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Washington's Rep. Hastings New Chairman of House Natural Resources Committee by Staff Columbia Basin Bulletin, January 7, 2011

U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, R-WA, has been named the new chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. Hastings represents central Washington, including the Tri-Cities area.

"As chairman of the committee, I'll pursue policies that both create jobs and protect our nation's treasured lands, oceans and wildlife. By utilizing our vast natural resources in a safe, environmentally responsible way, we can create and keep jobs here in America, grow our economy and ensure that we are not dependent on foreign countries with far lower environmental standards for the energy, minerals and timber vital to our economy," Hastings said. "A thoughtful, balanced, multi-use approach to our nation's lands and resources will be necessary to protect the livelihood of millions of Americans who depend on access to public lands, while also ensuring that the environment is protected."

The Committee on Natural Resources has jurisdiction over the nation's public lands and plays a role in shaping federal energy, environment, land use and natural resource policies.

"For central Washington, this means the committee works on issues that have a direct impact on our local communities.," Hastings said. "With oversight responsibility of the Bonneville Power Administration, Bureau of Reclamation irrigation projects including the Columbia Basin Project and the Yakima Project, endangered species recovery, federal hydropower projects, Payment-in-Lieu-of Taxes, and firefighting on federal lands, the Committee has an impact on a vast portion of the Pacific Northwest.

Last week Hastings named subcommittee chairmen for the 112th Congress. He also announced the establishment a new Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution delegates to Congress the power to regulate trade with Indian tribes, and in the House of Representatives the Natural Resources Committee is assigned jurisdiction over this power. Oversight and legislative responsibilities for Indian and Alaska Native matters were previously handled by the full committee.

"The creation of a subcommittee specifically dedicated to tribal matters will promote increased consultation on legislation concerning Indians and Alaska Natives. The subcommittee will focus on developing tribal economies and reducing federal obstacles that block tribal job creation and the production of new wealth and investments on Indian lands."

Natural Resources Subcommittee Chairmen for the 112th Congress (listed in alphabetical order by subcommittee):

• Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
  Chairman: Doug Lamborn (CO)

• Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs
  Chairman: John Fleming (LA)

• Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs
  Chairman: Don Young (AK)

• Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands
  Chairman: Rob Bishop (UT)

• Subcommittee on Water and Power
  Chairman: Tom McClintock (CA)