Transcripts For CSPAN2 Interior Secretary Testifies On Presidents 2021 Budget 20240713

Good morning. The committee will come to order. Not too many of us here this morning and the energy and Natural Resources committee. Its kind of a foul day. E department of energy because we would be moving forward with a package of Energy Related bills that we have been working on for well over a year. In many cases four years. Equities from some 70 different members of the senate. And we are stalled out right now. We are not not because of the concern of the people in this community, that they have not participated in but because of a matter completely unrelated to the jurisdiction of this committee, completely unrelated to anything weve been working onee prior to it so its stalled out right now. It makes me wonder why we work so hard around here to try to incorporate the good work around here. Too just take Good Committee work. My mood shouldnt have anything to do with your responsibility as a secretary and department of tear and all you are seeking to do but i do know the work of the congress, the work we can do to help you dot your job much more efficiently and better. Its incumbent upon us to update our policies, working with thent administration, to make sure youve got the tools you can best proceed. Whether it is initiative that we are trying to advance with the security act like usgs and we will continue to focus our effort as we work through this process. It an unfortunate pause right now. I want to welcome you back to the committee. It was about a year ago i think you are sitting here. The same chair for your committee, im glad you have been in this place now for a year, im glad you are able to give a deputy secretary, mcgregor, i think youve got good folks working over there, in alaska, luke work closely and critically at what comes out of the department of interior because in many ways, weve been working hand in glove with you by the state that has significant demands under federal management. Whether we are talking about public land orders, activities and mtr a, access to good people in king cove who do a lot with you and we appreciate that good work. To the project now. Fy 2021, the administration requested 12 billing dollars for the department as a reduction of about 2 billion of the 16 from last year and while this years request is not perfect, im sure he will hear from colleagues here this morning, i do acknowledge some real positive within it. For starters, the budget highlights the act, the package that became lodged about a year ago now that was good work in this committee. It is recognized as such. We want to try to do more about but it has done well. Steps to promote access for hunting and fishing and shooting activities from public land new Economic Development activities for states and local government that advances the same time measured and responsibly and vocally supported conservation, some of these things are very specific to alaska. So i will ask my questions directly about the department implementation. The budget request maintains our shared commitment to all of the above Energy Strategy by investing in Renewable Energy development, providing hydro federal lands and water as to why we have to get an energy bill through because of these initiatives who are working on will be altered by updated policies. It continues the Development Program in the area and the portion we are looking forward to the south this year. Im also grateful the budget mentions the maintenance to the National Park. This is my view, a clear definition of infrastructure. As you know, theres only one way in. Theres only one way into that and right now the road is compromised. We have an opportunity to talk about and look for my interior appropriations subcommittee. A longerterm solution to keep that road open and safe is really what we need. This Budget Proposal invests in wildland Fire Programs including new initiative to build a better wildfire fighting workforce and designed to help implement backandforth management activities including Steel Production and fire breaks to reduce wildfire and severities and looking forward to more discussions about this proposal. We had a tough year, as you know in alaska, the fire season more than 2. 5 million acres burned with the most expensive fire in the country burned for nearly four months and started on the canine National Wildlife refuge in an area that has seen serious infestation. We expected the same area against the active landscape this fire season so im very concerned about the cuts proposed in programs that support partnerships such as Wildlife Management and landscape conservation. I think these partnerships are important to address not only the outbreak but also the issues related to vegetation management. I think we should be looking at extending Good Neighbor authority to the u. S. Fish and Wildlife Service so we can partner more effectively in places like canine, we know they dont know any boundaries there so that something i would like to discuss with you. My last point is the correct form of the deep cuts for usgs in the natural hazard program, particularly earthquakes and volcanic hazards we have areas for some time, critical to alaska. We had 2019 stand out your in alaska, the anchorage earthquake in 2018, still very much in the minds of folks, theres an earthquake, a small one over the weekend but it reminds you when it comes to volcanoes with an option, we think, i cant even pronounce it. Semi, whatever, they always