis of recovery plan actions for certain amphibians. 

TITLE II—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created by Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, which consolidated nine programs 

from five different agencies and departments. Major EPA programs 

include air and water quality, drinking water, hazardous waste, research, pesticides, radiation, toxic substances, enforcement and 

compliance assurance, pollution prevention, Inland oil spill, Superfund, Brownfields, and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank 

program. In addition, EPA provides Federal assistance for wastewater treatment, sewer overflow control, drinking water facilities, 

other water infrastructure projects, and diesel emission reduction 

projects. The Agency is responsible for conducting research and development, establishing environmental standards through the use 

of risk assessment and cost-benefit, monitoring pollution conditions, seeking compliance through enforcement actions, managing 


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audits and investigations, and providing technical assistance and 

grant support to States and Tribes, which are delegated authority 

for much of the program implementation. Under existing statutory 

authority, the Agency contributes to specific homeland security efforts and may participate in international environmental activities. 

Among the statutes for which the Environmental Protection 

Agency has sole or significant oversight responsibilities are: 

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. 

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended. 

Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended. 

Clean Water Act [Federal Water Pollution Control Act], as 

amended. 

Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended. 

Ocean Dumping Act [Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972], as amended. 

Oil Pollution Act of 1990. 

Safe Drinking Water Act [Public Health Service Act (Title XIV)], 

as amended. 

Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. 

Clean Air Act, as amended. 

Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002. 

Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended. 

Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization 

Act of 2002 (amending CERCLA). 

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. 

Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. 

Pollution Prosecution Act of 1990. 

Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2003. 

Energy Policy Act of 2005. 

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. 

For fiscal year 2015, the Committee recommends $7,482,747,000 

for the Environmental Protection Agency, $717,253,000 below the 

fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $407,273,000 below the budget 

request. Comparison to the budget request and 2014 enacted levels 

are shown by account in the table at the end of the report. 

Reprogramming.—The Agency is held to the reprogramming limitation of $1,000,000. This limitation will be applied to each program area in every account at the levels provided in the table at 

the end of this report. This will allow the Agency the flexibility to 

reprogram funds within a set program area. However, where the 

Committee has cited funding levels for certain program projects or 

activities within a program area, the reprogramming limitation 

continues to apply to those funding levels. Further, the Agency 

may not use any amount of de-obligated funds to initiate a new 

program, office, or initiative without the prior approval of the Committee. The other guidelines laid out in the ‘‘Reprogramming 

Guidelines’’ section of this report continue to be in effect. 

Congressional Budget Justification.—The Committee finds that 

EPA’s fiscal year 2015 Congressional justification proposes no less 

than 93 realignments of personnel or resources, but does not include a table showing the realignment of resources and personnel 

from one program project to another. This violates the Committee’s 


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annual directive for the budget justification to include a table 

showing that the outgoing and receiving program projects offset to 

reflect a realignment of resources (restated in fifth directive below). 

The Committee directs the Agency to include in future justifications the following items: (1) a comprehensive index of programs 

and activities within the program projects; (2) the requested bill 

language, with changes from the enacted language highlighted, at 

the beginning of each account section; (3) a justification for every 

program/project, including those proposed for elimination; (4) a 

comprehensive, detailed explanation of all changes within a program project; (5) a table showing consolidations, realignments or 

other transfers of resources and personnel from one program 

project to another such that the outgoing and receiving program 

projects offset and clearly illustrate a transfer of resources; and, (6) 

a table listing the budgets and FTE by major office within each National Program Management area with pay/non-pay breakouts. 

Further, if EPA is proposing to change state allocation formulas for 

the distribution of appropriated funds, then EPA should include 

such proposals in the Congressional justification. 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Science and Technology (S&T) account funds all Environmental Protection Agency research (including Superfund research 

activities paid with funds moved into this account from the Hazardous Substance Superfund account). This account includes programs carried out through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, cooperative research and development agreements, and 

interagency agreements, with other Federal agencies, States, universities, nonprofit organizations, and private business, as well as 

in-house research. It also funds personnel compensation and benefits, travel, supplies and operating expenses, including rent, utilities and security, for all Agency research. Research addresses a 

wide range of environmental and health concerns across all environmental media and encompasses both long-term basic and nearterm applied research to provide the scientific knowledge and technologies necessary for preventing, regulating, and abating pollution, and to anticipate emerging environmental issues. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $759,156,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 763,772,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 716,588,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥42,568,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥47,184,000 

The bill provides $716,588,000 for Science and Technology, 

$42,568,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$47,184,000 below the budget request. The Committee recommends 

that $18,850,000 be paid to this account from the Hazardous Substance Superfund account for ongoing research activities. The Committee provides the following additional detail by program area: 

Clean Air and Climate.—The Committee recommends 

$112,738,000 and remains supportive of efforts to accelerate engine 

certifications within base funds. 

Homeland Security.—The Committee recommends $38,257,000. 

The Committee supports the continued work on the Water Security 


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Initiative and rejects the proposed realignment of funds from other 

water security activities. 

Research: Air, Climate and Energy.—The Committee recommends $90,282,000 and does not include funding for proposed 

additional hydraulic fracturing activities with the Department of 

Energy and the Department of the Interior. 

Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability.—The Committee 

recommends $130,832,000. The Committee rejects the proposed 

$1,533,000 reduction for the IRIS program. EPA is directed to use 

the funds provided to accelerate the implementation of the Chapter 

7 recommendations and contract with the National Academy of 

Sciences to review the draft formaldehyde assessment, when released, to ensure that the recommendations contained in the 2011 

NAS report have been fully addressed. Further, the Committee rejects the proposed $1,198,000 reduction for the endocrine disruptor 

research. The Committee does not support proposed delays in this 

critical and innovative research and directs EPA to continue to 

evaluate real-world exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals, 

nanomaterials and other chemicals of concern. The use of high 

throughput programs like ToxCast and Tox21 will enable the Agency to characterize the risk and effects resulting from exposures to 

chemicals of concern. 

Research: National Priorities.—The bill provides $4,234,000 

which shall be used for extramural research grants, independent of 

the STAR grant program, to fund high-priority water quality and 

availability research by not-for-profit organizations who often partner with the Agency. Funds shall be awarded competitively with 

priority given to partners proposing research of national scope and 

who provide a 25 percent match. The Agency is directed to allocate 

funds to grantees within 180 days of enactment of this Act. 

Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources.—The Committee recommends $102,576,000. To date Congress has provided 

$25 million to fund EPA’s research to determine whether there is 

a relationship between hydraulic fracturing activities and drinking 

water. The Committee finds this amount to be sufficient to accomplish the requested study and provides no further funding in fiscal 

year 2015. EPA is directed to remain within the scope of the original 2010 request and to submit the study’s findings following appropriate public comment and peer review as directed in House Report 112–151. Further, within the funds provided, the Committee 

supports research to reduce the costs and impacts of combined 

sewer overflows. 

Additional Guidance.—The Committee has included the following 

additional guidance with respect to funding provided under this account. 

Bristol Bay Assessment.—The recommendation includes no funds 

for activities related to the Bristol Bay watershed assessment, as 

requested. 

Endocrine Disruptor Research.—The Committee has longstanding 

interest in EPA’s effort to determine possible health and environmental effects of chemicals. As part of EPA’s overall efforts to modernize risk assessment protocols, the Committee encourages EPA to 

incorporate the various recommendations of the National Academy 

of Sciences reports as well as all other relevant scientific literature 

and recommendations. Further, the Committee commends EPA for 


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developing new scientific methods, removing barriers, and fostering 

cooperation in implementing the toxicity testing agenda that the 

2007 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report on Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century puts forth. The Agency is directed to submit to the Committee a report that outlines (1) progress to date to 

research, develop, validate and translate innovative chemical testing methods that characterize toxicity pathways, (2) efforts to coordinate across federal agencies, and (3) future plans to continue 

to implement the toxicity testing vision and strategy in the NAS 

report. 

Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS).—In May 2014, the 

National Academy of Sciences (NAS) provided a list of high priority 

recommendations that can be carried out within EPA’s current revisions of the program. Specifically, an emphasis on transparency; 

reliance on high quality studies; improved methodologies for systematic review of the literature, for evaluating evidence, and for integrating evidence across different types of scientific information; 

improvements in peer review; and improved program management 

in order to keep pace with scientific advances that need to be implemented. Therefore, the Committee directs the Agency to provide 

to the Committee by March 1, 2015 a report detailing how EPA 

will apply all of the NAS high priority reforms to pipeline projects 

with particular emphasis on evidence integration. 

Mobile Unit Technologies.—The Committee is concerned that not 

enough research is being done to explore mobile, innovative clean 

water producing units for post-disaster relief applications and operations. The Committee urges the Agency to explore mobile unit 

technology using funds provided. 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT

The Environmental Programs and Management account encompasses a broad range of abatement, prevention, enforcement, and 

compliance activities, and personnel compensation, benefits, travel, 

and expenses for all programs of the Agency except Science and 

Technology, Hazardous Substance Superfund, Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund, Inland Oil Spill Programs, and 

the Office of Inspector General. 

Abatement, prevention, and compliance activities include setting 

environmental standards, issuing permits, monitoring emissions 

and ambient conditions and providing technical and legal assistance toward enforcement, compliance, and oversight. In most cases, 

the States are directly responsible for actual operation of the various environmental programs, and the Agency’s activities include 

oversight and assistance. 

In addition to program costs, this account funds administrative 

costs associated with the operating programs of the Agency, including support for executive direction, policy oversight, resources management, general office and building services for program operations, and direct implementation of Agency environmental programs for headquarters, the ten EPA regional offices, and all nonresearch field operations. 


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Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $2,624,149,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 2,737,156,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 2,508,603,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥115,546,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥228,553,000 

The bill provides $2,508,603,000 for Environmental Programs 

and Management, $115,546,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $228,553,000 below the budget request. The Committee 

provides the following additional detail by program area: 

Brownfields.—The Committee recommends $23,680,000 and does 

not include funding for the Smart Growth program, a voluntary 

interagency partnership established in 2009 without a Congressional mandate. 

Clean Air and Climate.—The Committee recommends 

$266,741,000. Within this amount, the recommendation includes 

$20,036,000 for Federal Stationary Source Regulations, which is 

$6,508,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$12,878,000 below the budget request. The amount provided does 

not include funding for EPA’s greenhouse gas rules for stationary 

sources. The recommendation also includes $117,457,000 for Federal Support for Air Quality Management. Within the funds provided, the Committee recommends the $3,000,000 increase to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of both preconstruction and 

operating permitting programs. 

Enforcement.—The Committee recommends $226,656,000. The 

Committee remains skeptical of EPA’s request for increase salary 

and benefit needs despite reductions in the FTE levels. None of the 

funds made available herein may be used to enforce section 2.2.3.5 

of the Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels, as in effect on December 19, 2013, with 

respect to the owner or operator of a vessel that has been granted 

an extension to the implementation schedule for ballast water management discharge standards pursuant to part 151 of title 33, Code 

of Federal Regulations. 

Environmental Protection: National Priorities.—The bill provides 

$12,700,000 for a competitive grant program to provide technical 

assistance for improved water quality or safe drinking water to 

rural and urban communities or individual private well owners. 

The Agency is directed to provide $11,000,000 for grants to qualified not-for-profit organizations, on a national or multi-state regional basis, for on-site training and technical assistance for water 

systems in rural or urban communities. The Agency is also directed 

to provide $1,700,000 for grants to qualified not-for-profit organizations for technical assistance for individual private well owners, 

with priority given to organizations that provide technical and educational assistance to individual private well owners. The Agency 

shall require each grantee to provide a minimum 10 percent match, 

including in-kind contributions. The Agency is directed to allocate 

funds to grantees within 180 days of enactment of this Act. 

Geographic Programs.—The bill provides $406,256,000. The Committee has provided funding for programs that support restoration 

and protection of our nation’s most important water bodies, as protection of these resources continues to be a priority. From within 

the amount provided, the Committee directs the following: 


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Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.—The Committee recommends 

$300,000,000 for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) 

equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $25,000,000 above 

the budget request. With this funding the Committee has provided 

nearly $2 billion to restore the Great Lakes since 2010 and the 

GLRI continues to be the largest single recipient of funds within 

Geographic Programs. The Agency shall continue to follow the direction as provided in House Report 112–589. 

Chesapeake Bay.—The Committee recommends $70,000,000. 

From within the amount provided, $6,000,000 is for nutrient and 

sediment removal grants and $6,000,000 is for small watershed 

grants to control polluted runoff from urban, suburban and agricultural lands. Further, none of the funds made available herein shall 

be used to implement or assist in the implementation of a State 

regulation that was developed using a phosphorus management 

tool. 

Puget Sound.—The Committee recommends $20,000,000. Funds 

shall be allocated in the same manner as directed in House Report 

112–331. The Committee directs EPA to expeditiously obligate 

funds, in a manner consistent with the authority and responsibilities under Section 320 and the National Estuary Program. 

Long Island Sound.—The Committee recommends $3,940,000 for 

the Long Island Sound equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 

and $1,047,000 above the budget request. 

Other Geographic Activities.—The recommendation does not include funding for the Northwest Forest program or for the new 

Southern New England Estuaries program. All remaining geographic program areas not previously mentioned are funded as requested. 

Information Exchange/Outreach.—The Committee recommends 

$119,010,000. From within this amount, $1,700,000 has been provided for the Administrator’s Immediate Office. The bill provides 

$3,600,000 for the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental 

Relations (OCIR). In Division G of the Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2014, the Committee directed OCIR to provide a quarterly status report to inform the workload; however, OCIR has yet to submit the requested information. The Committee is acutely aware 

that a backlog of responses to Congressional letters, questions for 

the record, and informal questions exists, as Member offices have 

requested the Committee’s assistance to obtain answers. Further, 

for three consecutive years, EPA has failed to submit responses to 

the Committee’s questions for the record in time for inclusion into 

the public record. The EPA is the only agency under the jurisdiction of this bill that has failed to meet these necessary deadlines. 

The pattern suggests an ongoing and systematic approach to 

hinder Congressional oversight via a lack of responsiveness to Congressional inquiries. Therefore the Committee has reduced by fifty 

percent funding for both the Administrator’s Immediate Office and 

for the Office of Congressional Affairs. The Committee will not consider any additional funding for these offices until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency submits to the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives (1) responses to all questions for the record from the Committee for fiscal year 2015, (2) overdue quarterly reports on the status of balances required under section 418 of division G of the Consolidated 


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Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113–76), and (3) all overdue 

reports not submitted by the deadlines included in the explanatory 

statement relating to division G of the Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2014 (Public Law 113–76). 

Legal/Science/Regulatory/Economic Review.—The Committee 

recommends $89,234,000 and does not include funding for the 

Smart Growth Program. The Committee recommends $20,700,000 

for the Office of Policy to fund salaries and expenses of existing 

FTE. 

Operations and Administration.—The Committee recommends 

$473,482,000 which is $7,000,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $32,811,000 below the budget request. Of this 

amount, $1,475,000 has been provided for the Immediate Office of 

the Chief Financial Officer. As noted elsewhere within the report, 

EPA has failed to submit timely responses to the Committee’s 

questions for the record for three consecutive years. The Committee 

will not consider any additional funding for the Office of the Chief 

Financial Officer until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency submits to the Committee on Appropriations of the 

House of Representatives (1) responses to all questions for the 

record from the Committee for fiscal year 2015, (2) overdue quarterly reports on the status of balances required under section 418 

of division G of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public 

Law 113–76), and (3) all overdue reports not submitted by the 

deadlines included in the explanatory statement relating to division G of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 

113–76). 

In addition, the Committee is concerned about a number of management issues that have surfaced over the past year. The lack of 

administrative controls for employee payroll, travel, bonuses, and 

time and attendance has fostered several instances of waste, fraud 

and abuse of appropriated funds. Further, significant carryover balances at the end of fiscal year 2013 led the Committee to question 

the Agency’s management of funds under sequestration. The Committee believes that sequestration impacts on agency personnel 

could have been significantly reduced. Additionally, the Committee 

is troubled by the amount of expired balances that continue to accumulate. The Committee has yet to receive information requested 

regarding expired balances, and directs the Agency to submit a report within 30 days of the date of enactment of this Act that shows 

by account and by fiscal year the total amount of expired balances. 

Lastly, the Committee is troubled by the Agency’s practice of transferring carryover amounts to fund current year payroll, fixed cost 

or contract needs. This practice invalidates Agency estimates of fiscal year needs and further calls into question the Agency’s management of funds. 

Water: Ecosystems.—The Committee recommends $44,980,000. 

From within the amount provided, the recommendation includes 

$16,800,000 to provide $600,000 to each National Estuary Program 

(NEP) funded under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act. The Committee also provides $300,000 in competitive grants within the 

coastal activities and encourages EPA to work in consultation with 

the NEP directors to identify worthy projects and activities. In addition, the Committee recommends $19,882,000 for the Wetlands 

program. The Committee directs EPA to use the funds provided to 


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accelerate the processing of mining permits with the Corps of Engineers. Further, the Committee directs EPA, in consultation with 

the Corps of Engineers, to continue to report monthly on the number of Section 404 permits under review according to the directive 

in Division G of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014. The 

Committee has been displeased with the lack of timely information 

contained within the two monthly reports submitted to date and directs EPA to improve both the quality and timeliness of these reports. Further, the recommendation includes no funds for activities 

related to the Bristol Bay watershed assessment, as requested. 

Water Quality Protection.—The Committee recommends 

$192,550,000. Within this amount the Committee recommends 

$4,400,000 for the Urban Waters program, as requested. The Committee supports EPA’s efforts to expanding technical assistance for 

communities seeking to develop and implement an integrated planning approach to meeting Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements. 

To further assist the effort the recommendation provides 

$2,000,000 for grants to establish a pilot program for the development and implementation of the Integrated Municipal Stormwater 

and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework. EPA shall use 

these funds to provide financial and technical assistance in the development of integrated plans that address the environmental obligations of the applicant. The Administrator should select two to 

three publicly-owned treatment works, municipal separate storm 

sewer systems, or units of local government in each Region, ensuring geographic and size distribution in selection. If an inadequate 

number of viable projects exist in one Region, EPA may select additional projects in another Region. The Committee directs EPA to 

(1) notify Congress once pilot communities are selected, (2) submit 

a progress report to Congress within 12 months of the date of enactment of this Act on implementation, outlining specific outcomes 

expected to be achieved that will reduce Clean Water Act-related 

and other environmental-related compliance costs for these entities, 

and (3) submit a final report to Congress once all integrated plans 

developed under this approach are approved. The final report 

should include an assessment of potential regulatory and statutory 

reforms that can support greater flexibility with compliance obligations, including integrating and/or extending permit terms under 

the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Program. The 

funds awarded to communities shall be on a 50 percent cost-share 

basis. 