made me smoking was really interesting, usually russian names, interruptions there as well. How to talk to you about that. I am pleased that the budget reforms to the department workspace culture and antiharassment programs in the department of Ethics Office in the office in the process of training and staffing looks like in those efforts, we had a conversation about this and i think we anytime any department here. With that, i close my comments. We can get to members questions and concerns. Thank you for being here, i look forward to the discussion. Thank you. Thank you for being here. I second what she said the challenge right now but well get to it. We have a lot of work. Its the first budget hearing, not a stranger to these types of hearings the role you have here, its a first, thank you. The National Wildlife refuge and last year we are going to open a Visitor Center and we appreciate all you have done. Its your responsibly whether its preserving public lands for inspiration for future generations, it permits the privilege of Energy Production and ensuring the survey and critical work for analyzing da data. I believe it is vital that your department has the necessary funds experience to our great nation. Unfortunately, i think 16 decrease in the budget would have really bad consequences. For example, my top priority is making sure the federal government makes good on the promises last Year Congress passed the bill on the bipartisan side to protect their healthcare and pension benefits on america. To date, the office and enforcement has yet to complete the transfer and benefit to the Workers Pension fund. Weve been hearing is supposed to be done, it is never happened. It eliminates the Pilot Program and its important to those of us in virginia and kentucky and weve utilized the program to eliminate the hazards and those areas for future benefit. Increase jobs and supports in those areas. Establish the First National park and preserve. Recreation generates whats needed. Spending and support for those jobs. I look forward to continuing in working with you and the National Park service to reserve right to get this bill enacted. I also call attention to the opportunity before us, to provide permanent mandatory funding for the planned and Water Conservation. It is fully authorized and address the maintenance pack on the agencies and the education. I was proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Our compass both of these laws and i was very happy to see the president package last week. I appreciate the administration help when drafting the Budget Proposal. The day after we secure permanent authorization last year, went to work with all my colleagues to secure the faultfinding. The funds help to protect federal aid designated by congress for the National Significance and providing important Financial Assistance for many programs like state and local parks and protection. For the last 55 years, the primary conservation tool helping provide access for hunting, fishing and Recreational Use public lands. Every state, every territory in almost every county in every state has benefited, we now have the opportunity to ensure secure for many generations to come. The Great American doors also include 9. 5 billion for deferred maintenance on our public lives. The project will be funded in this bill and its critical for protecting our national treasures. It will provide a significant amount for the economy. This bill is a shining example of bipartisan work is coming together to do what is best for conserving Natural Resources of this great nation. Im confident with the strong bipartisan support of the senate will be able to have the bill and the world join us. Thank you for joining us today and for your department and all you do. We appreciate you being here. Part of it this morning. On behalf of the administration. Members of the committee, thank you for inviting me here today to discuss the 2021 budget request for the department. Before i turned to the Budget Proposal, i do want to note that as senator mansion said in his opening remarks, last week President Trump sent in a bill for the Water Conservation fund and restores our National Parks. President trump is the first president to seek mandatory funding for both of these items in the entire 171 of the department and interior. It is historic and numbers on this committee on both sides of the aisle have been looking for this effort for a very long time. The president support and submitted. In a time that it has been clear to me, they have taken a lot of information and makes those decisions. I look forward to working with all of you to get this done. Turning to the matters at hand, i would like to begin by thanking the committee and its staff for working with the department over the last year. It is deeply appreciated. We thank you for your time and effort. In addition, i look forward to the confirmation of our elector of the office. As the committee knows well, the department affects, americans across the country, its Mission Delivery creates economic benefits both in terms of direct investment and facilitating private sectors and contributions. The president has been clear in this direction and priorities and set goals for challenging agencies to deliver results. Our 2021 budget will allow us to continue advancing the president priorities. Overall, the budget for the department grant, we would continue to have access to an additional 310 million and we also anticipate that we have about 7. 5 billion additional authority. In 2021, several targeted investments and specific objectives and a few of those. First, we proposed our budget and effort strengthening the departments program. We transform our firefighting force and we have an additional 50 million and add firefighters. This would complement to extend parttime firefighters hours. Reality is, it is beyond the political spectrum from we should be able to agree that we are fighting fires for a longer period of time. Frankly, we need to treat it like that. It requires us to rethink our workforce and its a good proposal to do that. But something very significant. We continue our efforts to implement a conservation management recreation and investments that i think are worth your consideration. Finally, an apartment, i like to emphasize that you have the investment you are making. The investment Inspector Generals Office is something that is significant and i would encourage you to think about that. Ive also learned in my year that the proposals and congress disposes of the budget so with that, i will conclude my statement, i would be happy to answer any of your questions. Thank you, i appreciate that. I want to start with the fire crews, the proposal to 342 wildland firefighters, we all recognize the impact that we are seeing as it relates to these wildfires in an effort to contain them. We have significant fire crews that come out of our smaller areas, village fire crews hired by them each year, ten years ago, they would hire about 70 crews. Today we have less than 15. This is an issue that weve been trying to work through and they are looking to be in the process of hiring. The benefit of these crews, these are tough. We are out in the middle of nowhere so when you have people are familiar with the area and the land, they can bring assets to the fight that others might not be able to. You know whether the hiring of these more permanent fire crews, is it possible to restore the village crews in prior years, its something i would like to better understand. If you dont have the answers today, i would like you to get back. Let me give you my perspective i began working with the seasonal workforce challenges, i started with the reality that it takes longer to hire seasonals than it should. Part of that is Security Issues but in looking to streamline that, when i looked at the firefighting hours, what i realized is we hold seasonal hours to the end of a fire season. They are worried about running out of hours. We went to expand our hours so our proposal between an additional career approach which is some of our Seasonal Hiring and getting the security and expanding hours, i would get over 700,000 additional hours with this proposal which is a tremendous thing. Michael is that we get seasonal firefighting down to 30 days. Typically is 84. The economy like this, its hard to tell somebody to wait 84 days to get a job. So my view is that we try to test them about 32 so i believe we can get under 30. We need to speed up we were being peaked two days ago. Hiring and recruiting people. We are really trying to up our game and with that, its more effective and by adding careers. This very specific crews, the landslide area is getting tougher and tougher every year. They patch it up every year at the start of the season, they are already in the midst of that now. I think we recognize this is a longer term fixed if we know it will be an expensive fixed but this is seen glaciers and every tourist who comes to alaska wants to seek that and its limited access if we dont have the thousands and millions of peoples coming. We dont want them in an unsafe situation. We had a chance to talk about this last week but can you tell me when you might expect to see a proposal . Im curious about a timeline. The park service and administration has told me that i can expect to receive options from a technical perspective and i understand the need for a solution from im there. I appreciate that. I look forward to the alternative. I do think everybody in your Office Working with the pension. I was told before i walked in here that we were on time so ill deal with that and get back to you. I appreciate that. I dont know what happened there but as of last night, we transferred that. According to the information, 460 million cubic feet and 2018. The sharp increase in the 281 and 2017. The large increases is really hard. We said this before, its getting serious about finding solutions, not only because of karma but also taxpayers shortchange. It doesnt go to the market, it is up in the air. If youve had an opportunity on public lands knowing the private sector, anything we can to to assist, let us know. We must propel thought. I dont know if you have anything you want to add. It will be litigated, ive seen a number of states making changes, new mexico, a good regulatory mechanism. We are told to implement today, i dont think we have the object expertise to do the air quality work. I think we need to do that. I would be happy to work with you on that. Finally, id like to hear some steps you are taking and preparing for the covid19 coronavirus. 