Additional Guidance.—The Committee has included the following 

additional guidance with respect to funding provided under this account. 

Administrator Priorities.—The Committee notes that EPA’s Congressional Justification does not identify funds set aside for Administrator priorities as directed in Division G of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014. Therefore, no funds have been provided, as 

requested. EPA is directed to submit a report within 90 days of enactment of this Act that identifies how any fiscal year 2013 and 

2014 funding was used, by account, program area, and program 

project. Each activity funded should include a justification for the 

effort and any anticipated results. 

Antimicrobial Solutions for Citrus Disease.—The Committee recognizes the importance of antimicrobial crop protection tools in 


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combating citrus greening and encourages EPA, especially the Office of Pesticide Programs, to cooperate with the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture’s Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group for 

Huanglongbing (HLB) to expedite and support the development, review, and registration of antimicrobial compounds that may lead to 

a treatment and cure for infected trees. 

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.—The Committee continues to encourage EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention 

to work collaboratively with the U.S. Department of Agriculture 

and State partners to expeditiously approve a control program for 

the brown marmorated stink bug as soon as the appropriate agents 

are evaluated for release. 

Composite Wood Products.—The Formaldehyde Standards for 

Composite-Wood Products Act directed EPA to develop a national 

standard for formaldehyde emissions that replicates the California 

regulations. The Committee urges EPA to finalize a rule on the national formaldehyde standard for composite wood products that is 

consistent with the California regulations for laminated products 

and consistent with the intent of the 2010 Act. 

Conflicts of Interest.—The Committee continues to be concerned 

that clear and consistent conflict-of-interest rules may not be applied uniformly to the members of EPA’s Science Advisory Boards. 

Further EPA’s process for selecting independent scientific advisors 

may unnecessarily exclude state, local, private sector and tribal experts in a manner that does not allow for a balanced panel of experts. The Committee finds an update to EPA’s conflict of interest 

policy, policy for committee composition and balance, and eligibility 

requirements for service on the Science Advisory Boards is warranted. EPA’s policies should include not less than 10 percent of 

membership from States and Tribes who are often underrepresented as noted in the May 2014 National Academy of Sciences 

review of EPA’s IRIS program. EPA policies should include an evaluation of potential bias based on receipt of former and current federal grants or public statements or positions as well as other appropriate safeguards to ensure balance amongst SAB and other advisory board experts. Additionally, EPA shall provide the Committees 

on Appropriations and the appropriate authorizing committees 

with updated policies and procedures regarding the establishment, 

selection of members and avoidance of conflicts-of-interest of the 

Science Advisory Boards no later than one year following the date 

of enactment of this Act. 

Consent Decree.—The Committee acknowledges recent efforts 

made to reduce discharges into Lake Michigan by the S.S. Badger 

as part of a consent decree with the Federal government. The consent decree required the cessation of discharges by 2015. To ensure 

that all parties remain vigilant in the management of the consent 

decree, the Committee directs EPA to submit a report that details 

actions taken since the initiation of the consent decree and a 

timeline detailing future actions to ensure the S.S. Badger meets 

the discharge mandate of the agreement. The report is due to the 

Committee on Appropriations no later than 45 days after the date 

of enactment of this Act. 

Design for the Environment (DfE).—EPA shall ensure that the 

baseline for all current DfE alternatives assessments, and any future DfE alternatives assessments, includes a dose response, expoVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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sure and lifecycle impact assessment in order to arrive at a characterization and calculation of risk and environmental impact across 

product lifecycle. The Committee requires that alternative or replacement chemicals also adhere to the same methodology, and 

EPA shall also integrate these elements into all other DfE program 

operations, including the labeling/certification program. e-Enterprise Initiative.—The Committee understands that EPA and the 

States have established a joint governance structure in order to 

modernize and streamline operations over a multi-year period. The 

Committee principally supports proposals that mitigate operational 

costs for EPA, increase efficiencies for States and reduce burden for 

the regulated community. Given the scope of the proposed Initiative, multi-year cost estimates are necessary to inform decisions 

that will require appropriations over multiple fiscal years. Further, 

while the benefits of some proposals are well documented, estimates of burden reduction or other efficiencies for several proposed 

projects are largely unknown. Therefore, to support the fiscal year 

2015 request, the Agency is directed to submit a multi-year plan 

to the Committee that includes outyear cost estimates for the proposals in the Initiative along with known, quantifiable estimates of 

efficiencies or savings. The Committee will continue to evaluate information as it is supplied. 

E15 outreach.—The Committee is aware of the potential for consumers to misfuel with E15 and higher ethanol grades of gasoline 

in engines not designed, approved, or warranted to use blends 

above 10 percent ethanol content (E10). Misfueling can damage engines, void product warranties, and result in undue economic loss 

to consumers. The Committee, therefore, encourages EPA to utilize 

general funds to establish and implement public educational outreach for proper and EPA-approved usage of 15 percent by volume 

ethanol blended gasoline in accordance with the Misfueling Mitigation Program. 

Pending herbicide registrations.—The Committee is aware that 

EPA will soon reevaluate existing registrations for herbicides that 

may not actively degrade until long after their intended use. As 

EPA reviews the registrations for these products, the Committee 

encourages EPA to explore options for limiting indirect impacts on 

other industries, including strengthened labeling, disclosure, and 

support for additional education of primary users of these products. 

Social Cost of Carbon.—The Committee understands that the 

Government Accountability Office (GAO) is currently reviewing the 

process the Administration used to develop estimates to calculate 

the social cost of carbon. The Committee believes that the Administration should not allow any regulations to be finalized using the 

Technical Support Document: Technical Update of the Social Cost 

of Carbon for Regulatory Impact Analysis Under Executive Order 

12866, Interagency Working Group on Social Cost of Carbon, 

United States Government, May 2013 until public comments on the 

document have been evaluated, the GAO report has been submitted 

and reviewed, and any necessary changes to the technical support 

document are incorporated. 


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HAZARDOUS WASTE ELECTRONIC MANIFEST SYSTEM FUND

This account supports all activities necessary for the development of the system established by the Hazardous Waste Electronic 

Manifest Establishment Act (P.L. 112–195). 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $3,674,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 10,423,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 5,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +1,326,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥5,423,000 

The Committee recommends $5,000,000 for the development of 

an electronic manifest system pursuant to P.L. 112–195. The Committee directs EPA to move forward expeditiously with system development. Further the Committee directs EPA to work with the 

appropriate Committees to extend the authorization for appropriations beyond fiscal year 2015, and to provide a robust justification 

for any costs that exceed the amounts appropriated through fiscal 

year 2015. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides audit, evaluation, 

and investigation products and advisory services to improve the 

performance and integrity of EPA programs and operations. The 

Inspector General (IG) will continue to perform the function of IG 

for the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. This account funds personnel compensation and benefits, travel, and expenses (excluding rent, utilities, and security costs) for the Office 

of Inspector General. In addition to the funds provided under this 

heading, this account receives funds from the Hazardous Substance 

Superfund account. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $41,849,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 46,130,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 40,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥1,849,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥6,130,000 

The bill provides $40,000,000, which is $1,849,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $6,130,000 below the budget request. In addition, the Committee recommends $9,939,000 as a 

payment to this account from the Hazardous Substance Superfund 

account. The Inspector General is directed to prioritize funds to 

projects that prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse at the Environmental Protection Agency. 

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

The Buildings and Facilities account provides for the design and 

construction of EPA-owned facilities as well as for the repair, extension, alteration, and improvement of facilities used by the Agency. The funds are used to correct unsafe conditions, protect health 

and safety of employees and Agency visitors, and prevent deterioration of structures and equipment. 


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Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $34,467,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 53,507,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 34,467,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥19,040,000 

The bill provides $34,467,000, equal to the fiscal year 2014 en- acted level and $19,040,000 below the budget request. The Committee supports proposed projects that will reduce Agency operational and rent costs. EPA should prioritize projects based on anticipated cost savings and allocate funds accordingly. The Committee does not include requested funding for the design and engineering of new lab space in Las Vegas. EPA and Congress should 

review the findings of the ongoing lab study prior to proposing 

major changes to EPA’s laboratory footprint. 

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SUPERFUND

The Hazardous Substance Superfund (Superfund) program was 

established in 1980 by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act to clean up emergency 

hazardous materials, spills, and dangerous, uncontrolled, and/or 

abandoned hazardous waste sites. The Superfund Amendments and 

Reauthorization Act (SARA) expanded the program substantially in 

1986, authorizing approximately $8,500,000,000 in revenues over 

five years. In 1990, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act extended the program’s authorization through 1994 for 

$5,100,000,000 with taxing authority through calendar year 1995. 

The Superfund program is operated by EPA subject to annual appropriations from a dedicated trust fund and from general revenues. Enforcement activities are used to identify and induce parties 

responsible for hazardous waste problems to undertake cleanup actions and pay for EPA oversight of those actions. In addition, responsible parties have been required to cover the cost of fund-financed removal and remedial actions undertaken at spills and 

waste sites by Federal and State agencies. Funds are paid from 

this account to the Office of Inspector General and Science and 

Technology accounts for Superfund related activities. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $1,088,769,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 1,156,603,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 1,156,603,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +67,834,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The bill provides $1,156,603,000 for the Hazardous Substance Superfund program, $67,834,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and equal to the budget request. 

Superfund Cleanup.—The Committee recommends $781,369,000. 

While the Committee understands this increase is insufficient to 

eliminate the backlog of 10–15 unfunded new starts anticipated for 

fiscal year 2015, the Committee expects the Agency to use the additional funds to initiate remediation at these highly contaminated, 

orphan sites. Further the Committee expects the additional funding will also support pipeline activities such as remedial investigations, feasibility studies, and remedial designs which are critical 

steps prior to construction. The Committee continues to support 

EPA’s added financial and project management efforts that enable 


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the Agency to de-obligate unused funds from sites and redirect 

those funds to new construction projects. 

Additional Guidance.—The Committee has included the following 

additional guidance with respect to funding provided under this account: 

Financial Assurance.—The Committee directs the Administrator 

to complete a thorough analysis of the capacity of the financial and 

credit markets to provide the necessary instruments (surety bonds, 

letters of credit, insurance, and trusts) for meeting any new financial responsibility requirements pursuant to section 108(b) of the 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9608(b)). The Committee provides no 

funds for EPA to develop, propose, finalize, implement, enforce, or 

administer any regulation that would establish any such new financial responsibility requirements until the Administrator demonstrates that such an analysis has been completed. 

Lead at Superfund sites.—Using the funds provided, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall contract with 

the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the sources 

of lead in the environment at each designated Superfund site that 

is proximal to a historic surface lead mining district. The study 

shall focus on whether naturally occurring lead, lead-based paint, 

and the consumer use of products containing lead are significant 

sources of lead at such sites. The Administrator shall transmit to 

Congress a report containing the results of the study not later than 

one year after the date of enactment of this Act. 

Superfund Special Accounts.—The Committee is encouraged by 

the steps EPA has taken toward the effective, centralized management of Superfund special accounts. The Committee appreciates 

the information included as part of the Congressional Justification 

with respect to Superfund Special Accounts and requests that EPA 

continue to provide the information as part of the budget request. 

LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK TRUST FUND PROGRAM

Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the 

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, authorized the 

establishment of a response program for cleanup of releases from 

leaking underground storage tanks. Owners and operators of facilities with underground tanks must demonstrate financial responsibility and bear initial responsibility for cleanup. The Federal trust 

fund is funded through the imposition of a motor fuel tax of onetenth of a cent per gallon. 

In addition to State resources, the Leaking Underground Storage 

Tanks (LUST) Trust Fund provides funding to clean up sites, enforces necessary corrective actions, and recovers costs expended 

from the Fund for cleanup activities. The underground storage 

tank response program is designed to operate primarily through cooperative agreements with States. Funds are also used for grants 

to non-State entities, including Indian Tribes, under Section 8001 

of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The Energy Policy 

Act of 2005 expanded the authorized activities of the Fund to include the underground storage tank program. In 2006, Congress 

amended section 9508 of the Internal Revenue Code to authorize 

expenditures from the trust fund for prevention and inspection activities. 


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Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $94,566,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 97,922,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 95,647,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +1,081,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥2,275,000 

The bill provides $95,647,000 for the Leaking Underground Stor- age Tank (LUST) Trust Fund Program, $1,081,000 above the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and $2,275,000 below the budget request. 

INLAND OIL SPILL PROGRAMS

This appropriation, authorized by the Federal Water Pollution 

Control Act, as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, provides 

funds to prepare for and prevent releases of oil and other petroleum products in navigable waterways. In addition, EPA is reimbursed for incident specific response costs through the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund managed by the United States Coast Guard. 

EPA is responsible for directing all cleanup and removal activities posing a threat to public health and the environment; conducting site inspections; providing a means to achieve cleanup activities by private parties; reviewing containment plans at facilities; reviewing area contingency plans; pursuing cost recovery of 

fund-financed cleanups; and conducting research of oil cleanup 

techniques. Funds for this appropriation are provided through the 

Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund which is composed of fees and collections made through provisions of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the 

Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act, the 

Deepwater Port Act of 1974, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act 

Amendments of 1978, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 

as amended. Pursuant to law, the Trust Fund is managed by the 

United States Coast Guard. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $18,209,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 24,133,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 17,944,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥265,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥6,189,000 

The bill provides $17,944,000 for the Inland Oil Spill program, 

$265,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $6,189,000 

below the budget request. 

STATE AND TRIBAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

The State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) account provides 

grant funds for programs operated primarily by State, local, tribal 

and other governmental partners. The account includes two broad 

types of funds: (1) Infrastructure Assistance, which is used primarily by local governments for projects supporting environmental 

protection; and, (2) Categorical Grants, which assist State and tribal governments and other environmental partners with the operation of environmental programs. The account also includes specific 

program grants such as competitive Brownfields grants and diesel 

emissions reduction grants. 

In the STAG account, EPA provides funding for infrastructure 

projects through two State Revolving Funds (Clean Water and 

Drinking Water), geographic specific projects in Alaskan Native 


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Villages and on the United States-Mexico Border, Brownfields revitalization projects, diesel emission reduction grants, and other targeted infrastructure projects. 

The State Revolving Funds (SRFs) provide Federal financial assistance to protect the Nation’s water resources. The Clean Water 

SRF helps eliminate municipal discharge of untreated or inadequately treated pollutants and thereby helps maintain or restore 

the country’s water to a swimmable and/or fishable quality. The 

Clean Water SRF provides resources for municipal, inter-municipal, State, and interstate agencies and tribal governments to plan, 

design, and construct wastewater facilities and other projects, including non-point source, estuary, stormwater, and sewer overflow 

projects. The Safe Drinking Water SRF finances improvements to 

community water systems so that they can achieve compliance with 

the mandates of the Safe Drinking Water Act and continue to protect public health. 

Many of the major Federal environmental statutes include provisions that allow the Federal government, through EPA, to delegate 

to the States and Tribes the day-to-day management of environmental programs or to approve State and Tribal environmental 

programs. The Federal statutes were designed to recognize the 

States as partners and co-regulators, allowing the States to issue 

and enforce permits, carry out inspections and monitoring, and collect data. To assist the States in this task, the statutes also authorized EPA to provide grants to the States and Tribes. These grants, 

which cover every major aspect of environmental protection, include those programs authorized by sections 319 and 106 of the 

Clean Water Act (Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended) (for non-point source pollution and the water quality permits 

programs), sections 105 and 103 of the Clean Air Act (for State and 

Local air quality management programs), section 128 of CERCLA 

(for State and tribal response programs), section 1443(a) of the Safe 

Drinking Water Act (for public water system supervision), and section 3011 of RCRA (for the implementation of State hazardous 

waste programs). 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $3,535,161,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 3,005,374,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 2,951,895,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥583,266,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥53,479,000 

The bill provides $2,951,895,000 for the State and Tribal Assistance Grants account, $583,266,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $53,479,000 below the budget request. The Committee provides the following additional detail by program area: 

Infrastructure Assistance.—The bill provides $1,905,000,000, 

which is $575,783,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$30,000,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee has appropriated nearly $22 billion for water and 

wastewater infrastructure assistance since 2009. The Committee 

notes that $6 billion is available for drinking water and wastewater 

infrastructure projects in fiscal year 2014 from appropriated funds, 

state match contributions, loan repayments and interest. Nevertheless, little progress has been made to reduce the known water infrastructure gap. The Committee believes that EPA and the States 


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must aggressively allocate existing funds to projects in order to address the pressing infrastructure needs facing the country. In addition, the Committee continues to encourage EPA and water infrastructure stakeholders to promote alternate financing mechanisms 

for water infrastructure at local, State and Federal levels as it is 

widely accepted that Federal financing through the State Revolving 

Funds remains an important yet insufficient tool to address the 

Nation’s water needs. Public-private partnerships, greater access to 

financing from private activity bonds and improved asset management are just a few of the mechanisms that the Committee believes 

could serve to increase investment in a complementary way to Federal appropriations and reduce costs. 

In addition, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act 

of 2014 (WRRDA) provides EPA with new and updated authorities 

including the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 

2014 (WIFIA). The Committee recognizes that these new authorities will require resources prior to implementation, and EPA is directed to submit to the Committee a detailed plan for how full 

funding of the WIFIA provisions would be implemented. This plan 

shall discuss all aspects of implementation, including Agency personnel and expertise needs; types of eligible projects; criteria for selecting specific projects for financing; the steps and general schedule of a potential application process; and expected administrative 

costs. The Committee appreciates that EPA has initiated discussions with other programs with similar authorities, and EPA 

should consult with the Government Accountability Office and 

other federal agencies in order to build upon the experience from 

other federal loan and loan guarantee programs. 

The Committee continues bill language to allow EPA and the 

States to provide additional forms of subsidy to those communities 

which cannot afford the below market rates provided by an SRF 

loan. 

The Committee has a history of including a provision affording 

a procurement preference for iron and steel products produced in 

the United States in projects receiving funds from the State revolving fund or, now, the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation 

Act. The Committee emphasizes that the key consideration in determining eligibility for the preference is the location of the melting 

and casting of the iron and steel products and the iron and steel 

components of such products, which must occur in the United 

States. Any processes, including vulcanization processes, that 

merely append rubber elements to iron and steel components of 

such iron and steel products, which occurs outside the United 

States, should not render such products ineligible for the procurement preference provided that all such iron and steel components 

of iron and steel products were melted and cast in the United 

States and final assembly of the products occurs in the United 

States. 