70000 employees at the locatio locations . Tell me what youre thinking. Let me give you perspective, i dont want to take too many minutes but let me put this in perspective for you are my personal perspective. Other than secretarys office, in that moment, my life changed in a significant way. I became very understanding of the operations and operation plans and Emergency Support functions. The things im proud about the department our employees have always stepped up in a crisis that moment to pretty much every disaster or emergency. We have a pandemic plan just like with any other advanced, as this is unfolding, we pulled out the plan, we are part of Emergency Support functions and folks plans here and sermon areas and on a positive note for my perspective, and i looked up our interior response abilities, my first concern was the children in our school system. The good news with this particular event compared to swine flu or others, it looks like things are pretty good for children and fatality worldwide and anybody under ten and i think will make 120 have been attended by faith thats pretty significant for us given the population we serve. The Public Health which is longstanding but is there so heres what we have done. Ive participated in multi agency calls, the deputy secondary will work out a plan was looking at it and updating it, weve already taken a whole series of steps, and briefed on it daily and we are taking extremely seriously as we work through particular issues. Weve not had anyone in the department that is contacted with this illness. We have had i believe one that was on a cruise ship that is obviously on a cruise ship but other than that, when i look at it from all perspective, there watching what local governments are doing, we set up protocols and children and set up protocols for employees. We are trying to mitigate aggressively with employees to keep them updated. Im sorry but visitations, youve seen visitations im not. Weve seen a number of visitations from asia but we have not seen a dip in that because of the we have it seems that, we are not worried but i asked about that in terms of concessionaires and in terms of the insofar theres no significant threat. We have a responsibility tourism is a big factor in the economy so there is a drop in Hotel Reservations and things like that. Trying to figure out what the president is in priority and focused on the Vice President , he certainly think will be up here today talking about the economic side but i think weve gone in in a way that we would a normal situation, animate and we are managing it. Making us more prone than what we have been and i appreciate that. Thank you. One of the most pressing issues is implementation of the contingency plan. Last year in the senate was sanders from all states six da days, that you could say was the easy part. The federal governments commitment negotiations contribute toward the cost of the construction and penile county was clear and unambiguous. There are successful in securing 29 and the bill recommendation. Dated january 29 from all 11 members commissioner berman outlining the justification we have for securing company is making clear that the intent of congress was set to be used for the construction. Without objection, submit this to the record. They have informed me the bill has been a local authority in congress directed it to him. They outlined the Authority Event and contribute to the funding that we put in the probation bill. Its been transmitted to your staff and put in the record as well. I did a formal review and timing review. The bill finds the authority to spend the money, weve directed the appropriations bill, a commitment that they will follow and contribute funding. I certainly plan to give it a hard look and ill get back to you on it. Thank you. I want to turn to another really important element, the claims legislative and the courts in the equitable including the communities and everybody involved, my fellow the sediment act of 2019, many years in the making and compromise between multiple state parties to guarantee the tribe and the state department. Theres a lot of effort going into this in the state. The economic wellbeing of the trial. The agreement is a negotiation, all parties in arizona are on board. Its a very difficult one to achieve with these settlements. The only party in the on board on they have had this for several years. We havent been able to budget them at all. Something has got to give. We got to get it done so what needs to happen to get to the department on board to move this thing forward . I have a lot of experience in the settlement and history and generally, i have to look at that. Thank you. I appreciate it. We all agree, i appreciate that. Okay, last. We talked about the grand canyon and the importance of getting a ship there. Not just because of how important that is tourism but theyve got 200 million in infrastructure issues, theyve got a sexualharassment problem there. Last time we talked, he said he would send it by followup letter and secure later. To be honest with you, that is one of my guest disappointments. We have gone on back multiple times and frankly, i think its one of the best positions in the United States government. This is a challenge, we have a couple people in the process and i want you to know that for personal reasons, i cant announce on name, ive been instructed that they will direct, assign a person on that. You will be blown away. So i have a lot of confidence in them, we will make an announcement i would say within three weeks. Okay, great. Appreciate it. Engineering 2018, secretary proposed opening an entire u. S. Coastline for offshore oil and gas grilling. Arizonans from across my state, especially those on the oregon coast, whose livelihoods depend on oceans and beaches from spilt oil, resulting from a drilling disaster lined up in overwhelming opposition to this plan. The outcry was so enormous during legislature, permanent beyond all drilling in the United States marine water. Suffice to say theres been similar responses from other states. Since you have taken over as secretary, i have been trying to design what your plans are with offshore drilling. I would like to see if you could give me a yes or no answer. I think i straight forward question. On your watch, does the interior Department Plan to open up any additional coastline for offshore oil and gas drilling . I would like a yes or no answer. If you would like to add to that, you can do that in your time but i like a yes or no answer. On my watch, the department has not proposed that plan but will let you know what it is when we get back. Liked the record joke your specifically, whether or not you plan on your watch to greenlight any more additional offshore coastline drilling for oil and gas. Your answer is essentially, well, maybe well have a draft we dont need a five year plan until 2022. Well get one done on time. When i see where the case is headed, i will make that plan. The plan at this time is going one way or another. I dont know what the plan will be. When i see that case, ill make a decision. Again, i look for a straightforward question answer on a question that frankly people all over the west and particularly on the coast to depend on recreation for their livelihood, it gives people an n certificate to get straight talk. Now weve got all kinds of things. Public participation. Well make sure you get that chance. With the secretary said,. I still have additional time. Respectfully, we Work Together often in your fair, i didnt get the answer. I got an answer back down the road, there will be various kinds of processes and maybe well hear something and then at the end, i think you summed it up. I can tell you, people that i represent care passionately about this. I hope you will have additional clarity. Thank you. I commend you. Good job, thank you for that. I just want to start by saying thank you for your comment at the beginning of the hearing as well as the present support of this, this is a historic opportunity for this country and conservation Environmental Protection. Thank you for that, i look forward to this bipartisan passage as quickly as possible. Getting into the president s desk so thank you for that. Thank you as well for resolving the issue in colorado, thank you as well for arkansas, conduit and a Conservation Fund in 1965, we are going to be able to fully fund permanently fund a program. Look at 1962 when president kennedy made that promise. Its been decades in the making. So thank you. I started talking to this committee several years ago with the obama at penetration about moving to the west. The importance of having decisionmakers grounded in the committees, the decisions have the most impact and most affect. At the time, left bureau to have an exchange with me regarding to point out. I said the headquarter out west, you understand why the commissioners out west had a challenge or problem or questions about that that rule or regulation. He joked and said we should think about moving it out of there or Something Like that here we are today in july of last year. The announce the relocation happening. I cant thank you enough for that because i believe the importance of having the headquarters of the agencies headquartered in our public lands make a crucial difference to better decisionmaking. Every question state and additional staff 222 current washington positions will be moved to locations throughout the west from arizona, alaska, california, idaho, montana to the north and south dakota, nevada, utah and wyoming, the cost benefit analysis done by the interior, but the real bottom line, how effective the dollars will be spent is going to be achieved by having the public land managers ahead of the agency, the headquarters in the western United States. So thank you for that because its going to result in better public land Decision Making better public land policy. This is not new to have agencies and this may be a shock to some in washington but it is not new for washington agencies to operate outside of washington. I think that has been hard for some people to swallow. They may be surprised to learn there are Environmental Protection agencies outside of fact. There National Institute of standards and Technology Officers outside. The cdc laboratory and in colorado and they all do incredible work and im grateful for it. They are responsible to the communities they serve because they are out of washington d. C. The Headquarters Building in grand junction, can you give a little update with the status of the organization and issues including . I think the people most thrilled about this are beyond that. When i started talking about this, they immediately started talking. Heres something you should kn know. We already have headquarters out there and it expires at the end of 2020 here. The facility will be there. I think we will have grand opening sometime soon but let me tell you something i found remarkable. People applying for these jobs are absolutely true to us. The quality of applicants and the number of applicants we are getting compared to advertising for the same jobs here, it is absolutely astounding. One reason for that, some of them are excited about moving to grand junction. Many are as excited about moving there. The cost of housing, i also think it is the fact that public land and more importantly over the last several months, weve done everything we