Diesel Emissions Reductions Grants (DERA).—The bill provides 

$30,000,000 for DERA grants. The Committee notes that the DERA 

program is the only EPA air program that has been reauthorized 

by Congress, and at least 10 million older heavily polluting diesel 

engines remain in use that have yet to be retrofitted, repowered or 

replaced. Further, according to the Second Report to Congress, approximately 70 percent of competitive projects have occurred in 


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areas of non-attainment for particulate matter and ozone. For fiscal 

year 2015, the Committee directs EPA to continue to make at least 

70 percent of DERA grants available to improve air quality in nonattainment areas. 

Targeted Airshed Grants.—The bill provides $10,000,000 for targeted airshed grants to reduce air pollution in non-attainment 

areas. These grants shall be distributed on a competitive basis to 

non-attainment areas that EPA determines are ranked as the top 

five most polluted areas relative to annual ozone or particulate 

matter 2.5 standards. To determine these areas, the Agency shall 

use the most recent design values calculated from validated air 

quality data. The Committee notes that these funds are available 

for emission reduction activities deemed necessary for compliance 

with national ambient air quality standards and included in a 

State Implementation Plan submitted to EPA. 

Categorical Grants.—For categorical grants to States and other 

environmental partners for the implementation of delegated programs, the bill provides $1,046,895,000. The Committee continues 

to reject the proposed elimination of the radon grants and, as such, 

funds are provided at the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER AND RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

The Committee continues the language, carried in prior years, 

concerning Tribal Cooperative Authority, the collection and obligation of pesticides fees, and additional transfer authorities for the 

purposes of implementing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. 

The Committee rescinds $45,000,000 of unobligated grant balances. The Agency is not to include unobligated balances from prior 

year special project infrastructure grants as part of the rescission. 

The Committee has included bill language authorizing up to 

$150,000 to be spent for facility repairs at any one time. 

The Committee has included bill language extending special pay 

authority. 

TITLE III—RELATED AGENCIES 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

The U.S. Forest Service manages 193 million acres of National 

Forests, Grasslands, and a Tallgrass Prairie, including lands in 44 

States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and cooperates with 

States, other Federal agencies, Tribes and private landowners to 

sustain the Nation’s forests and grasslands. The Forest Service administers a wide variety of programs, including forest and rangeland research, State and private forestry assistance, cooperative 

forest health programs, an international program, National Forest 

System, and wildland fire management. The National Forest System (NFS) includes 155 national forests, 20 National grasslands, 20 

National recreation areas, a National Tallgrass prairie, six National monuments, and six land utilization projects. The NFS is 

managed for multiple uses, beginning with wood, water and forage, 

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clude recreation, grazing, fish and wildlife habitat management. 

The Forest Service celebrated its centennial in 2005. 

FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $292,805,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 275,315,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 297,500,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +4,695,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +22,185,000 

The Committee recommends $297,500,000 for Forest and Range- land Research, $4,695,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 

and $22,185,000 above the budget request. The Committee understands the importance of the strategic program and priority research areas funded through Forest and Rangeland Research in 

order to improve the health, management, and use of the 193 million acres of national forests and rangelands. The Committee believes the Forest Service must make significant investments in research and development in order to inform best management practices for public and private land managers and encourages the 

agency to continue robust funding for these activities in future 

budget requests. 

Forest Inventory and Analysis.—The Committee recommends 

$70,000,000 for the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program, 

$3,195,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and the budget 

request. The Committee finds that State forestry agencies and 

their cooperators are often able to accomplish critical FIA work 

with equal quality at lower costs than the Forest Service. The Forest Service is directed to work with State foresters to identify ways 

to more efficiently deliver the program in all States, including 

timely inventory updates, and should explore opportunities to work 

with additional State forestry agencies and their cooperators who 

can accomplish necessary field work at lower cost. 

Invasive Species.—The Committee is concerned about the threat 

of invasive forest pests and understands that millions of acres of 

our nation’s forests are at risk of being overtaken by these pests. 

The Forest Service is in a unique position to mitigate this threat. 

The Committee therefore directs the Forest Service to provide the 

Committees on Appropriations with a report, detailing its work to 

eradicate and/or mitigate this threat. 

Forest Products Laboratory.—The Committee remains concerned 

about the increasing costs of forest management, hazardous fuels 

reduction, and forest restoration, and encourages a high priority 

focus on strategies to grow markets to offset or alleviate this additional cost. The Committee believes green building markets are a 

growing opportunity for American-grown wood, and urges the Forest Service to work further, through science and technology in the 

Forest Products Laboratory, to position wood as a green building 

material and improve the performance and affordability of wood 

framed construction. 

The Committee encourages the Forest Service to broaden its 

scope of research to include improvement in forest products evaluation standards and valuation techniques; forester products conversation and manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and profitability over the long term; lumber quality and value based on forest 


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management techniques; non-timber forest products; and exploring 

the unique properties of wood on the nanoscale. 

Urban Forest Research.—The Committee urges the Forest Service to provide strong support for urban forest research initiatives, 

related social and socio-economic research, and cooperative activities that help cities monitor and care for their urban forests. As the 

United States faces increasing urbanization over the next 50 years 

and urban ecosystems face a multitude of threats, it is imperative 

that urban forestry research remains a high priority of the Forest 

Service and continues to help our cities, towns and metropolitan 

areas become more livable and sustainable. The Committee directs 

the Forest Service to provide critical information and tools, including inventories of urban forests, to help cities, towns, and metropolitan areas systematically assess the health and changing conditions of their urban forests and to plan strategic actions to 

sustainably maintain these forests. 

Bighorn Sheep Research.—The Committee directs the Forest 

Service to work diligently with the Agricultural Research Service 

(ARS) in the development of scientifically defensible analyses, specifically on the probability of sufficient contact for pathogen transmission and, if there is transmission, the probability of disease and 

spread of the disease to the herd in the wild. The Committee is not 

convinced that this important step was thoroughly addressed in the 

Payette National Forest’s Final Environmental Impact Statement 

and Record of Decision announced on July 28, 2010, and further directs the Forest Service to cooperate fully with the ARS in a review 

of the risk analysis and assessment portions in that decision, with 

the objective of assuring a more defensible and sound basis for future decisions in other parts of the West where there are bighorn 

and domestic sheep conflicts. The Committee directs the Forest 

Service to brief the Committee on its progress every six months. 

STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $229,980,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 229,485,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 209,815,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥20,165,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥19,670,000 

The Committee recommends $209,815,000 for State and Private 

Forestry, $20,165,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$19,670,000 below the budget request. 

Landscape Scale Restoration.—The Committee recommends continuation of this line item that was established in fiscal year 2014 

at the enacted level of $14,000,000. The Committee supports continuing to use the majority of these resources for inter-state competitive processes. The Committee recommends these competitive 

projects address national priorities of concern and encourages application in priority landscapes as identified in State Forest Action 

Plans, producing measurable economic, ecological and social benefits. The Department is directed to report back to the Committee 

within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the progress made during the first year of implementation and projections for the coming 

year. 


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Forest Health Management.—The Committee recommends 

$104,577,000 for Forest Health Management, equal to the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and the budget request. 

The Committee is aware of the concern over invasive winter 

moth outbreaks and the damaging hardwood tree defoliation that 

can occur as a result. The Committee commends the Forest Service 

for its partnership with the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service in addressing winter moth and the research being done to address these outbreaks, in addition to its cooperation with State and 

local partners in affected communities. 

Forest Stewardship Program.—The Committee recommends 

$29,000,000 for the Forest Stewardship Program, $6,602,000 above 

the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $5,964,000 above the budget 

request. 

The Tribal Forest Protection Act (Public Law 108–278) authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to give special 

consideration to tribally-proposed Stewardship Contracting or other 

projects on Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 

land bordering or adjacent to Indian trust land in order to protect 

Indian trust resources from fire, disease, or other threats coming 

off of Forest Service or BLM land. These stewardship agreements 

are an important tool for fighting the ever-growing threat of 

wildfires in the West. The Committee encourages both the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior to make 

wider use of these agreements. 

The Committee supports efforts of the Forest Stewardship Program to engage woodland owners, especially those that have not 

previously been engaged in active forest management and conservation. The Committee believes the program could have a more 

demonstrated impact and that State forest agencies could more efficiently deliver the program with the use of new tools and approaches to engaging woodland owners and tracking progress and 

impact over time. The Committee also believes that Forest Action 

Plans provide an important framework for focusing work with landowners, given the limited resources available. The Committee urges 

the Forest Service to report on improved delivery of this program, 

applying new tools and approaches that improve efficiency, as part 

of the fiscal year 2016 budget justification. 

The Committee understands that in the wake of the third-largest 

wildfire in California history, the Forest Service has identified 

30,000 acres of land within the Stanislaus National Forest that can 

be salvaged. Proceeds from salvage sales can then be directed toward rehabilitation and restoration of the affected lands; however, 

such salvage operations are only economically beneficial if conducted in the immediate future, as the value of the dead timber declines rapidly as time passes. Therefore, the Committee urges the 

Forest Service to move as expeditiously as possible through the 

process in order to protect the salvage operations. Within 60 days 

of enactment of this Act, the Committee expects a report from the 

Forest Service on the progress being made with regard to salvage 

and rehabilitation operations on the Stanislaus National Forest. 

Forest Legacy.—The Committee recommends $24,198,000 for Forest Legacy, $26,767,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 

and $28,802,000 below the budget request, in order to provide critical funding for higher priority human health, public safety, and 


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treaty obligations and responsibilities throughout the bill. The 

amounts recommended by the Committee compared with the budget estimates by activity are shown in the table at the end of this 

report. 

Community Forest and Open Space Conservation.—The Committee recommends $2,000,000 for Community Forest and Open 

Space Conservation, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$317,000 above the budget request. 

Urban and Community Forestry.—The Committee recommends 

$28,040,000 for Urban and Community, equal to the fiscal year 

2014 enacted level and $4,364,000 above the budget request. 

International Forestry.—The Committee recommends $8,000,000 

for International Forestry, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $8,000,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee is supportive of the International Program and 

recognizes its successful work to advance international trade for 

U.S. timber producers and forestry interests at international policy 

deliberations, to protect the United States from invasive species 

that threaten our forests, and to recover U.S. migratory waterfowl 

in decline. International Forestry enables experts from the Federal 

government to participate in negotiations for trade agreements and 

assist with forestry work abroad. This program plays a large role 

in protecting the U.S. forest products industry by improving the 

sustainability and legality of timber management overseas thereby 

reducing the amount of underpriced and illegally harvested timber 

on the world market. Much of the funding for these activities is 

provided by other departments or agencies, including the Department of State, the United States Trade Representative, and the 

U.S. Agency for International Development. 

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $1,496,330,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 1,640,484,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 1,496,526,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +196,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥143,958,000 

The Committee recommends $1,496,526,000 for the National Forest System, $196,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$143,958,000 below the budget request. 

Integrated Resource Restoration.—The Committee notes that 

similar to fiscal years 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the budget request includes a major restructuring in which several programs are 

combined to form the Integrated Resource Restoration (IRR) budget 

line. The fiscal year 2014 enacted bill continued the proof of concept pilot established in the fiscal year 2012 Interior, Environment, 

and Related Agencies conference report, and directed the Forest 

Service to brief the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 

Representatives and the Senate on its IRR plan for fiscal year 

2014. As a result of that briefing, the Committee supports the continuation of the pilot project. The Committee must see demonstrable results from the program, including true management efficiencies, tangible accomplishments, and accountability prior to the 

consideration of expanding IRR nationwide. Therefore, the ComVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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mittee rejects the proposed restructuring and continues funding for 

the individual budget line items as in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014. 

Land Management Planning, Inventory and Monitoring.—The 

Committee recommends $37,754,000 for Land Management Planning and $151,019,000 for Inventory and Monitoring equal to the 

fiscal year 2014 enacted levels. The Committee does not accept the 

proposed merging of the Land Management Planning and Inventory and Monitoring line items. 

The Committee urges the Forest Service, Region V to complete 

Invasive Species Management National Environmental Policy Act 

analysis and to implement integrated pest management methods to 

control invasive weeds in all national forests in Region V. 

The Committee is concerned about travel management plans on 

some national forests, though it notes that many national forests 

have completed plans with few problems. The Committee has been 

informed by several communities that travel management plans 

did not properly include public and community input and needs. 

Where communities are dissatisfied with travel management plans, 

the Committee directs the Forest Service to revise these plans in 

consultation with, and to include more input from, the communities. The Committee also directs the Forest Service to conduct 

studies on the social, cultural and economic impact of travel management planning on the local community, and get local county approval of the analysis prior to moving forward with travel management plans. 

The Committee retains language in Title IV General Provisions, 

Section 408, allowing forest management plans to expire if the 

Service has made a good faith effort to update plans commensurate 

with appropriated funds. 

Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness.—The Committee recommends $263,915,000 for Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness, 

$2,196,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $4,825,000 

above the budget request. Of the funds available to Manage Recreation Operations, $500,000 shall be for the maintenance of rural 

airstrips. The Committee urges the Service to consult with Congress, State and local officials, and affected stakeholders, prior to 

making a determination to close or terminate the use of any rural 

airstrips. The bill includes a general provision in Title IV prohibiting the use of funds to close areas open to recreational hunting 

and shooting as of January 1, 2013. 

Grazing Management.—The Committee recommends $55,356,000 

for Grazing Management, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $5,756,000 above the budget request. The Committee rejects the proposed fee of $1 per animal unit month. 

The Committee includes bill language addressing range management in Title IV General Provisions (applying to both the Bureau 

of Land Management and the Forest Service) including Section 412 

which makes permanent the grazing permit renewal general provision carried each year allowing permits to be renewed under the 

same terms and conditions if NEPA review has not yet been completed; Section 428 allowing the maximum term of a grazing permit 

to be 20 years; Section 437 making vacant allotments available for 

permittees adversely impacted by wildland fire or drought; and, 

Section 438 prohibiting the Forest Service and Bureau of Land 


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Management from requiring relinquishment of all or a portion of 

water rights as a condition for permit renewals (this includes all 

permits issued by the Bureau and the Forest Service and is not 

limited to grazing permits). 

The Committee encourages the Forest Service to improve its 

monitoring of grazing permits in allotments where riparian 

streamside health is a concern for listed or threatened species. The 

Committee also requests each Forest Service region increase transparency and reporting on how the limited monitoring resources are 

used on the ground whether to satisfy the monitoring requirements 

or for other purposes. 

Forest Products.—The Committee recommends $339,130,000 for 

Forest Products, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. The 

Committee rejects the proposal to consolidate this budget line into 

the Integrated Resource Restoration program. 

The Forest Service is currently removing less than ten percent 

of the annual net growth on national forests. This, combined with 

fire suppression policies, has resulted in overcrowded, unhealthy 

forests susceptible to insects, disease and catastrophic wildfire. To 

accomplish the monumental amount of work necessary to improve 

the health of national forests and protect communities from catastrophic wildfires, forest products mills and logging infrastructure, 

where it still exists, must be maintained. These businesses provide 

significant living-wage jobs, many of which operate in rural areas 

with higher levels of unemployment. Further, without this infrastructure, the cost of treating national forests increases dramatically and greatly reduces the amount of acres feasibly treated with 

appropriated dollars. 

The Committee believes improving implementation and efficiency 

of timber sales is a vital component to forest health. The budget 

request assumes 3.1 billion board feet of timber volume will be sold 

in 2015. The Committee supports targeting a higher board feet volume and encourages the Forest Service to implement larger 

projects and reduce unit costs. 

The Committee notes that over the last ten years the timber supply in Region 10 has been constrained to less than ten percent of 

the allowable sale quantity in the current land management plan. 

As a result, numerous mills have closed. In an effort to restore confidence in the timber supply and foster and allow investment in 

new facilities, the Forest Service pledged to prepare and offer four 

10-year timber sales each with a volume of 150–200 million board 

feet. The agency recently converted the first two timber sales to 

smaller stewardship projects. These projects will neither restore 

confidence, nor will they allow investment in new facilities. The 

Committee directs the Forest Service to prepare and offer, within 

two years, the four 10-year timber sales as promised. 

Vegetation and Watershed Management.—The Committee recommends $184,716,000 for Vegetation and Watershed Management, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. The Committee 

rejects the proposal to consolidate this budget line into the Integrated Resource Restoration program. 

Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat Management.—The Committee 

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mittee rejects the proposal to consolidate this budget line into the 

Integrated Resource Restoration program. 

Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund.—The Committee recommends $40,000,000, for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund (CFLR), equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $20,000,000 below the budget request. The Committee directs the Forest Service to report to the Committee within 

90 days of enactment of this Act on the implementation of CFLRfunded projects and the outcomes of those projects to date. The report should include performance measures as described in the 

CFLR 2011 Annual Report accomplishment form available on the 

Forest Service’s website. 

The Committee understands that there has been an observed 

problem with red-oak decline in the Mark Twain National Forest, 

that there has been controversy surrounding the use of prescribed 

fires in this project area, and that some commercially marketable 

timber may have been inadvertently destroyed, or cut down and 

then set on fire. 

As such, the Committee recommends that no funds shall be used 

for prescribed fires under the Missouri Pine-Oak Woodlands portion of the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration project until 

such time as the aforementioned controversy is resolved, and that 

funds used for timber sale contracts, stewardship contracts, and 

understory thinning contracts awarded under this program should 

be leveraged with combating red-oak decline in mind. 

Minerals and Geology Management.—The Committee recommends $76,423,000 for Minerals and Geology Management, 

equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $5,857,000 above 

the budget request. 

Landownership Management.—The Committee recommends 

$77,730,000 for Landownership Management, equal to the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and $6,290,000 above the budget request. 

Law Enforcement Operations.—The Committee recommends 

$126,653,000 for Law Enforcement Operations, equal to the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and $793,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee is concerned with the growing incidence of illegal 

marijuana cultivation on public lands and the corresponding impacts it has on the environment, forest restoration and habitat, employee and public safety, tourism and gateway communities. The 

Committee believes Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations should be included as an integral participant in the annual 

forest planning process as a means to ensure stronger collaboration 

among all partners and focused enforcement strategies aimed at 

safety, interdiction and mitigation. No later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, the Forest Service shall report to the Committee on steps taken to include Law Enforcement and Investigations’ in the forest planning process as it relates to resources and 

collaboration with partners, including local law enforcement. 

Valles Caldera National Preserve.—The Committee recommends 

$3,364,000 for management of the Valles Caldera National Preserve and does not support the proposed elimination of this program. 