could to ensure we have hired from other departments or within the department and as of today, theres not a Single Person expressing interest here. Pretty excited about that. Thank you. Ill follow up youth you but want to make sure the department specifically with your recommendation have all the tools they need to get the project completed on a reasonable timeline. Im out of time but thank you for your work. Let us know if you can use help with resources. Thank you. I want to start by thanking you for your help with getting a Great American outdoors together, im proud of what we introduce. Its an opportunity for the Water Conservation fund, its always intended and its an enormous opportunity for public land and particularly proud that its not just our parks, but also refugees and the land. They are all critically important land to people across the west and across this country. We need to get your help, i appreciate your efforts. Have a question on behalf of my colleague, minnesota senator, i have to admit im not interested in this question, she asked me to write this but involves this. Its always been on my bucket list and its one of the great public lands that we have seen protected. In september 2018, the department canceled segregation and study with the watershed in northeastern minnesota just three months before it was set to wrap up. Lastly, the twin city published a link to this environmental assistant, it wasnt particular be helpful. This is the link, it appears to be done by having set on the intelligence committee, ive never seen something so fully reduction in my life. I guess my question for you, is it possible to respond this committee to get a copy of the unredacted version, whether it was fully done or even interact . First off, let me say something, its on your bucket list, have a 16 and a halfyearold boy who i think 200 days, he hasnt up the. Ever since he was in third grade up there, the 450mile trip which is pretty impressive. Seven boys. Thats exactly right. A lot of miles. You believe it was a draft and ill try to work something out. Theres a number of people on this committee. That may be a way to accommodate. I want to shift to the dia real quick, a number of buildings that are health and safety risks, the buildings in the chapter 37 and my understanding is its going to cost about 2 billion to demise just on the chapter alone. The only have 2 billion to demolish state across the entirety of the country. It is incredibly interested in using the land for Economic Development. I would simply ask you to work with the nation and my office to expedite and move forward on seeing this bill removed quickly. We have about 43000 buildings and 85 structures. We dont have, the absent management category, its a plan. Ill look at them and try to find a pathway forward. I do think at times, we have the demolition side. Ill take a look and see what we have. Ill stick around for a second and well go from there. I only have ten seconds. Thank you very much. Thank you for driving this this morning and decisions made here in washington, we have jobs and the economy in my home state, a lot of discussion over the last week about the present support to restore our park site and Water Conservation permanent funding act. I sure and supporting subsystems, strong conservation programs, in terms of addressing the maintenance backlog, we at the same time, we are adding many new lands to the federal bank. Are they prepared to maintain the land currently monitored while adding new federal lands . We are trying to do everything we can to improve our management across the board and we will continue to be aggressive in the area, absolutely. Physicians future maintenance, future underlying costs to be considered with purchases made final period the Great American outdoors act would provide mandatory spending 900 million a year. The federal portion and acquisitions to support that. What they spend that money allotted to it . Especially since the federal side is limited beyond that. I spent a lot of time over the last week working on precisely that issue. I think we all have a plan that would be effective. In the last several months, running for president has committed to banning the practice, its so instrumental in leading to the American Energy is a proven technique and allows operators for natural g gas. Its transformed how our nation uses Energy Independence but what effect have they had on our nation . It would be very significant. If you look at all revenues on oil, theyve got a 98 in the last two years since 2016. The reality of that is the revolution that took place on private land, its migrated over to public land in the last couple of years so it would be very significant. Ive heard some of them that they would plan them if elected. They would call the government and its complete on that. It is a key component, they are challenged in the Global Market in china and other countries, uncertainty in terms of global trade and production is more present than ever. Thank you for taking the steps to streamline this process. You know when you would plan to release it . [laughter] december 2016, the obama ministration finalized the competitive policing rule, a rule intended to assist Renewable Energy in inciting new wind and solar facilities and also recovering the american taxpayer. The projects that were underway was finalized should be grandfathered in and it imposes significant unforeseen products that could jeopardize those abilities. They faced new regulations and cost