Bill Language.—The Committee includes additional language in 

Title IV General Provisions including Section 425 extending the 

Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act for one year and SecVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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tion 431 prohibiting the use of appropriated funds to close areas 

open to recreational hunting and shooting as of January 1, 2013. 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $350,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 306,280,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 373,252,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +23,252,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +66,972,000 

The Committee recommends $373,252,000 for Capital Improvement and Maintenance, $23,252,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $66,972,000 above the budget request. 

Facilities Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee recommends $75,231,000 for Facilities Maintenance and Construction, 

$4,231,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $3,631,000 

above the budget request. Specifically, the Committee recommends 

$59,000,000 for facilities maintenance and $16,231,000 for facilities 

construction. 

Road Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee recommends $168,094,000 for Road Maintenance and Construction, 

$2,094,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$14,094,000 above the budget request. Specifically, the Committee 

recommends $143,454,000 for road maintenance and $24,640,000 

for road construction. 

Should the Forest Service find it necessary within the Gifford 

Pinchot National Forest, or any National Forest within the State 

of Washington, to either reduce the roads to maintenance level 1 

or to decommission, the Forest Service should give precedence to 

the reduction of the road to Maintenance Level 1. Decommissioning 

should only be done after final plantation restoration work in Late 

Successional Reserve habitat development, or on a portion of road 

where resource protection cannot be adequately met by closing and 

stabilizing. 

Trails Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee recommends $86,777,000 for Trails Maintenance and Construction, 

$11,777,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$9,247,000 above the budget request. Specifically, the Committee 

recommends $69,777,000 for trail maintenance and $17,000,000 for 

trail construction. 

Deferred Maintenance and Infrastructure Improvement.—The 

Committee recommends $3,150,000 for Deferred Maintenance and 

Infrastructure Improvement, $150,000 above the fiscal year 2014 

enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

Legacy Roads and Trails.—The Committee recommends 

$40,000,000 for Legacy Roads and Trails, $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. The Committee rejects the proposal to 

consolidate this budget line into the Integrated Resource Restoration program. 


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LAND ACQUISITION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $43,525,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 51,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 8,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥35,525,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥43,000,000 

The Committee recommends $8,000,000 for Land Acquisition, $35,525,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$43,000,000 below the budget request in order to provide critical 

funding for higher priority human health, public safety, and treaty 

obligations and responsibilities throughout the bill. The amounts 

recommended by the Committee compared with the budget estimates by activity are shown in the table at the end of this report. 

The Committee directs the Forest Service to prioritize recreational access projects that significantly enhance access to existing public lands that are impractical to access for hunting, fishing, 

and other recreational activities. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SPECIAL ACTS

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $912,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 950,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 950,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +38,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $950,000 for Acquisition of Lands 

for National Forests Special Acts, $38,000 above the fiscal year 

2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO COMPLETE LAND EXCHANGES

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $217,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 216,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 216,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥1,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $216,000 for Acquisition of Lands to 

Complete Land Exchanges under the Act of December 4, 1967 (16 

U.S.C. 484a), $1,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

equal to the budget request. 

RANGE BETTERMENT FUND

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $3,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 2,320,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 2,320,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥680,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $2,320,000, for the Range Better- ment Fund, $680,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

equal to the budget request, to be derived from grazing receipts 

from national forests (Public Law 94–579) and to be used for range 

rehabilitation, protection, and improvements including seeding, reseeding, fence construction, weed control, water development, and 

fish and wildlife habitat enhancement in 16 western States. 


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GIFTS, DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS FOR FOREST AND RANGELAND

RESEARCH

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $40,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 45,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 45,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +5,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $45,000 for Gifts, Donations and Bequests for Forest and Rangeland Research, $5,000 above the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST LANDS FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $2,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 2,500,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +2,500,000 

The Committee recommends $2,500,000 for the Management of 

National Forest Lands for Subsistence Uses in Alaska and does not 

support the proposed elimination of this program. 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $2,762,302,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 2,265,113,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 2,888,124,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +125,822,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +623,011,000 

The Committee recommends $2,888,124,000 for Wildland Fire 

Management, $125,822,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level 

and $623,011,000 above the budget request. The Committee’s funding recommendation for fire suppression, combined with 

$303,060,000 recommended in the FLAME wildfire suppression reserve account, fully funds the 10-year fire suppression average expenditures for fire suppression. An additional $470,000,000 in fire 

suppression funding is provided to address projected suppression 

shortfalls during the 2014 fire season. Total funding provided in 

fiscal year 2015 for Forest Service wildland fire accounts is 

$3,191,184,000. 

The Committee notes that the budget request included a provision almost identical to legislation that has been developed in the 

House (H.R. 3992) and the Senate (S. 1875). The budget request 

proposes to allow wildland fire suppression costs above 70 percent 

of the 10–year average for fire suppression to be paid from within 

the discretionary budget cap adjustment established for natural 

disasters, recognizing that wildland fires are a natural disaster 

akin to hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. As the issue of the disaster cap adjustment falls outside the Committee’s jurisdiction, this 

Committee’s recommendation does not include the request for suppression funding through the disaster cap adjustment. As in recent 

years, suppression operations are fully funded at the 10–year averVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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age level within the suppression operations account and the 

FLAME wildfire suppression reserve fund. 

The Committee is concerned that there may have been recent instances in which requests for information related to wildfires from 

Congressional, State and local government offices were not met 

with a full disclosure of information. The Committee expects the 

Forest Service to respond in a timely manner to such requests, so 

as not to impede the oversight responsibilities of Congressional 

committees, and State and local government offices. 

The Committee encourages the Forest Service to consider the potential use of existing commercial satellite technology to provide 

early warning, mitigation and response capabilities for wildland 

fires and to determine whether such technology may provide a lowcost early warning capability to save lives and property. 

Wildfire Preparedness.—The Committee recommends 

$1,210,840,000 for Wildfire Preparedness, $153,260,000 above the 

fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $130,000,000 above the budget 

request. The Committee has provided an additional $130,000,000 to 

the Forest Service for the acquisition of two next generation platforms to safely and efficiently fight wildfires. 

Wildfire Suppression Operations.—The Committee recommends 

$1,178,000,000 for Wildfire Suppression Operations, $102,000,000 

below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $470,000,000 above 

the budget request. The Committee recommendation fully meets 

the 10-year average expenditure on all suppression activities and 

includes an additional $470,000,000 for projected shortfalls in suppression funding for fiscal year 2014. 

Hazardous Fuels.—The Committee recommends $381,575,000 for 

hazardous fuels reduction, $75,075,000 above the fiscal year 2014 

enacted level and $23,011,000 above the budget request, and includes $5,000,000 for biomass utilization grants. The Committee 

recommends prioritizing funding for proactive hazardous fuels 

management and fire mitigation. 

The Department is directed to implement effective treatments in 

frequent fire forests that restore forest resiliency and reduce hazardous fuels. Treatments should be placed to effectively modify fire 

behavior and protect assets at risk including life and property. 

The Committee is concerned with the pace of planning and implementation of post-fire rehabilitation by the Forest Service. The 

slow pace of rehabilitation leaves communities unable to access 

timber resources and delays the regeneration of Federal forests. 

The Committee directs the Forest Service to prioritize and expedite 

planning and implementation of post-fire rehabilitation projects. 

The Committee directs the Forest Service to work collaboratively 

with the Department of the Interior and other stakeholders in developing hazardous fuels management plans that take into consideration the conservation of sage-grouse habitat and encourages the 

administration to seek additional funding in fiscal year 2016 and 

subsequent fiscal years to continue this concerted effort. 

Fire Plan Research and Development.—The Committee recommends $19,795,000 for Fire Plan Research and Development, 

equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and the budget request. 

The Committee urges the Forest Service to further its research into 

current wildland fire fighting operations and the safety and health 

impacts of such operations on wildland fire fighters. 


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Joint Fire Science Program.—The Committee recommends 

$6,914,000 for the Joint Fire Science Program, equal to the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and the budget request. 

State Fire Assistance.—The Committee recommends $78,000,000 

for State Fire Assistance, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and the budget request. 

Volunteer Fire Assistance.—The Committee recommends 

$13,000,000 for Volunteer Fire Assistance, $25,000 below the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

FLAME WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION RESERVE FUND

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $315,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 303,060,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥11,940,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +303,060,000 

The Committee recommends $303,060,000 for the FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund, $11,940,000 below the fiscal year 

2014 enacted level and $303,060,000 above the budget request. As 

discussed above under Wildland Fire Management, the Committee 

fully funds the 10-year average expenditure for wildfire suppression. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, FOREST SERVICE

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

The Committee has included administrative provisions as requested, unless otherwise stated below. 

The Committee continues the administrative provision regarding 

Wildland Fire Management and the FLAME Wildfire Suppression 

Reserve Fund as included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 

2014. 

The Committee retains the administrative provision regarding 

reprogramming authority. 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE

The provision of Federal health services to Indians is based on 

a relationship between Indian Tribes and the U.S. Government 

first set forth in the 1830s by the U.S. Supreme Court under Chief 

Justice John Marshall. Numerous treaties, statutes, constitutional 

provisions, and international laws have reconfirmed this relationship. Principal among these is the Snyder Act of 1921, which provides the basic authority for most Indian health services provided 

by the Federal Government to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Indian Health Service (IHS) provides direct health care 

services in 28 hospitals, 61 health centers, three school health centers, and 34 health stations. Tribes and tribal groups, through contracts and compacts with the IHS, operate 17 hospitals, 249 health 

centers, six school health centers, and 70 health stations (including 

164 Alaska Native village clinics). 


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INDIAN HEALTH SERVICES

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $3,982,842,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 4,172,182,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 4,180,386,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +197,544,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +8,204,000 

The Committee recommends $4,180,386,000 for Indian Health 

Services, $197,544,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$8,204,000 above the budget request. A detailed table of funding 

recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. The Committee recommendation includes further details below. 

Current Services and New Tribes.—The Committee recommends 

$136,135,000 to maintain current levels of service, as requested, of 

which $10,000,000 is to make up for cuts made in fiscal year 2014 

to fully fund contract support costs; $61,239,000 is for medical inflationary costs due in part to an increasing and aging population; 

$2,572,000 is to maintain competitive salaries and benefits for 

healthcare professionals; and $62,324,000 is for staffing new facilities as described in further detail below. The Committee recommends $7,948,000 to begin providing services to Tribes recently 

receiving Federal recognition by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as 

requested. The breakout of current services and new Tribes increases by program is consistent with Page CJ-10 of the budget request. 

Staffing costs for new and expanded health care facilities.—The 

Committee recommends $70,818,000 for staffing costs for new and 

expanded health care facilities, of which $62,324,000 is provided in 

this account as requested. Funds are limited to facilities funded 

through the Health Care Facilities Construction Priority System or 

the Joint Venture Construction Program that are newly opened in 

fiscal year 2014 or that open in fiscal year 2015. None of the funds 

may be allocated to a facility until such facility has achieved beneficial occupancy status. 

Dental Services.—The Committee recommends $176,154,000 for 

dental health services, $10,864,000 above the fiscal year 2014 operating plan and $500,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee received testimony this year about an initiative 

to increase preventive dental care for children by bringing dentists 

and hygienists into elementary schools. The Committee recommendation includes $500,000 to begin the initiative and directs 

the Service to work with the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and 

to consult with Tribes about piloting the initiative in the BIE 

school system. 

Several national health organizations recognize that the Service 

needs additional health care providers and that the Service has established volunteer programs to deliver needed medical, dental and 

mental health care. Many more volunteers could be recruited if the 

credentialing process were simplified and centralized similar to the 

processes used by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Such a system would assure Tribes that the volunteers are 

in compliance with State licensure and accreditation laws. Because 

IHS faces a health care provider shortage of 1,500 professionals, 

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ing of interested Tribes and health care organizations to design a 

pilot program to address credentialing problems and report the results to the Committee within 180 days of the enactment of this 

Act. 

The Committee directs the Service to work towards completion of 

electronic dental records (EDR) at the remaining 80 of 230 Federal 

and tribal dental sites. The Committee recognizes that EDR will 

significantly improve the gathering of data to analyze the early 

childhood caries program and therefore result in cost savings. 

Purchased/Referred Care (formerly Contract Health Services).— 

The Committee recommends $929,041,000 for Purchased/Referred 

Care as requested, $50,466,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level, of which $35,038,000 is to maintain current levels of service 

and for newly recognized Tribes, as discussed above. 

The Committee recognizes that the Service and Tribes are forced 

to prioritize care by Levels I–V and to ration funding in this program because the needs outweigh available funds. The Committee 

encourages the Service and Tribes to measure the impacts of funding increases on the ability to provide care at each level. Currently 

the program’s only measurable goal stated in the fiscal year 2015 

budget request is, ‘‘Average Days between Service End and Purchase Order Issued,’’ which is by itself an insufficient program goal. 

The Committee urges the Service, Tribes, and the congressional 

authorizing committees to make reasonable and expeditious 

progress to address the concerns and recommendations made by 

the Government Accountability Office (GAO), most notably with regard to unfair allocations, third-party overbilling, and under-enrollment in other qualifying Federal programs. 

The Committee urges the Service to work aggressively with the 

relevant congressional authorizing committees to enact authorization for the Service to cap payment rates for non-hospital services, 

as recommended by the Government Accountability Office (GAO– 

13–272). Failure to do so costs the program an estimated $30 million annually that could be used to purchase more services. 

Eligibility.—The Committee recognizes the Federal government’s 

trust responsibility for providing healthcare for American Indians 

and Alaska Natives. The Committee is aware that the definition of 

who is an ‘‘Indian’’ is inconsistent across various Federal health 

programs, which has led to confusion, increased paperwork and 

even differing determinations of health benefits within Indian families themselves. The Committee therefore directs the Department 

of Health and Human Services, the Indian Health Service, and the 

Department of the Treasury to work together to establish a consistent definition of an ‘‘Indian’’ for purposes of providing health 

benefits. 

Urban Indian Health.—The Committee recommends $44,250,000 

for the urban Indian health program, $3,521,000 above the fiscal 

year 2014 operating plan and $2,875,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee continues to support funding for urban Indian 

health in light of the disparity in health funding for urban Indians, 

as the Committee heard in testimony during the fiscal year 2015 

budget development process. 

Indian Health Professions.—The Committee recommends 

$48,342,000 for Indian Health Professions, $14,876,000 above the 


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fiscal year 2014 operating plan and $9,876,000 above the budget 

request. Within this amount, $30,023,000 is for the loan repayment pro- gram which includes a $5,000,000 program increase above the request and a $4,876,000 permanent transfer of loan repayment base 

funding from Hospitals and Health Clinics so that loan repayment 

funds are consolidated under one line item. Bill language has been 

modified to reflect the total amount appropriated for loan repayment, as opposed to previous language allowing for ‘‘up to 

$36,000,000’’ which was inconsistent with accompanying report language and thus a flexibility that IHS never used. 

Recruitment and retention of health care professionals is a serious problem in the IHS system which the loan repayment program 

helps to alleviate. In fiscal year 2013, IHS turned away over 500 

applicants for loan repayment due to limited funds. While the recommended increases for fiscal year 2015 will help reduce vacancies, 

the Committee notes with concern that unfair Federal tax liabilities consume 25 percent of the funds. The Committee encourages 

efforts to extend fair tax treatment of Federal scholarship and loan 

repayment programs to IHS-funded programs so that appropriated 

funds can help more applicants and further reduce vacancies. To 

that end, the Committee notes that IHS collected $85.3 million 

from private insurers in fiscal year 2013, which suggests that increased costs to the government to hire more IHS professionals by 

fairly adjusting the tax code are at least partially offset by private 

collections as a result of services provided by those newly-hired 

professionals. The Committee encourages IHS to re-submit its legislative proposal with the fiscal year 2016 budget and to include defensible estimates of offsets via third party collections. 

Contract Support Costs.—The Committee recommendation includes $617,205,000 as requested for full funding of estimated contract support costs. The Committee expects IHS to submit a reprogramming request to the Committee if the final calculated contract support costs exceed this amount, in order to ensure that contract support costs are fully paid. The Committee recognizes that 

inconsistencies exist between Indian Affairs and IHS in the ways 

that contract support costs are estimated and managed, and encourages both the agencies and the Tribes to recommend ways that 

the Committee can be helpful in promoting consistency. Tribes that 

exercise their self-determination rights and enter into contracts 

with multiple Federal agencies shouldn’t have to navigate inconsistent rules across different agencies. 

INDIAN HEALTH FACILITIES

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $451,673,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 461,995,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 461,995,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +10,322,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $461,995,000 for Indian Health Facilities, $10,322,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

equal to the budget request. A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at the end of 

this report. The Committee recommendation includes further details below. 


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Current Services and New Tribes.—The Committee recommends 

$10,255,000 to maintain current levels of service, as requested, of 

which $1,761,000 is for medical inflationary costs due in part to an 

increasing and aging population, and $8,494,000 is for staffing new 

facilities as described in further detail below. The Committee recommends $67,000 to begin providing services to Tribes recently receiving Federal recognition by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as requested. The breakout of current services and new Tribes increases 

by program is consistent with Page CJ–10 of the budget request. 

Staffing costs for new and expanded health care facilities.—The 

Committee recommends $70,818,000 for staffing costs for new and 

expanded health care facilities, of which $8,494,000 is provided in 

this account as requested. The stipulations included in the ‘Indian 

Health Services’ account regarding the allocation of funds for the 

staffing of new facilities pertain to the funds in this account as 

well. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, an 

agency within the National Institutes of Health, was authorized in 

section 311(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 

Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 and in section 126(g) of 

the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to 

conduct certain research and worker training activities associated 

with the nation’s Hazardous Substance Superfund program. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $77,349,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 77,349,000 

Recommended, 2015 77,349,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $77,349,000 for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, as requested. The Committee urges the Institute to consider additional sources of funding 

to recoup administrative costs associated with the worker training 

program. 

AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY

TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 

an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, was 

created in section 104(i) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980. The 

Agency’s mission is to serve the public through responsive public 

health actions to promote healthy and safe environments and prevent harmful toxic exposures. ATSDR assesses hazardous exposures in communities near toxic waste sites and advises the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government agencies, community groups and industry partners on actions needed to 

protect people’s health. In addition, ATSDR conducts toxicological 

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seminates information on hazardous substances, provides education 

and training on hazardous exposures, and responds to environmental emergencies. Through a national network of scientists and 

public health practitioners in State health departments, regional 

EPA offices and headquarters, ATSDR helps to protect people from 

acute toxic exposures that occur from hazardous leaks and spills, 

environment-related poisonings, and natural and terrorism-related 

disasters. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $74,691,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 74,691,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 74,691,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $74,691,000 for the Agency for Toxic 

Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), as requested. The recommendation supports the ongoing epidemiological studies of 

health conditions caused by exposures to uranium released from 

mining and milling operations in the Navajo Nation. 