of existing operations with no benefit of the regulations. One for you move forward with that order grandfather and products that were underway . I have discussions about whether that would be a viable way to do it. I could get back to you in two weeks on it. I appreciate hearing back from you in two weeks. Thank you, madam chair. I have a couple of questions, on the exchange of my colleague, i hope you understand secretary has had this discussion before the committee, im trying to remember what the discussion was when your father was here but i can guarantee there were a lot of those, even though they wanted to study, i know what my constituents said so now since the Trump Administration has reversed, or try to reverse what obama put in place in your predecessors open up 90 , theres a lot of confusion and lack of input, theres a great deal of interest in folk Culture Community about what it might be. I know he worked going to answer any more but this is a very large and historical discussion. People want to know they have it. Confident in the fact that the law requires processes that provide for that. It will take place should we proceed. We will discuss what happened under the last process because again, input driven, if i like the florida government said one day, he exiled and was like if your state runs out, well let you out. So im sure there will be a process. Im trying to defend, my colleagues here, its a hard competition. Within the state law, i guarantee you one of our crown jewels, they finish that plan for the same lines and the commitment for the advantage or advisory put in place and what that plan looks like. Im not familiar with that. But i am happy to look at it. Its been established for several years and the plan requires an Advisory Committee and the Advisory Committee doesnt have a quorum. Anyway. Okay. Turning to alaska, are you coming out with that this week . It was finalized months ago. It is final, the next step is that decision and after that would be potentially a proposed way to process contemplated under the statute that requires that. Not that i am aware of. Okay. Two things i am concerned about, obviously we can see where the oil markets are today and obviously when you look at the return, what we are very concerned about, obviously wildlife and what you would possibly get out of it, one thing i was very concerned about is how the impact of the analysis and obviously we want no impact on polar bears but one is apply to polar bear and industries above it. Would you support a 1 mile buffer in the area . When we come back with that plan, its likely the areas that are most with other things. You can look at the various alternatives and eis to look at the choices that people have thought through. The conditions that would be applied. That is highly consistent with the Marine Protection mammal act as a matter of law. I certainly hope so but is supposed to have negligible impact so i dont understand how you have a negligible impact. But we will look forward to more discussion on this and just for the record madam chair we know how much i care about that relationship but it just strikes me in the midst of this crisis that we have on oil and Everything Else with the challenges of your state that we made a decision last week to spend 10 million in a very short order of time for public land im all for that but also to continue to have alaska make it through with transition if theres anything we can do to preserve this land i would do both. So i am just saying i think it is a great economy for us and a great aspect of American Society for recreation. So as we spend all of our money i am all for that but there is a crown jewel in my opinion to figure out a way to help alaska as well. Thank you madam chair. Part of alaska asks we are allowed to help ourselves we appreciate the work of the department to help us advance and to do so in a way that is consistent that consist of the land and animals and people we have different views on the 1002 area and as we work with congress and i look forward to doing that with all of you. Senator. Thank you madam chair mr. Secretary i love one i appreciate the level of information you provided about the volcano on Hawaii Island as long at one as well as uss arizona with your nomination hearing i want to recognize that level of coordination provided by your department to address these issues. Can i get a commitment to provide me with sixmonth updates on the progress with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory . I also appreciate your focus this morning on the Wildlife Program in your request for a robust investment at the ig office i could not agree more. Let me turn to another concerning issue. To highlight efforts by officials in your department to interfere with or deny at a steady rate. It is so pervasive Columbia Law School has a silencing silence tracker to list 52 instances since the 2016 election in a New York Times article described how a Career Department official whose personal opinion is that Climate Change benefit society within the Trump Administration to influence matters and using that new influential provision with the deputy Secretary Office to include uncertainty language that became a term of art to question the impact of Climate Change it shows the link that career staff had to go through that certainteed language was included in documents to discuss the text of a final statement to show a scientific officer who was charged with that policy to please make sure the attached