OTHER RELATED AGENCIES 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND OFFICE OF

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established by 

Congress under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 

(NEPA). The Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ), which provides professional and administrative staff for the Council, was established in the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970. 

The Council on Environmental Quality has statutory responsibility 

for overseeing Federal agency implementation of the requirements 

of NEPA. CEQ also assists in coordinating environmental programs 

among the Federal agencies in the Executive Branch. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $3,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 3,009,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 3,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥9,000 

The Committee recommends $3,000,000 for the Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality, equal to 

the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $9,000 below the budget request. 

CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is 

an independent Federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The board members are appointed by the 

President and confirmed by the Senate. The CSB conducts rootcause investigations of chemical accidents at fixed industrial facilities. Root causes are usually deficiencies in safety management 


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systems, but can be any factor that would have prevented the accident if that factor had not occurred. Other accident causes often involve equipment failures, human errors, unforeseen chemical reactions or other hazards. CSB does not issue fines or citations, but 

does make recommendations to plants, regulatory agencies such as 

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, industry organizations, and labor 

groups. Congress designed the CSB to be non-regulatory and independent of other agencies so that its investigations might, where 

appropriate, review the effectiveness of regulations and regulatory 

enforcement. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $11,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 12,253,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 11,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥1,253,000 

The Committee recommends $11,000,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, 

equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $1,253,000 below 

the budget request. 

The Committee is deeply concerned by the findings of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and two congressional committees that identify critical management deficiencies, an abusive 

and hostile work environment, and a significant backlog of investigations within the Chemical Safety Board (CSB). The GAO and 

Congressional committees have determined that these failures are 

due in large part to the poor leadership and mismanagement of the 

Chairman of the Board and other high-ranking officials. While the 

Committee supports the critical work of the CSB, the Committee 

believes that the CSB’s overall effectiveness is undermined by its 

present leadership and urges the Administration to takes steps to 

address these failures as expeditiously as possible. 

OFFICE OF NAVAJO AND HOPI INDIAN RELOCATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation was established 

by Public Law 93–531 to plan and conduct relocation activities associated with the settlement of a land dispute between the Navajo 

Nation and the Hopi Tribe. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $7,341,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 8,499,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 7,143,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥198,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥1,356,000 

The Committee recommends $7,143,000 for the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, $198,000 below the fiscal year 2014 

enacted level and $1,356,000 below the budget request. Of this 

amount, $200,000 shall be transferred to the Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General to continue auditing the program. 

The priority of the remaining funds shall be to build homes for 

those approved and awaiting them. 


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INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE CULTURE AND

ARTS DEVELOPMENT

PAYMENT TO THE INSTITUTE

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $9,369,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 11,469,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 9,469,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +100,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥2,000,000 

The Committee recommends $9,469,000 in direct appropriations 

for the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture 

and Arts Development, $100,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and $2,000,000 below the budget request. 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and 

research complex, with 19 museums and galleries, numerous research centers, libraries, archives, and the National Zoological 

Park. Funded by both private and Federal sources, the Smithsonian is unique in the Federal establishment. Created by an Act of 

Congress in 1846 to carry out the trust included in James 

Smithson’s will, it has been engaged for 168 years in the ‘‘increase 

and diffusion of knowledge.’’ Last year, the Smithsonian attracted 

over 30 million visits to its museums, galleries, and zoological park. 

Additional millions also view Smithsonian traveling exhibitions 

and participate in the annual Folklife Festival on the National 

Mall. As custodian of the National Collections, the Smithsonian is 

responsible for more than 137 million art objects, natural history 

specimens, and artifacts. These scientific and cultural collections 

are a vital resource for global research and conservation efforts. 

The collections are displayed for the enjoyment and education of 

visitors and are available for research by the staff of the Institution 

and by thousands of visiting students, scientists, and historians 

each year. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $647,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 700,800,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 674,297,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +27,297,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥26,503,000 

The Committee recommends $674,297,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Smithsonian Institution, $27,297,000 above the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and $26,503,000 below the budget request. 

Additional Guidance.—The following additional direction and 

guidance is provided with respect to funding provided within this 

account: 

Collections Care.—The Committee maintains its longstanding 

commitment to the preservation of priceless, irreplaceable Smithsonian Institution collections and has provided funds, as requested, 

for improving the stewardship of national collections. The Committee directs the Smithsonian to provide the Committee, within 

90 days of enactment of this Act, a progress report on the multiyear effort to improve the stewardship of national collections, inVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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cluding the Armed Forces History Collection, at the National Museum of American History. 

Exhibit Maintenance.—The Committee has provided funding, as 

requested, for exhibit maintenance and critical collections needs at 

the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Zoological Park, and the National Museum of American History which remain among the most highly 

visited Smithsonian sites. 

National Museum of African American History and Culture.— 

The Committee maintains its support for the National Museum of 

African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and recognizes 

the need to address a number of funding priorities in advance of 

the museum’s opening in 2015. 

Latino Programs, Exhibitions, Collections and Public Outreach.— The Committee supports the Smithsonian Latino Center’s goal of 

promoting the inclusion of Latino contributions in Smithsonian Institution programs, exhibitions, collections and public outreach. 

The Committee urges collaboration among interested parties to advance these goals more fully by utilizing existing Smithsonian Institution museum locations for the expansion of the Smithsonian 

Latino Center’s programming, exhibition and collection space. 

Ocean Education and Research.—The Smithsonian is encouraged 

to work with Executive Branch agencies, including NOAA, and 

other relevant organizations to further education related to America’s oceans and to advance research in marine science. 

Science Education.—STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is critical to our country’s capacity to 

innovate and better prepare our Nation’s young people for the high 

technology jobs of tomorrow. The Committee concurs with concerns 

over the proliferation of Federal STEM investments and programs 

across government. The need exists to consolidate programs and 

significantly improve the level of coordination and communication 

of STEM activities, budgets, and achievements across the entire 

Federal government. The Committee has not included additional 

requested funding for STEM engagement believing funds should be 

directed to higher priority needs within the Institution. 

FACILITIES CAPITAL

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $158,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 150,100,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 139,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥19,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥11,100,000 

The Committee recommends $139,000,000 for Facilities Capital, $19,000,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and 

$11,100,000 below the budget request. 

The Committee supports revitalization of Smithsonian Institution facilities and the planning and design of future projects. The 

Committee also supports and remains committed to the construction of the congressionally authorized National Museum of African 

American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Accordingly, the Committee recommends $24,010,000 to complete construction of the 

NMAAHC. Federal funds provided for the construction of the 

NMAAHC are being matched with private funding on a one-to-one 

basis. 


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NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

The National Gallery of Art is one of the world’s great galleries. 

Its magnificent works of art, displayed for the benefit of millions 

of visitors annually, and its two iconic buildings and sculpture garden, serve as an example of a successful cooperative endeavor between private individuals and institutions and the Federal Government. With the special exhibitions shown in the Gallery, and 

through the many exhibitions which travel across the country, the 

Gallery brings great art treasures to Washington, DC, and to the 

Nation. Through its educational and teacher training programs and 

its website, the Gallery provides art history materials, rich online 

educational materials, direct loans, and broadcast programs to millions of Americans in every State. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $118,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 121,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 118,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥3,000,000 

The Committee recommends $118,000,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the National Gallery of Art, equal to the fiscal year 2014 

enacted level and $3,000,000 below the budget request. 

Bill Language.—The Committee has included bill language, as 

requested, specifying the amount provided for Special Exhibitions. 

REPAIR, RESTORATION AND RENOVATION OF BUILDINGS

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $15,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 19,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 19,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +4,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $19,000,000 for Repair, Restoration 

and Renovation of buildings at the National Gallery of Art, 

$4,000,000 above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to 

the budget request. The Committee supports the requested increase for the Master Facilities Plan which includes critical fire 

and public safety improvements. 

Bill Language.—The Committee has included bill language, as 

requested, relating to lease agreements of no more than 10 years 

that addresses space needs created by ongoing renovations in the 

Master Facilities Plan. 

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a living 

memorial to the late President Kennedy and is the National Center 

for the Performing Arts. The Center houses nine stages and seven 

theaters which have a total of more than 7,300 seats. The Center 

consists of over 1.5 million square feet of usable floor space with 

visitation averaging 8,000 on a daily basis. The support systems in 

the building often operate at capacity 18 hours a day, seven days 

a week, 365 days a year. 


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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $22,193,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 22,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 22,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥193,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $22,000,000 for Operations and 

Maintenance, as requested. 

CAPITAL REPAIR AND RESTORATION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $12,205,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 10,800,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 10,800,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥1,405,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $10,800,000 for Capital Repair and 

Restoration, as requested. 

WOODROW WILSON INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR SCHOLARS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars promotes 

policy-relevant research and dialogue to increase understanding 

and enhance the capabilities and knowledge of leaders, citizens, 

and institutions worldwide. The Center hosts scholars and policy 

makers to do their own advanced study, research and writing and 

facilitates debate and discussions among scholars, public officials, 

journalists and business leaders from across the country on relevant, major long-term issues facing this Nation and the world. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $10,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 9,975,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 9,975,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥525,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $9,975,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 

$525,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the 

budget request. 

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $146,021,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 146,021,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 146,021,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $146,021,000 for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted 

level and the budget request. 


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The Committee values greatly the longstanding collaborative relationship between the NEA and the States. State Arts Agencies 

support the arts for communities at the grassroots level regardless 

of their geographic location, providing much of their funding to 

smaller organizations, community groups, and schools rather than 

well-established arts organizations. 

The Committee remains committed to supporting proven national 

initiatives with broad geographic reach. The Big Read, Challenge 

America, and Shakespeare in American Communities are among 

the cost-effective grant programs with broad, bipartisan Congressional support that meet these criteria, supporting the NEA’s goal 

of extending the arts to underserved populations in both urban and 

rural communities across the United States. 

The Committee commends the NEA for its collaboration with the 

Walter Reed National Military Center in creating the NEA/Walter 

Reed Healing Arts Partnership. Since 2011, this unique partnership has supported creative and innovative arts therapies for service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. This collaborative relationship has also resulted in clinical research to evaluate 

the potential health benefits of creative arts therapy interventions 

for troops including service members with Traumatic Brain Injury 

and Post Traumatic Stress. 

Bill Language.—Each year, the Committee provides in bill language specific guidelines under which the Endowment is directed 

to distribute taxpayer dollars in support of the arts. With the exception of established honorific programs, grant funding to individual artists is strictly prohibited. The Committee directs that priority be given to providing services or grant funding for projects, 

productions, or programs that encourage public knowledge, education, understanding, and appreciation of the arts. Any reduction 

in support to the States for arts education should be no more than 

proportional to other funding decreases taken in other NEA programs. 

Reforms originally instituted by the Committee in P.L. 108–447 

relating to grant guidelines and program priorities are fully restated in Sections 415 and 416 of the bill. The Committee expects 

the NEA to adhere to them fully. These reforms maintain broad bipartisan support and continue to serve well both the NEA and the 

public interest. The Committee has also included bill language addressing grant award matching requirements and waiver procedures contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014. 

The Committee has, similar to previous years, included bill language raising caps for the Federal insurance program for loaned 

domestic and foreign works under the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity 

Act. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION (INCLUDING MATCHING GRANTS)

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $146,021,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 146,021,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 146,021,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 


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The Committee recommends a total of $146,021,000 for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), equal to the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and the budget request. 

The Committee commends the NEH for its support of grant programs to benefit Wounded Warriors and to ensure educational opportunities for American heroes transitioning to civilian life. 

The Committee commends the NEH Federal/State Partnership 

for its ongoing, successful collaboration with State humanities 

councils in each of the 50 states as well as Washington, D.C., the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American 

Samoa. Every NEH dollar received by a council is matched by a 

local contribution. In recent years, the proportion of NEH program 

funds supporting the work of State humanities councils has grown 

to nearly 40 percent. The Committee urges the NEH to provide 

program funding to support the work of State humanities councils 

consistent with the guidance provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014. 

COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS

The Commission of Fine Arts was established in 1910 to advise 

the government on matters pertaining to the design of national 

symbols, and particularly to guide the architectural development of 

Washington, D.C. The Commission’s work includes advice on designs for parks, public buildings, public art, as well as the design 

of national monuments, coins and medals, and overseas American 

military cemeteries. In addition, the Commission conducts design 

reviews of semipublic and private structures within the Old 

Georgetown Historic District and within certain areas of the National Capital that are adjacent to areas of Federal interest. The 

Commission reviews more than 600 projects annually. The Commission also administers the National Capital Arts and Cultural 

Affairs program. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $2,396,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 2,524,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 2,524,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... +128,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $2,524,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Commission of Fine Arts, $128,000 above the fiscal 

year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $2,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 0 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 1,000,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥1,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ +1,000,000 

The National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs program was established in Public Law 99–190 to support organizations that perform, exhibit, and/or present the arts in the Nation’s Capital. The 


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Committee recommends $1,000,000, which is $1,000,000 below the 

fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $1,000,000 above the budget request. 

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established the 

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). The ACHP was 

granted permanent authorization as part of the National Historic 

Preservation Act Amendments of 2006 (Public Law 109–453). The 

ACHP promotes the preservation, enhancement, and productive 

use of our nation’s historic resources and advises the President and 

Congress on national historic preservation policy. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $6,531,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 6,204,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 6,204,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥327,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $6,204,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), 

$327,000 below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the 

budget request. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The National Capital Planning Act of 1952 designated the National Capital Planning Commission as the central planning agency 

for the Federal government in the National Capital Region. The 

three major functions of the Commission are to prepare and adopt 

the Federal elements of the National Capital Comprehensive Plan; 

prepare an annual report on a five-year projection of the Federal 

Capital Improvement Program; and review plans and proposals 

submitted to the Commission. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $8,084,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 7,948,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 7,948,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥136,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $7,948,000 for Salaries and Expenses of the National Capital Planning Commission, $136,000 

below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and equal to the budget 

request. 

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

In 1980, Congress passed legislation creating a 65-member Holocaust Memorial Council with the mandate to create and oversee a 

living memorial/museum to victims of the Holocaust. The museum 

opened in April 1993. Construction costs for the museum came 

solely from donated funds raised by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial 


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Museum Campaign, and appropriated funds were used for planning and development of programmatic components, overall administrative support, and annual commemorative observances. Since 

the opening of the museum, appropriated funds have been provided 

to pay for the ongoing operating costs of the museum as authorized 

by Public Law 102–529 and Public Law 106–292. Private funds 

support educational outreach throughout the United States. 

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $52,385,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 52,385,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 52,385,000 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ 0 

The Committee recommends $52,385,000 for the Holocaust Memorial Museum, equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and the 

budget request. 

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL COMMISSION

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission was created by 

Congress in 1999 through Public Law 106–79 for the purpose of establishing a permanent national memorial to Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe in 

World War II and 34th President of the United States. The Commission consists of 12 members, four members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and four private citizens appointed by 

the President. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $1,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 2,000,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 0 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... ¥1,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥2,000,000 

The bill does not include funding for the Salaries and Expenses 

account. The Committee notes that in April, 2014 the National 

Capital Planning Commission voted to reject the memorial design 

even after modifications had been proposed by the Eisenhower 

Commission. The lack of consensus on the memorial design is troubling. The Committee urges the authorizers of jurisdiction to work 

expeditiously on legislation to authorize an open, public, and transparent redesign process that is collaborative and involves the various constituencies as partners including, but not limited to, the 

Congress, the Eisenhower family, the Eisenhower Commission, the 

National Park Service, the Commission on Fine Arts, and the National Capitol Planning Commission. 

In the interim, the Committee directs the Commission to cease 

all expenditures relating to the current memorial design. The Committee further directs that future monthly expenditures by the 

Commission are limited to payroll, rent, utilities and other fixed 

costs associated with essential daily operations of the Commission 

only. Lastly, the Committee directs the Commission to submit to 

the Committees on Appropriations a monthly report on all expenditures from amounts previously appropriated. 


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CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION

Appropriation enacted, 2014 .............................................................. $0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ....................................................................... 19,300,000 

Recommended, 2015 ........................................................................... 0 

Comparison: 

Appropriation, 2014 .................................................................... 0 

Budget estimate, 2015 ................................................................ ¥19,300,000 

The bill does not include funding for the Capital Construction account. 

TITLE IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Section 401 continues a provision prohibiting activities to promote public support or opposition to legislative proposals. 

Section 402 continues a provision providing for annual appropriations unless expressly provided otherwise in this Act. 

Section 403 continues a provision providing restrictions on departmental assessments unless approved by the Committees on Appropriations. 

Section 404 continues a limitation on accepting and processing 

applications for patents and on the patenting of Federal lands; permits processing of grandfathered applications; and permits thirdparty contractors to process grandfathered applications. 

Section 405 continues a provision regarding the payment of contract support costs for fiscal year 2013 and prior years. 

Section 406 addresses the payment of contract support costs for 

fiscal year 2014. 

Section 407 addresses the payment of contract support costs for 

fiscal year 2015. 

Section 408 continues a provision allowing Forest Service land 

management plans to be more than 15 years old if the Secretary 

is acting in good faith to update such plans and prohibiting the use 

of funds to implement new wilderness directives under the planning rule. 

Section 409 continues a provision limiting preleasing, leasing, 

and related activities within the boundaries of National Monuments. 

Section 410 continues a provision which restricts funding for acquisition of land from being used for declarations of taking or complaints in condemnation. 

Section 411 continues a provision addressing timber sales involving Alaskan western red cedar. 

Section 412 modifies a provision continuing certain authorities to 

renew grazing permits or leases administered by the Forest Service 

or Department of the Interior. 

Section 413 continues a provision which prohibits no-bid contracts and grants except under certain circumstances. 

Section 414 continues a provision which requires public disclosure of certain reports. 

Section 415 continues a provision which delineates the grant 

guidelines for the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Section 416 continues a provision which delineates the program 

priorities for the programs managed by the National Endowment 

for the Arts. 

Section 417 modifies existing insurance caps for loaned domestic 

and foreign works under the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act. 


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Section 418 continues a provision requiring the Department of 

the Interior, the EPA, the Forest Service, and the Indian Health 

Service to provide the Committees on Appropriations a quarterly 

report on the status of balances of appropriations. 

Section 419 requires the President to submit a report to the 

Committees on Appropriations no later than 120 days after the fiscal year 2016 budget is submitted to Congress describing in detail 

all Federal agency obligations and expenditures for climate change 

programs and activities in fiscal years 2014 and 2015. 

Section 420 continues a provision prohibiting the use of funds to 

promulgate or implement any regulation requiring the issuance of 

permits under title V of the Clean Air Act for carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapor, or methane emissions. 

Section 421 continues a provision prohibiting the use of funds to 

implement any provision in a rule if that provision requires mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems. 

Section 422 continues a provision limiting the use of funds to 

enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan 

guarantee to, corporations convicted of a felony criminal violation 

of Federal law within the preceding 24 months. Agencies shall provide an annual report to the Committee, due within 30 days of the 

end of each fiscal year, detailing its implementation of this provision, including a list of affected corporations and a justification for 

any cases in which the Department has determined that the limitation should not apply. 

Section 423 continues a provision limiting the use of funds to 

enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan 

guarantee to, corporations with certain unpaid Federal tax liabilities. Agencies shall provide an annual report to the Committee, 

due within 30 days of the end of each fiscal year, detailing its implementation of this provision, including a list of affected corporations and a justification for any cases in which the Department has 

determined that the limitation should not apply. 

Section 424 extends by one year the authorization for American 

Battlefield Protection program grants. 

Section 425 provides a one-year extension of the current rec fee 

authority. 

Section 426 prohibits the use of funds to regulate the lead content of ammunition or fishing tackle. 

Section 427 continues a provision from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 modifying authorities relating to the Dwight D. 

Eisenhower Memorial Commission. 

Section 428 extends the maximum authorized term for grazing 

permits and leases. 

Section 429 prohibits the use of funds to develop, adopt, implement, administer, or enforce a change or supplement to a rule or 

guidance documents pertaining to the definition of waters under 

the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. 

Section 430 prohibits the use of funds to develop, carry out, implement, or enforce proposed regulations published on June 18, 

2010. 


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Section 431 prohibits the use of funds to limit recreational shooting and hunting on Federal and public lands except for public safety. 

Section 432 prohibits the use of funds to develop, propose, finalize, administer, or implement the National Ocean Policy under Executive Order 13547; requires a report identifying all Federal expenditures for the development, administration, or implementation 

of such Policy since fiscal year 2011; and requires that the President’s budget submission for fiscal year 2016 identify funding proposed for the implementation of such Policy. The Committee is including the general provision in order to ascertain the potentially 

far-reaching impacts of this policy established in 2010 without Congressional input. 

Section 433 prohibits EPA from using funds to implement, administer, or enforce the lead renovation rule until EPA has approved a commercially available lead test kit. 

Section 434 prohibits EPA from using funds to develop, propose, 

finalize, implement, enforce, or administer any regulation that 

would establish new financial responsibility requirements under 

CERCLA. 

Section 435 prohibits EPA from using funds to develop, issue, implement, or enforce any greenhouse gas New Source Performance 

Standards on any new or existing source that is an electric utility 

generating unit. 

Section 436 prohibits the use of funds to compile or disclose personal information of dairy or livestock owners, operators, and employees unless the information was voluntarily offered or aggregated at the local level. 

Section 437 makes available vacant allotments for permittees impacted by drought or wildland fire. 

Section 438 clarifies the protection of water rights with regard to 

Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management permits. 

Section 439 prohibits the use of funds from making any change 

to the regulations in effect on October 1, 2012, pertaining to the 

definitions of the terms ‘‘fill material’’ or ‘‘discharge of fill material’’. 

Section 440 places a limitation on administrative costs for programs addressing invasive species. 

Section 441 maintains the long-standing exemption under the 

definition of solid waste for legitimate scrap metal recyclers. 

Section 442 designates February 22, George Washington’s actual 

birthday, as a national holiday. 

Section 443 prohibits EPA from finalizing a rule to allow the 

Agency to collect fines and penalties via administratively garnishing wages. 

Section 444 applies Buy American requirements to the Drinking 

Water State Revolving Fund. 

Section 445 establishes a Spending Reduction Account in the bill. 

BILL-WIDE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The following items are included in accordance with various requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives: 


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FULL COMMITTEE VOTES

Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules 

of the House of Representatives, the results of each roll call vote 

on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the 

names of those voting for and those voting against, are printed 

below: 


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STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following is a statement of general performance goals and objectives for which this measure authorizes funding: 

The Committee on Appropriations considers program performance, including a program’s success in developing and attaining 

outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing funding recommendations. 

RESCISSION OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following table is submitted describing the 

rescission recommended in the accompanying bill: 

Department and activity: 

Amounts recommended for rescission: 

Department of the Interior: Landowner Incentive Program 

$2,000,000. 

Department of the Interior: Private Stewardship Grants $24,000. 

Department of the Interior: Land and Water Conservation Fund 

(contract authority) $28,000,000. 

Environmental Protection Agency: STAG $45,000,000. 

TRANSFERS OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following table is submitted describing the 

transfer of funds in the accompanying bill. 


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DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED

SPENDING ITEMS

Neither the bill nor the report contains any Congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined by 

clause 9 of rule XXI. 

COMPLIANCE WITH RULE XIII, CLAUSE 3(e) (RAMSEYER RULE)

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, 

as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, 

and existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in 

roman): 

TITLE 31, UNITED STATES CODE 

* * * * * * * 

SUBTITLE V—GENERAL ASSISTANCE 

ADMINISTRATION 

* * * * * * * 

CHAPTER 69—PAYMENT FOR ENTITLEMENT LAND 

* * * * * * * 

§ 6906. Funding 

For each of fiscal years 2008 through ø2014¿ 2015— (1) each county or other eligible unit of local government 

shall be entitled to payment under this chapter; and 

(2) sums shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior for obligation or expenditure in accordance with this chapter. 

* * * * * * * 

CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2012 

(Public Law 112–74) 

* * * * * * * 


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DIVISION E—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

ACT, 2012 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

* * * * * * * 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT ACTIONS REGARDING 

GRAZING ON PUBLIC LANDS 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 115. (a) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(d) Provisions of this section shall apply to fiscal years 2012 

through ø2014¿ 2017. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 122. (a) EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW REQUIRED.— 

(1) For øfiscal years 2012 through 2015¿ fiscal year 2012 and 

each fiscal year thereafter, a person may bring a civil action 

challenging a decision of the Bureau of Land Management concerning grazing on public lands (as defined in section 103(e) of 

the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 

U.S.C. 1702(e))) in a Federal district court only if the person 

has exhausted the administrative hearings and appeals procedures established by the Department of the Interior, including 

having filed a timely appeal and a request for stay. 

(2) An issue may be considered in the judicial review of a decision referred to in paragraph (1) only if the issue was raised 

in the administrative review process described in such paragraph. 

(3) An exception to the requirement of exhausting the administrative review process before seeking judicial review shall be 

available if a Federal court finds that the agency failed or was 

unable to make information timely available during the administrative review process for issues of material fact. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘‘timely’’ means within 120 

calendar days after the date that the challenge to the agency 

action or amendment at issue is received for administrative review. 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 

EXTENSION OF GRAZING PERMITS

SEC. 415. The terms and conditions of section 325 of Public Law 

108-108 (117 Stat. 1307), regarding grazing permits at the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service, shall remain in effect 

for øfiscal years 2012 through 2015¿ fiscal year 2012 and each fisVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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cal year thereafter. A grazing permit or lease issued by the Secretary of the Interior for lands administered by the Bureau of Land 

Management that is the subject of a request for a grazing preference transfer shall be issued, without further processing, for the 

remaining time period in the existing permit or lease using the 

same mandatory terms and conditions. If the authorized officer determines a change in the mandatory terms and conditions is required, the new permit must be processed as directed in section 

325 of Public Law 108-108. 

* * * * * * * 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND 

RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2010 

* * * * * * * 

DIVISION A—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 

ACT, 2010 

The following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the 

Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending 

September 30, 2010, and for other purposes, namely: 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

* * * * * * * 

FOREST ECOSYSTEM HEALTH AND RECOVERY FUND 

(REVOLVING FUND, SPECIAL ACCOUNT)

In addition to the purposes authorized in Public Law 102-381, 

funds made available in the Forest Ecosystem Health and Recovery 

Fund can be used through fiscal year ø2015¿ 2020 for the purpose 

of planning, preparing, implementing and monitoring salvage timber sales and forest ecosystem health and recovery activities, such 

as release from competing vegetation and density control treatments. The Federal share of receipts (defined as the portion of salvage timber receipts not paid to the counties under 43 U.S.C. 1181f 

and 43 U.S.C. 1181f–1 et seq., and Public Law 106–393) derived 

from treatments funded by this account shall be deposited through 

fiscal year ø2015¿ 2020 into the Forest Ecosystem Health and Recovery Fund. 

* * * * * * * 


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND 

RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006 

(Public Law 109–54) 

AN ACT Making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, 

and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other 

purposes. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 

United States of America in Congress assembled, That the following 

sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 

2006, and for other purposes, namely: 

TITLE II—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

* * * * * * * 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

For fiscal year 2006, notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 6303(1) and 

6305(1), the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in carrying out the Agency’s function to implement directly Federal environmental programs required or authorized by law in the 

absence of an acceptable tribal program, may award cooperative 

agreements to federally-recognized Indian Tribes or Intertribal consortia, if authorized by their member Tribes, to assist the Administrator in implementing Federal environmental programs for Indian 

Tribes required or authorized by law, except that no such cooperative agreements may be awarded from funds designated for State 

financial assistance agreements. 

The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to collect and obligate pesticide registration service fees in 

accordance with section 33 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, 

and Rodenticide Act (as added by subsection (f)(2) of the Pesticide 

Registration Improvement Act of 2003), as amended. 

Notwithstanding CERCLA 104(k)(4)(B)(i)(IV), appropriated funds 

for fiscal year 2006 may be used to award grants or loans under 

section 104(k) of CERCLA to eligible entities that satisfy all of the 

elements set forth in CERCLA section 101(40) to qualify as a bona 

fide prospective purchaser except that the date of acquisition of the 

property was prior to the date of enactment of the Small Business 

Liability Relief and Brownfield Revitalization Act of 2001. 

For fiscal years 2006 through ø2015¿ 2020., the Administrator 

may, after consultation with the Office of Personnel Management, 

employ up to fifty persons at any one time in the Office of Research 

and Development under the authority provided in 42 U.S.C. 209. 

Beginning in fiscal year 2006 and thereafter, and notwithstanding section 306 of the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Federal share of the cost of radon program activities implemented with 

Federal assistance under section 306 shall not exceed 60 percent in 

the third and subsequent grant years. 

* * * * * * * 


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ARTS AND ARTIFACTS INDEMNITY ACT 

* * * * * * * 

FEDERAL COUNCIL

SEC. 2. (a) * * * 

(b)(1) For purposes of this Act, the Council shall be an ‘‘agency’’ 

within the meaning of the appropriate definitions of such term in 

title 5, United States Code. 

(2) For purposes of this Act, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the Director of the National Gallery of Art, the member 

designated by the Chairman of the Senate Commission øof Art¿ on 

Art and Antiquities and the member designated by the Speaker of 

the House of Representatives shall not serve as members of the 

Council. 

* * * * * * * 

INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

SEC. 5. (a) * * * 

(b) The aggregate of loss or damage covered by indemnity agreements made under this Act shall not exceed ø$10,000,000,000¿ 

$15,000,000,000, at any one time for international exhibitions, and 

ø$5,000,000,000¿ $7,500,000,000 at any one time for domestic exhibitions. 

(c) No indemnity agreement for a single exhibition shall cover 

loss or damage in excess of ø$1,200,000,000¿ $1,800,000,000 for 

international exhibitions, or ø$750,000,000¿ $1,000,000,000 for domestic exhibitions. 

(d) If the estimated value of the items covered by an indemnity 

agreement for a single exhibition is— 

(1) $2,000,000 or less, then coverage under this Act shall extend only to loss or damage in excess of the first $15,000 of 

loss or damage to items covered; (2) more than $2,000,000 but less than $10,000,000, then 

coverage under this Act shall extend only to loss or damage in 

excess of the first $25,000 of loss or damage to items covered; (3) not less than $10,000,000 but less than $125,000,000, 

then coverage under this Act shall extend to loss or damage in 

excess of the first $50,000 of loss or damage to items covered; (4) not less than $125,000,000 but less than $200,000, then 

coverage under this Act shall extend to loss or damage in excess of the first $100,000 of loss or damage to items covered; (5) not less than $200,000,000 but less than $300,000,000, 

then coverage under the Act shall extend only to loss or damage in excess of the first $200,000, of loss or damage to items 

covered; 

(6) not less than $300,000,000 but less than $400,000,000, 

then coverage under this chapter shall extend only to loss or 

damage in excess of the first $300,000 of loss or damage to 

items covered; 

(7) not less than $400,000,000 but less than $500,000,000, 

then coverage under this chapter shall extend only to loss or 

damage in excess of the first $400,000 of loss or damage to 

items covered; or 


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(8) $500,000,000 or more, then coverage under this øchapter¿ 

Act shall extend only to loss or damage in excess of the first $500,000 of loss or damage to items covered. 

* * * * * * * 

ACT OF MARCH 30, 2009 

(Public Law 111–11) 

AN ACT To designate certain land as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department 

of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes. 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE VII—NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 

AUTHORIZATIONS 

* * * * * * * 

Subtitle D—Program Authorizations 

SEC. 7301. AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD PROTECTION PROGRAM. 

(a) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(c) BATTLEFIELD ACQUISITION GRANT PROGRAM.— (1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 

(A) BATTLEFIELD REPORT.—The term ‘‘Battlefield Report’’ 

means the document entitled ‘‘Report on the Nation’s Civil 

War Battlefields’’, prepared by the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission, and dated July 1993. 

(B) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘‘eligible entity’’ means 

a State or local government. 

(C) ELIGIBLE SITE.—The term ‘‘eligible site’’ means a 

site— 

(i) that is not within the exterior boundaries of a 

unit of the National Park System; and 

(ii) that is identified in the Battlefield Report. 

(D) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the American Battlefield Protection Program. 

(2) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall establish a battlefield acquisition grant program under which the Secretary may 

provide grants to eligible entities to pay the Federal share of 

the cost of acquiring interests in eligible sites for the preservation and protection of those eligible sites. 

(3) NONPROFIT PARTNERS.—An eligible entity may acquire an 

interest in an eligible site using a grant under this subsection 

in partnership with a nonprofit organization. 

(4) NON-FEDERAL SHARE.—The non-Federal share of the total 

cost of acquiring an interest in an eligible site under this subsection shall be not less than 50 percent. 


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(5) LIMITATION ON LAND USE.—An interest in an eligible site 

acquired under this subsection shall be subject to section 6(f)(3) 

of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 

U.S.C. 460l-8(f)(3)). 

(6) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized 

to be appropriated to the Secretary to provide grants under 

this subsection $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 

through ø2014¿ 2015. 

* * * * * * * 

FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT ACT 

* * * * * * * 

DIVISION J—OTHER MATTERS 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE VIII—FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT 

ACT 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 810. SUNSET PROVISION. 

The authority of the Secretary to carry out this Act shall terminate ø10 years¿ 12 years after the date of the enactment of this 

Act. 

* * * * * * * 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2000 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE VIII—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 8162. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL. (a) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(m) AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH MEMORIAL.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may establish a permanent memorial to Dwight D. Eisenhower on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior in the District of Columbia or its environs. 

(2) COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS FOR COMMEMORATIVE

WORKS.—The establishment of the memorial shall be in accordance with the Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. 1001 et 

seq.). 

(3) EXPIRATION.—Any reference in section 8903(e) of title 40, 

U.S.C. to the expiration at the end of, or extension beyond, a 

7-year period shall be considered to be a reference to an expiration on, or extension beyond, øSeptember 30, 2014¿ September 

30, 2015. 

* * * * * * * 


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FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 

1976 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE IV—RANGE MANAGEMENT 

* * * * * * * 

GRAZING LEASES AND PERMITS

SEC. 402. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, 

permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing on public lands 

issued by the Secretary under the Act of June 28, 1934 (48 Stat. 

1269, as amended; 43 U.S.C. 315 et. seq.) or the Act of August 28, 

1937 (50 Stat. 874, as amended; 43 U.S.C. 1181a–1181j), or by the 

Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to lands within National Forests in the sixteen contiguous Western States, shall be for a term 

of øten years¿ 20 years subject to such terms and conditions the 

Secretary concerned deems appropriate and consistent with the 

governing law, including, but not limited to, the authority of the 

Secretary concerned to cancel, suspend, or modify a grazing permit 

or lease, in whole or in part, pursuant to the terms and conditions 

thereof, or to cancel or suspend a grazing permit or lease for any 

violation of a grazing regulation or of any term or condition of such 

grazing permit or lease. 

(b) Permits or leases may be issued by the Secretary concerned 

for a period shorter than øten years¿ 20 years where the Secretary 

concerned determines that— 

(1) the land is pending disposal; or 

(2) the land will be devoted to a public purpose prior to the 

end of øten years¿ 20 years; or 

(3) it will be in the best interest of sound land management 

to specify a shorter term: Provided, That the absence from an 

allotment management plan of details the Secretary concerned 

would like to include but which are undeveloped shall not be 

the basis for establishing a term shorter than øten years¿ 20 

years: Provided further, That the absence of completed land use 

plans or court ordered environmental statements shall not be 

the sole basis for establishing a term shorter than øten years¿ 

20 years unless the Secretary determines on a case-by-case 

basis that the information to be contained in such land use 

plan or court ordered environmental impact statement is necessary to determine whether a shorter term should be established for any of the reasons set forth in items (1) through (3) 

of this subsection. 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE 

* * * * * * * 

PART III—EMPLOYEES 

* * * * * * * 


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SUBPART E—ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE 

* * * * * * * 

CHAPTER 61—HOURS OF WORK 

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 

§ 6103. Holidays 

(a) The following are legal public holidays: 

New Year’s Day, January 1. 

Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., the third Monday in 

January. 

øWashington’s Birthday, the third Monday in February.¿ 

Washington’s Birthday, February 22. 

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May. 

Independence Day, July 4. 

Labor Day, the first Monday in September. 

Columbus Day, the second Monday in October. 

Veterans Day, November 11. 

Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November. 

Christmas Day, December 25. 

* * * * * * * 

CHANGES IN APPLICATION OF EXISTING LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted 

describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill, which 

directly or indirectly change the application of existing law. In most 

instances these provisions have been included in prior appropriations Acts. 

The bill includes the following changes in application of existing 

law: 

OVERALL BILL

Providing that certain appropriations remain available until expended or extends the availability of funds beyond the fiscal year 

where programs or projects are continuing but for which legislation 

does not specifically authorize such extended availability. This authority tends to result in savings by preventing the practice of committing funds on low priority projects at the end of the fiscal year 

to avoid losing the funds. 

Limiting, in certain instances, the obligation of funds for particular functions or programs. These limitations include restrictions 

on the obligation of funds for administrative expenses, travel expenses, the use of consultants, and programmatic areas within the 

overall jurisdiction of a particular agency. 

Limiting official entertainment or reception and representation 

expenses for selected agencies in the bill. 

Continuing ongoing activities of those Federal agencies, which require annual authorization or additional legislation, which has not 

been enacted. 


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TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT OF LANDS AND RESOURCES

Providing funds to the Bureau for the management of lands and 

resources. 

Providing funds to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 

under certain conditions. 

Permitting the use of fees for processing applications for permit 

to drill. 

Permitting the use of mining fee collections for program operations. 

Permitting the use of fees from communication site rentals. 

LAND ACQUISITION

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from the Land 

and Water Conservation Fund. 

OREGON AND CALIFORNIA GRANT LANDS

Providing funds for the Oregon and California Grant Lands. 

Authorizing the transfer of certain collections from the Oregon 

and California Land Grants Fund to the Treasury. 

RANGE IMPROVEMENTS

Allowing certain funds to be transferred to the Department of the 

Interior for range improvements. 

SERVICE CHARGES, DEPOSITS, AND FORFEITURES

Allowing the use of certain collected funds for certain administrative costs and operation of termination of certain facilities. 

Allowing the use of funds on any damaged public lands. 

Authorizing the Secretary to use monies from forfeitures, compromises or settlements for improvement, protection and rehabilitation of public lands under certain conditions. 

MISCELLANEOUS TRUST FUNDS

Allowing certain contributed funds to be advanced for administrative costs and other activities of the Bureau. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Permitting the Bureau to enter into agreements with public and 

private entities, including States. 

Permitting the Bureau to manage improvements to which the 

United States has title. 

Permitting the payment of rewards for information on violations 

of law on Bureau lands. 

Providing for cost-sharing arrangements for printing services. 

Permitting the Bureau to conduct certain projects for State governments on a reimbursable basis. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for the destruction of wild horses 

and burros. 


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UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Limiting funds for certain Endangered Species Act programs. 

Limiting funds for Landscape Conservation Cooperatives. 

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM

Limiting funds for establishing new refuges or expanding the 

boundaries of existing refuges unless expressly authorized by the 

Congress. 

FISH AND AQUATIC CONSERVATION

Specifically authorizing conservation, mitigation, Indian trust, 

and recreational fishing activities. 

Requiring the Secretary to annually determine and report on the 

Federal government’s hatchery mitigation responsibilities, and to 

fulfill them. 

Requiring the Secretary to be reimbursed by other Federal agencies for fulfilling hatchery mitigation responsibilities. 

Limiting funds for termination or closure of mitigation fish 

hatcheries and programs. 

Requiring the publication of an annual operations and maintenance plan. 

COOPERATIVE ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND

Providing that a portion of the appropriation may be derived 

from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

STATE AND TRIBAL WILDLIFE GRANTS

Providing for a State and Tribal wildlife grants program. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Providing that programs may be carried out by direct expenditure, contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and reimbursable 

agreements with public and private entities. 

Providing for repair of damage to public roads. 

Providing options for the purchase of land not to exceed $1. 

Permitting cost-shared arrangements for printing services. 

Permitting the acceptance of donated aircraft. 

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

OPERATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

Designating funds for Everglades restoration. 

Providing for repair, rehabilitation and maintenance of National 

Park Service assets. 

NATIONAL RECREATION AND PRESERVATION

Providing for expenses not otherwise provided for. 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Providing for expenses derived from the Historic Preservation 

Fund. 


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CONSTRUCTION

Providing funds for construction, improvements, repair or replacement of physical facilities including modified water deliveries 

to Everglades National Park with certain restrictions. 

Providing that a single procurement may be issued for any 

project funded in fiscal year 2015 with a future phase indicated in 

the National Park Service 5-year Line Item Construction Plan. 

LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

Rescinding Land and Water Conservation Fund contract authority. 

LAND ACQUISITION AND STATE ASSISTANCE

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from the Land 

and Water Conservation Fund. 

CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE

Providing funds for Centennial Challenge projects with no less 

than 50 percent of the cost of each project derived from non-Federal sources. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing certain franchise fees to be available for expenditure 

without further appropriation to extinguish or reduce liability for 

certain possessory interests. 

Providing for the retention of administrative costs under certain 

Land and Water Conservation Fund programs. 

Allowing National Park Service funds to be transferred to the 

Federal Highway Administration for purposes authorized under 23 

U.S.C. 204 for reasonable administrative support costs. 

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH

Providing funds to classify lands as to their mineral and water 

resources. 

Providing funds to give engineering supervision to power permittees and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensees. 

Limiting funds for the conduct of new surveys on private property without permission. 

Limiting funds for cooperative topographic mapping or water resource data collection and investigations. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing funds to be used for certain contracting, technical services, construction, maintenance, acquisition, and representation expenses. 

Permitting the use of certain contracts, grants, and cooperative 

agreements. 

Recognizing students and recent graduates as Federal employees 

for the purposes of travel and work injury compensation. 


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BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Permitting funds for mineral leasing and environmental study; 

enforcing laws and contracts; and for matching grants. 

Providing that funds may be used which shall be derived from 

non-refundable cost recovery fees collected in 2014. 

Permitting the use of certain excess receipts from Outer Continental Shelf leasing activities. 

Providing for reasonable expenses related to volunteer beach and 

marine cleanup activities. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for regulating non-lease holders. 

BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT

Permitting funds for mineral leasing and environmental study; 

enforcing laws and contracts; and for matching grants. 

Providing that funds may be used which shall be derived from 

non-refundable cost recovery fees collected in 2014. 

Permitting the use of certain excess receipts from Outer Continental Shelf leasing activities. 

Permitting the use of funds derived from non-refundable inspection fees collecting in 2014. 

Requiring that not less than 50 percent of inspection fees expended be used on personnel, expanding capacity and reviewing applications for permit to drill. 

OIL SPILL RESEARCH

Providing that funds shall be derived from the Oil Spill Liability 

Trust Fund. 

OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Permitting payment to State and tribal personnel for travel and 

per diem expenses for training. 

Permitting the use of certain offsetting collections from permit 

fees. 

ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND

Allowing the use of debt recovery to pay for debt collection. 

Allowing that certain funds made available under title IV of Public Law 95–87 may be used for any required non-Federal share of 

the cost of certain projects. 

Allowing funds to be used for travel expenses of State and tribal 

personnel while attending certain OSM training. 

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION

OPERATION OF INDIAN PROGRAMS

Limiting funds for official reception and representation expenses. 

Limiting funds for welfare assistance payments, except for disaster relief. 

Allowing tribal priority allocation funds to be used for unmet 

welfare assistance costs. 

Limiting funds for school operations of Bureau-funded schools 

and other education programs. 


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Permitting the use of tribal priority allocations for general assistance payments to individuals and school operations costs. 

Limiting funds for administrative cost grants under certain circumstances. 

Allowing the transfer of certain forestry funds. 

Allowing the use of funds to purchase uniforms or other identifying articles of clothing for personnel. 

CONSTRUCTION

Providing for the transfer of Navajo irrigation project funds to 

the Bureau of Reclamation. 

Providing that six percent of Federal Highway Trust Fund contract authority may be used for construction management costs. 

Providing Safety of Dams funds on a non-reimbursable basis. 

Requiring the use of administrative and cost accounting principles for certain school construction projects and exempting such 

projects from certain requirements. 

Requiring conformance with building codes and health and safety 

standards. 

Specifying the procedure for dispute resolution. 

Limiting the control of construction projects when certain time 

frames have not been met. 

Allowing reimbursement of construction costs from the Office of 

Special Trustee. 

INDIAN GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Limiting funds for administrative expenses and for subsidizing 

total loan principal. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing the use of funds for direct expenditure, contracts, cooperative agreements, compacts, and grants. 

Allowing contracting for the San Carlos Irrigation Project. 

Limiting the use of funds for certain contracts, grants and cooperative agreements. 

Allowing Tribes to return appropriated funds. 

Prohibiting funding of Alaska schools. 

Limiting the number of schools and the expansion of grade levels 

in individual schools. 

Specifying distribution of indirect and administrative costs for 

certain Tribes. 

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Allowing the use of certain funds for official reception and representation expenses. 

Permitting payments to former Bureau of Mines workers. 

Designating funds for mineral revenue management activities. 

Designating funds for consolidated appraisal services to be derived from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

Designating funds for mineral revenue management activities. 

Allowing certain refunds of overpayments in connection with certain Indian leases. 


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ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing certain payments authorized for the Payments in Lieu 

of Taxes Program to be retained for administrative expenses. 

Providing that no Payments in Lieu of Taxes Program payment 

be made to otherwise eligible units of local government if the computed amount of the payment is less than $100. 

Providing that a payment made to a unit of general local government for fiscal year 2015 may be reduced by the Secretary to correct overpayments, and increased by the Secretary to correct underpayments, to such unit of local government for the previous fiscal year. 

Extending mandatory funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes. 

INSULAR AFFAIRS

ASSISTANCE TO TERRITORIES

Designating funds for various programs and for salaries and expenses of the Office of Insular Affairs. 

Allowing audits of the financial transactions of the Territorial 

and Insular governments by the GAO. 

Providing grant funding under certain terms of the Agreement of 

the Special Representatives on Future United States Financial Assistance for the Northern Mariana Islands. 

Providing for capital infrastructure in various Territories. 

Allowing appropriations for disaster assistance to be used as nonFederal matching funds for hazard mitigation grants. 

COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION

Providing grants to Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, INSULAR AFFAIRS

Allowing, at the request of the Governor of Guam, for certain discretionary or mandatory funds to be used to assist securing certain 

rural electrification loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

OFFICE OF SPECIAL TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS

FEDERAL TRUST PROGRAMS

Limiting the amount of funding available for the historical accounting of Indian trust fund accounts. 

Allowing transfers to other Department of the Interior accounts. 

Providing no-year funding for certain Indian Self-Determination 

Act grants. 

Exempting quarterly statements for Indian trust accounts $15 or 

less. 

Requiring annual statements and records maintenance for Indian 

trust accounts. 

Limiting use of funds to correct administrative errors in Indian 

trust accounts. 

Permitting the use of recoveries from erroneous payments pursuant to Indian trust accounts. 


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DEPARTMENT-WIDE PROGRAMS 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Providing funds for wildland fire management. 

Designating funds for renovation or construction of fire facilities 

and designating funds for Wildfire suppression operations. 

Permitting the repayments of funds transferred from other accounts for firefighting. 

Designating funds for hazardous fuels and burned area rehabilitation. 

Permitting the use of funds for lodging and subsistence of firefighters. 

Permitting the use of grants, contracts and cooperative agreements for hazardous fuels reduction, including cost-sharing and 

local assistance. 

Permitting cost-sharing of cooperative agreements with non-Federal entities under certain circumstances. 

Providing for local competition for hazardous fuel reduction activities. 

Permitting reimbursement to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

and the National Marine Fisheries Service for consultation activities under the Endangered Species Act. 

Providing certain terms for leases of real property with local governments. 

Providing for the transfer of funds between the Department of 

the Interior and the Department of Agriculture for wildland fire 

management. 

Providing funds for support of Federal emergency response actions. 

Allowing for international forestry assistance to or through the 

Department of State. 

FLAME WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION RESERVE FUND

Providing funds for the FLAME fund. 

CENTRAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FUND

Providing funds for response action, including associated activities, performed pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. 

NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FUND

Providing funds for activities to carry out the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, and 

Public Law 101–337. 

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

Allowing funds for the financial and business management system and information technology improvement. 

Prohibiting use of funds to establish reserves in the working capital fund with exceptions. 


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Allowing assessments for reasonable charges for training services 

at the National Indian Program Center and use of these funds 

under certain conditions. 

Providing space and related facilities or the lease of related facilities, equipment or professional services of the National Indian Program Training Center to state, local and Tribal employees or other 

persons for cultural, educational or recreational activities. 

Providing that the Secretary may enter into grants and cooperative agreements to support the Office of Natural Resource Revenue’s collection and disbursement of royalties, fees, and other mineral revenue proceeds, as authorized by law. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

Allowing acquisition of certain aircraft. 

Allowing the sale of existing aircraft with proceeds used to offset 

the purchase price of replacement aircraft. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Allowing transfer of funds for certain reconstruction of facilities, 

aircraft or utilities in emergency situations. 

Allowing transfer of funds in certain emergency situations, including wildfires and oil spill response, if other funds provided in 

other accounts will be exhausted within 30 days and a supplemental appropriation is requested as promptly as possible. 

Permitting the Department to use limited funding for certain 

services. 

Permitting the transfer of funds between the Bureau of Indian 

Affairs and the Office of Special Trustee for American Indians and 

limiting amounts for historical accounting activities. 

Authorizing the acquisition of lands and leases for Ellis, Governors and Liberty Islands. 

Providing the authority for the Secretary to collect nonrefundable 

inspection fees. 

Providing the authority for the Secretary to implement an oil and 

gas leasing Internet program. 

Permitting the reorganization of the Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management, Enforcement and Regulation. 

Permitting the Secretary of the Interior to enter into long-term 

agreements for wild horse and burro holding facilities. 

Requiring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to mark hatchery 

salmon. 

Addressing BLM actions regarding grazing on public lands. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to implement, administer or enforce 

Secretarial Order 3310. 

Providing the Secretary of the Interior statutory authority to 

enter into rental or lease agreements that benefit Bureau of Indian 

Education operated schools. 

Continuing through fiscal year 2020 forest ecosystem health and 

recovery activities. 

Maintaining the status quo on regulations relating to the legal 

domestic trade and transport of products containing ivory. 

Suspending any further study, withdrawal or finalization of any 

rule pertaining to the valley elderberry longhorn beetle and reopening the public comment period. 


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Limiting funds for a proposed rule for sage-grouse pursuant to 

the Endangered Species Act. 

Requiring the Fish and Wildlife Service to issue a recovery plan 

and economic analysis of recovery plan actions for certain amphibians. 

TITLE II—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Providing for operating expenses in support of research and development. 

Designating funding for National Priorities research as specified 

in the explanatory statement to this Act. 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT

Allowing hire and maintenance of passenger motor vehicles and 

operation of aircraft and purchase of reprints and library memberships in societies or associations which issue publications to members only or at a price to members lower than to subscribers who 

are not members. 

Limiting amounts for official representation and reception expenses. 

Providing two-year funding availability for administrative costs 

of Brownfields program. 

Designating funding for National Priorities as specified in the explanatory statement to this Act. 

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SUPERFUND

Allowing distribution of funds to purchase services from other 

agencies under certain circumstances. 

Providing for the transfer of funds within certain agency accounts. 

LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAM

Providing for grants to Federally-recognized Indian Tribes. 

STATE AND TRIBAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Limiting funding amounts for certain programs. 

Specifying funding for capitalization grants for the Clean Water 

and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and allowing certain 

amounts for additional subsidies. 

Designating funds for specific sections of law. 

Providing certain grants under authority of Section 103, Clean 

Air Act. 

Providing waivers for certain uses of Clean Water and Drinking 

Water State Revolving Funds for State administrative costs for 

grants to federally-recognized Indian Tribes and grants to specific 

Territories and Freely Associated States. 

Requiring that 10 percent Clean Water and 20 percent of Drinking Water funds shall be used by States for forgiveness of principal 

or negative interest loans. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for jurisdictions that permit development or construction of additional colonia areas. 


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Providing funding for environmental information exchange network initiatives grants, statistical surveys of water resources and 

enhancements to State monitoring programs, tribal grants, and underground storage tank projects. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Allowing awards of grants to federally-recognized Indian Tribes. 

Authorizing the collection and obligation of pesticide registration 

service fees. 

Allowing the transfer of funds from the ‘‘Environmental Programs and Management’’ account to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and providing for certain interagency agreements and grants to various entities in support of this effort. 

Providing amounts for construction, alteration, repair, rehabilitation, and renovation of facilities. 

Authorizing additional persons that may be hired under certain 

authorities. 

Providing for grants to federally recognized Tribes. 

TITLE III—RELATED AGENCIES 

FOREST SERVICE

FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH

Providing funds for forest and rangeland research. 

Designating funds for the forest inventory and analysis program. 

STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY

Providing for forest health management, including treatments of 

certain pests or invasive plants, and for restoring damaged forests, 

and for cooperative forestry, education and land conservation activities, and conducting an international program. 

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

Providing funds for the National Forest System. 

Depositing funds in the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund. 

Designating funds for forest products. 

Designating funds in the Integrated Resource Restoration pilot 

program. 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Providing funds for construction, reconstruction, and maintenance and acquisition of buildings and other facilities and infrastructure; and for construction, capital improvement, decommissioning, and maintenance of forest roads and trails. 

Requiring that funds becoming available in fiscal year 2014 for 

the road and trails fund (16 U.S.C. 501) shall be transferred to the 

Treasury. 

Providing for the transfer of funds to the National Forest System 

for the Integrated Resource Restoration pilot program. 


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LAND ACQUISITION

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from the Land 

and Water Conservation Fund. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SPECIAL ACTS

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from forest receipts. 

ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO COMPLETE LAND EXCHANGES

Requiring that funding for the program is derived from funds deposited by State, county, or municipal governments and non-Federal parties pursuant to Land Sale and Exchange Acts. 

RANGE BETTERMENT FUND

Providing that fifty percent of monies received for grazing fees 

shall be used for range improvements and limiting administrative 

expenses to six percent. 

GIFTS, DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS

Providing for gifts, donations and bequest per Federal law. 

MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FORESTS FOR SUBSISTENCE USES

Providing funds for subsistence uses per the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. 

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Permitting the use of funds for emergency rehabilitation and restoration and hazardous fuels reduction to support emergency response and wildfire suppression. 

Allowing the use of wildland fire funds to repay advances from 

other accounts. 

Allowing reimbursement of States for certain wildfire emergency 

activities. 

Designating funds for the Joint Fire Sciences Program and extending authorities for Fire Science Research. 

Allowing funds to be available for emergency rehabilitation, hazardous fuels reduction and emergency response. 

Designating funds for suppression, hazardous fuels reduction and 

national fire plan research. 

Designating funds for State fire assistance and volunteer fire assistance Federal and State and private lands. 

Providing for the acquisition of fire-fighting aircraft. 

Providing for cooperative agreements and grants. 

Allowing funds available for Community Forest Restoration Act 

to be used on non-Federal land. 

Limiting the transfer of wildland fire management funds between the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture. 

Designating the use of hazardous fuels reduction funds for biomass grants. 

Providing that funds transferred from the FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund shall be assessed for cost pools. 


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Permitting the transfer of funds for the Integrated Resources 

Restoration pilot. 

FLAME WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION RESERVE FUND

Providing funds for the FLAME fund and authorizing transfers 

under certain conditions. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Permitting the purchase of passenger motor vehicles and proceeds from the sale of aircraft may be used to purchase replacement aircraft. 

Allowing funds for certain employment contracts. 

Allowing funds to be used for purchase and alteration of buildings. 

Allowing for acquisition of certain lands and interests. 

Allowing expenses for certain volunteer activities. 

Providing for the cost of uniforms. 

Providing for debt collections on certain contracts. 

Allowing transfer of funds in certain emergency situations if all 

other funds provided for wildfire suppression will be obligated 

within 30 days and the Secretary notifies the Committees. 

Allowing funds to be used through the Agency for International 

Development for work in foreign countries and to support other forestry activities outside of the United States. 

Allowing the Forest Service, acting for the International Program, to sign certain funding agreements with foreign governments 

and institutions as well as with certain domestic agencies. 

Authorizing the expenditure or transfer of funds for wild horse 

and burro activities. 

Prohibiting the transfer of funds under the Department of Agriculture transfer authority under certain conditions. 

Limiting the transfer of funds for the Working Capital Fund and 

Department Reimbursable Program (also known as Greenbook 

charges). 

Limiting funds to support the Youth Conservation Corps and 

Public Lands Corps. 

Limiting the use of funds for official reception and representation 

expenses. 

Providing for matching funds for the National Forest Foundation 

and making permanent authorities for the National Forest Foundation regarding interest bearing accounts. 

Providing for matching funds for the National Fish and Wildlife 

Foundation. 

Allowing funds to be used for technical assistance for certain 

rural communities. 

Allowing funds for payments to counties in the Columbia River 

Gorge National Scenic Area. 

Allowing funds to be used for the Older Americans Act. 

Permitting funding assessments for facilities maintenance, rent, 

utilities, and other support services. 

Limiting funds to reimburse the Office of General Counsel at the 

Department of Agriculture. 

Permitting eligible employees to be considered a Federal Employee. 


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INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICES

Providing that tribal contract and grant funding is deemed obligated at the time of grant or contract award and remains available 

until expended. 

Providing no-year funds for contract medical care including the 

Indian Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund. 

Providing for loan repayment under sections 104 and 108 of the 

Indian Health Care Improvement Act with certain conditions and 

making the funds available for certain other purposes. 

Providing funding and allocation direction for the methamphetamine, domestic violence, and substance abuse programs. 

Providing that certain contracts and grants may be performed in 

two fiscal years. 

Providing for use of collections and reporting of collections under 

Title IV of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. 

Providing no-year funding for scholarship funds. 

Providing for the collection of individually identifiable health information relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act by the 

Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

Permitting the use of Indian Health Care Improvement Fund 

monies for facilities improvement and providing no-year funding 

availability. 

INDIAN HEALTH FACILITIES

Providing that facilities funds may be used to purchase land, 

modular buildings and trailers. 

Providing for TRANSAM equipment to be purchased from the 

Department of Defense. 

Prohibiting the use of funds for sanitation facilities for new 

homes funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

Allowing for the purchase of ambulances. 

Providing for a demolition fund. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Providing for per diem expenses for senior level positions. 

Providing for payments for telephone service in private residences in the field, purchase of motor vehicles, aircraft and reprints. 

Providing for purchase and erection of modular buildings. 

Providing funds for uniforms. 

Allowing funding to be used for attendance at professional meetings. 

Providing that health care may be extended to non-Indians at Indian Health Service facilities, subject to charges, and for the expenditure of collected funds. 

Providing for transfers of funds from the Department of Housing 

and Urban Development to the Indian Health Service. 

Prohibiting limitations on certain Federal travel and transportation expenses. 

Allowing de-obligation and re-obligation of funds applied to selfgovernance funding agreements. 


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Prohibiting the expenditure of funds to implement new eligibility 

regulations. 

Permitting certain reimbursements for goods and services provided to Tribes. 

Providing that reimbursements for training, technical assistance, 

or services include total costs. 

AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY

TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

Providing for the conduct of health studies, testing, and monitoring. 

Providing deadlines for health assessments and studies. 

Limiting the number of toxicological profiles. 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND OFFICE OF

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Limiting the use of funds for official reception and representation 

expenses. 

Designating the appointment and duties of the chairman. 

OFFICE OF NAVAJO AND HOPI INDIAN RELOCATION

Providing for the transfer of funds to the Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General. 

CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD

Permitting use of funds for hire of passenger vehicles, uniforms 

or allowances, and limiting the use of funds for per diem expenses 

and the number of senior level positions. 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Limiting certain lease terms. 

Providing for purchase of passenger vehicles and certain rental, 

repair and cleaning of uniforms. 

Designating funds for certain programs including the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture and providing 

no-year funds. 

Providing that funds may be used to support American overseas 

research centers. 

Allowing for advance payments to independent contractors performing research services or participating in official Smithsonian 

presentations. 

FACILITIES CAPITAL

Designating funds for maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and 

construction and for consultant services. 

Providing funding to continue construction of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 


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NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Allowing payment in advance for membership in library, museum, and art associations or societies. 

Allowing for purchase, repair, and cleaning of uniforms for 

guards and employees and allowances therefor. 

Allowing purchase or rental of devices for protecting buildings 

and contents thereof, and maintenance, alteration, improvement, 

and repair of buildings, approaches, and grounds. 

Providing for restoration and repair of works of art by contract 

under certain circumstances. 

Providing no-year funds for special exhibitions. 

REPAIR, RESTORATION, AND RENOVATION OF BUILDINGS

Providing lease agreements of no more than 10 years addressing 

space needs created by renovations under the Master Facilities 

Plan. 

Permitting the Gallery to perform work by contract under certain 

circumstances. 

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Providing funds to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Kennedy Center for operational and maintenance 

costs. 

CAPITAL REPAIR AND RESTORATION

Providing funds to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Kennedy Center for facility repair. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Providing funds for the support of projects and productions in the 

arts, including arts education and public outreach activities. 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES

GRANTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Specifying funds to carry out the matching grants program. 

Allowing obligation of National Endowment for the Humanities 

current and prior year funds from gifts, bequests, and devises of 

money for which equal amounts have not previously been appropriated. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS

AND THE HUMANITIES

Prohibiting the use of funds for grants and contracts which do 

not include the text of 18 U.S.C. 1913. 

Prohibiting the use of appropriated funds and permitting the use 

of non-appropriated funds for reception expenses. 


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Allowing the chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts 

to approve small grants under certain circumstances. 

COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Permitting the charging and use of fees for its publications and 

accepting gifts related to the history of the Nation’s Capital. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Providing funding for the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs. 

NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Providing funding for the National Capital Planning Commission. 

Providing that one-quarter of one percent may be used for official 

reception and representational expenses. 

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Designating funds for equipment replacement. 

Designating funds for repair, rehabilitation and for exhibition design and production and providing no year availability for these 

funds. 

TITLE IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Prohibiting the use of funds to promote or oppose legislative proposals on which Congressional action is incomplete. 

Providing for annual appropriations unless expressly provided 

otherwise in this Act. 

Providing for reprogramming procedures, disclosure of administrative expenses, assessments and requirements for operating 

plans. 

Continuing a limitation on accepting and processing applications 

for patents and on the patenting of Federal lands; permitting processing of grandfathered applications; and permitting third-party 

contractors to process grandfathered applications. 

Limiting the use of funds for contract support costs on Indian 

contracts. 

Limiting the use of fiscal year 2014 funds for contract support 

costs on Indian contracts. 

Limiting the use of fiscal year 2015 funds for contract support 

costs on Indian contracts. 

Allowing the extension of forest plans and prohibiting funds for 

the revised Chapter 70 of the Forest Service Handbook related to 

wilderness per the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources 

Planning Act. 

Limiting leasing and preleasing activities within National Monuments. 

Limiting takings for acquisition of lands except under certain 

conditions. 

Modifying a provision addressing timber sales involving Alaskan 

Red Cedar. 


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Modifying a provision continuing certain authorities to renew 

grazing permits or leases administered by the Forest Service or Department of the Interior. 

Prohibiting funds to enter into certain no-bid contracts except 

under certain conditions. 

Requiring reports to Congress to be posted on public agency 

websites. 

Continuing a provision that delineates grant guidelines for the 

National Endowment for the Arts. 

Continuing a provision that delineates program priorities for the 

programs managed by the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Modifying existing insurance caps for loaned domestic and foreign works under the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act. 

Requiring that the Department of the Interior, the EPA, the Forest Service, and the Indian Health Service provide the Committees 

on Appropriations a quarterly report on the status of balances of 

appropriations. 

Requiring a government-wide report regarding expenditures on 

climate change. 

Continuing a provision prohibiting the use of funds to promulgate or implement any regulation requiring the issuance of permits 

under title V of the Clean Air Act for carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, 

water vapor, or methane emissions. 

Continuing a provision prohibiting the use of funds to implement 

any provision in a rule if that provision requires mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems. 

Prohibiting the government from entering into contracts or 

agreements with any corporation that was convicted of a felony 

criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 

months. 

Prohibiting funds for contracts or agreements with entities with 

unpaid Federal tax liabilities that have not entered into payment 

agreements to remedy the liability. 

Extending by one year the authorization for American Battlefield 

Protection program grants. 

Providing a one-year extension of the Federal Lands Recreation 

Enhancement Act. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to regulate the lead content of ammunition or fishing tackle. 

Modifying authorities relating to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission. 

Extending the maximum authorized term for grazing permits 

and leases. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to develop, adopt, implement, administer, or enforce a change or supplement to a rule or guidance 

documents pertaining to the definition of waters under the Federal 

Water Pollution Control Act. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to develop, carry out, implement, or 

enforce proposed regulations published on June 18, 2010. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to limit recreational shooting and 

hunting on Federal and public lands except for public safety. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to implement the National Ocean 

Policy under Executive Order 13547 and requiring a report identiVerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00134 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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fying Federal expenditures for the development, administration, 

and implementation of such Policy. 

Prohibiting EPA from using funds to implement, administer, or 

enforce the lead renovation rule until EPA has approved a commercially available lead test kit. 

Prohibiting EPA from using funds to develop, propose, finalize, 

implement, enforce, or administer any regulation that would establish new financial responsibility requirements under CERCLA. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to develop, issue, implement, or enforce any greenhouse gas New Source Performance Standards on 

any new or existing source that is an electric utility generating 

unit. 

Prohibiting the use of funds to compile or disclose personal information of dairy or livestock owners, operators, and employees unless the information was voluntarily offered or aggregated at the 

local level. 

Making available vacant grazing allotments for permittees impacted by drought or wildfire. 

Clarifying the protection of water rights with regard to Forest 

Service and Bureau of Land Management permits. 

Prohibiting the use of funds from making any change to the regulations in effect on October 1, 2012, pertaining to the definitions 

of the terms ‘‘fill material’’ or ‘‘discharge of fill material’’. 

Limiting administrative costs for programs addressing invasive 

species. 

Maintaining the long-standing exemption under the definition of 

solid waste for legitimate scrap metal recyclers. 

Limiting the use of funds pertaining to certain updates to the social cost of carbon. 

Designating February 22, George Washington’s actual birthday, 

as a national holiday. 

Prohibiting EPA from finalizing a rule allowing the Agency to 

collect fines and penalties via administratively garnishing wages. 

Applying Buy American requirements to the Drinking Water 

State Revolving Fund. 

Establishing a Spending Reduction Account in the bill. 

APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following table lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law: 


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COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION

Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–344), as amended, requires that the report accompanying a bill providing new budget 

authority contain a statement detailing how the authority compares with the reports submitted under section 302 of the Act for 

the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget for 

the fiscal year. This information follows: 

[In millions of dollars] 

Budget Authority Outlays 

Committee 

Allocation Amount of bill Committee Allocation Amount of bill 

Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee allocations to its subcommittees: Subcommittee on 

Interior, Environment and Related Agencies 

General Purpose Discretionary .............................. 30,220 30,220 30,191 1 32,740 

Mandatory .............................................................. 62 62 62 62 

1 Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS

In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional 

Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–344), as amended, the following 

table contains five-year projections associated with the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill: 

[In millions of dollars] 

Budget Authority Outlays 

Committee 

Allocation Amount of bill Committee Allocation Amount of bill 

Projection of outlays associated with the 

recommendation: 

2015 ...................................................................... n.a. n.a. n.a.2 20,494 

2016 ...................................................................... n.a. n.a. n.a. 5,818 

2017 ...................................................................... n.a. n.a. n.a. 2,352 

2018 ...................................................................... n.a. n.a. n.a. 976 

2019 and future years .......................................... n.a. n.a. n.a. 486 

2 Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

In accordance with section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional 

Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–344), as amended, the financial 

assistance to State and local governments is as follows: 

[In millions of dollars] 

Budget Authority Outlays 

Committee 

Allocation Amount of bill Committee Allocation Amount of bill 

Financial assistance to State and local governments 

for 2015 ..................................................................... n.a. 5,593 n.a.2 2,391 

2 Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

n.a.: Not Applicable. 


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PROGRAM DUPLICATION

No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a program of 

the Federal government known to be duplicative of another Federal 

program, a program that was included in any report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 

of Public Law 111–139, or a program related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. 

DIRECTED RULE MAKING

The bill does not direct any rule making. 

TABLE OF FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS

The following table provides the amounts recommended by the 

Committee compared with the budget estimates by account. 


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(194) 

MINORITY VIEWS 

We want to begin by commending Chairman Calvert for the open 

and inclusive stance he took in developing the bill. We recognize 

the difficulties the chairman faced in crafting this bill within its 

constrained allocation and appreciate his efforts to accommodate 

minority member requests. However, as much as we appreciate the 

process, we cannot support the product. The overall funding decisions, combined with numerous unacceptable legislative riders and 

funding limitations have left us with a bill that falls short in preserving our natural heritage, protecting our environment, and safeguarding public health. 

When compared to allocations the subcommittee has received in 

recent years, this year’s allocation of $30.220 billion is a significant 

improvement. However, at more than $2 billion less than what the 

subcommittee received in FY 2010, the allocation is completely inadequate to address growing needs. This year, significantly increased wildland fire costs and the majority’s decision to not treat 

those costs as disaster relief spending, as well as the majority’s decision to fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program from 

discretionary appropriations rather than mandatory spending, has 

left the subcommittee with less funds for other programs than was 

available in FY 2014. 

After years of demanding agencies do more with fewer resources, 

the majority’s funding decisions will not maintain current operations, much less address increasing demands. If the protection of 

our environment, the safeguarding of public health and safety, and 

the preservation of our natural, historical, and cultural heritage 

are national priorities—and we believe they are—then we need to 

provide the necessary funds to fulfill these responsibilities. 

In many areas of this bill, we are barely treading water; in other 

areas we are falling dangerously behind on the investments in our 

physical, natural, and human infrastructure. As a result, important 

national programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund 

(LWCF) are badly underfunded and many others are flat-funded. 

We continue to be disappointed with the majority’s assault year 

after year on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which 

protects our air and drinking water, cleans up hazardous waste, 

and mitigates and prevents public health risks. At the same time 

many of these agency programs create jobs in our communities, 

protect the environment and enhance long-term sustainable economic development. 

The majority’s nearly 9% cut to the EPA this year, on top of cuts 

in the three previous years, has weakened the very foundations of 

the agency and the vital programs it administers. 

Rapidly escalating wildland fire costs are taking a larger and 

larger share of funding. Total fire costs in the bill now exceed $4 

billion, or 13.5%, of all funding. We need some relief from these escalating costs. Our colleague, Rep. Mike Simpson, has proposed the 

best solution: funding major wildland fire costs under the existing 

disaster relief budget cap. This approach has been endorsed by 

every member of the subcommittee, a majority of the full committee, the Administration, and a diverse array of groups. The disVerDate Mar 15 2010 05:54 Jul 24, 2014 Jkt 088747 PO 00000 Frm 00194 Fmt 6720 Sfmt 6720 E:\HR\OC\HR551.XXX HR551

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195 

charge petition to get the Simpson bill to the House floor has 174 

signatures, needing only 44 more to succeed. 

We are disappointed that the committee did not adopt the 

amendment offered by Rep. Moran to provide at least a short-term 

fix by funding the expected FY 2014 fire shortfall of $615 million 

as emergency spending. A shortfall that has increased by $145 million in just two months is neither planned nor predictable; it is an 

emergency. An added benefit of the amendment is that it would 

have freed up $470 million in the bill to put towards the clean 

water and safe drinking water revolving funds. 

We appreciate the bipartisan support and funding for Native 

American programs. The bill provides additional funds for the social, health, and education programs for Native Americans and represents a good-faith effort to meet our obligations. 

This bill is about more than just our natural resources, the environment, and Native Americans. While cultural activities and institutions are a small portion of the bill, they are a vital part of our 

communities and enhance our quality of life. We appreciate Chairman Calvert’s acceptance in the manager’s amendment of Rep. 

Lowey’s language to restore funding to the FY 2014 level for the 

National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the 

Humanities, and national heritage areas. These programs support 

job creation and community growth in districts across the country. 

We strongly oppose the numerous special interest riders and 

funding limitations. The scope of these provisions is broad and 

would result in diminished air and water, extinct species, and exhausted natural resources. These provisions would substantially 

modify environmental and natural resource management policy, including making permanent changes in law and blocking implementation and enforcement of current and proposed rules. They should 

not be slipped into appropriations bills. 

Rep. Moran’s amendment, which was not adopted, would have 

stricken 24 of these riders and funding limitations, many of which 

originated in the authorizing committees. Suspending Clean Air 

and Clean Water Act enforcement, obstructing the listing of certain 

species under the Endangered Species Act, and blocking the National Ocean Policy are just a few examples of these problematic 

provisions. Instead of doing the dirty work of the authorizing committees, we should leave them to hold hearings and have a public 

debate on these detrimental measures. 

We are hopeful that as this bill moves through the legislative 

process its funding and policy shortfalls can be corrected. We stand 

ready to work with the chairman and others to make improvements so that in the end we can have a legislative product that can 

garner bipartisan support. 

NITA LOWEY. 

JIM MORAN. 

Æ 


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