uncertainty language is incorporated within the document described within the department in 2017 and another email the scientific integrity officer notes if the agreement with the uncertainty language that is negotiated in 2017 is still in place and that this officer tried to think of this to test that. Its clear from this exchange they were wanting to abandon but did not know if he could in that position it in the hearing before the appropriations subcommittee to say the Department Publishes many documents on Climate Change that the longterm career official should keep to himself except in this case with a position of influence to go against that Scientific Consensus and also with documents but the fact is in that position for roughly two years. Thats not true. Let me finish. This is my time. Can you get to the bottom of why it happened whatever that means is that you have shown that documents with that language and i have one example here today of a document that includes the uncertainty and the language i will answer for the record. Is it okay for a career employee in a position of influence to pressure scientist and insert bias into scientific documents . I will be very clear i dont think that person has a position of influence. Science plays a Critical Role in our decisionmaking and i am the first secretary in decades to have a career scientist as my science advisor. I brought him. I am running out of time he is the chief scientist. Answer my question please. And with those integrity claims are down under my administration. So its not okay for him to use his position to answer uncertainty language. The reality is we discuss uncertainty for every climate what they have told me is to use best practices which i am committed to. That is a science based analysis. Is it still use by the department . Are you asking me . I do think that is scientifically based and the facts of Climate Change. They use the word in certainteed thousands of times. I do have a few other questions mr. Secretary my time is that but i want to make it plain that this is not the first time the Administration Commitment to science has come into question that you base the report for the best science available not somebodys personal view. I can assure you i spend a lot of time with scientist to ensure you understand the science both the certainty and uncertainty and i make decisions that are well rounded in the law. By law i am not allowed to make a requirement. Mr. Secretary thank you for being here i will talk about something that is unique in nevada this is a land withdrawal expiration for the air force base and the naval air station. The air force proposal word transfer 826,000 acres of the wildlife refuge as the largest National Wildlife refuge in the lower 48 transferred to the air force and give access to an additional 260,000 acres of the refuge resulting in severe reduction to Public Access and harmful impacts to the Bighorn Sheep population. With the loss of access to those that are vital to the array of my constituents so this is a concerted effort to stakeholders throughout the community to work with the military to find that balance that economically we benefit as well. So the navy and air force are expected to transmit their own legislative proposal. Have you provided input into this process to be reflected in these proposals . What i can say is were and discussion the way the legislation is cleared everybody gets input. The output is different than the input so i cannot even guess. We certainly as part of the process to have discussions on any formal proposal coming through the process absolutely and frankly our exceptional regional director to be engaged in discussions at my level and how that turns out i dont know. Will your discussions become public at some point in time . I dont know honestly. I will communicate our thoughts absolutely. Introduced a compromise bill with the expansion to have the support of the delegation of the hunting and recreation groups i have to appreciate providing Technical Assistance to my bill i hope you give this greater attention and we can work to gather and work toward a resolution benefiting all stakeholders. We share the same goal. I hope so. But i cant get any answers out of interior and this is supposed to be a public process. As we move forward and you weigh in i would appreciate a commitment you are willing to let us know into your position. We will do that. Lets talk about the tribes in nevada. As the role of the trustee carries a lot of weight in our communities. The walker river tribe is near the heirs naval air station. And has been unable to utilize portions of the reservation for years due to ordnance contamination from neighboring military activities. Can you commit to resolve the impact and the request to have placed on replacement land from blm . I can commit to spending some time looking at it. Have you thus far has it been brought to your attention . No. This is my opportunity to bring it to your attention i would have blm work with the tribes in the issues that i have been hearing not just in nevada but across the country to protect their ancestral land from military activity. We will have the conversation to see where that could go. And those that are under the Expansion Plan . Has that occurred at all . I have expressed some concerns to make sure the grazers are adequately considered but not to the point of discussions. Is there a timeframe so that we are aware of the position . I wont know that for the timing. I have been an attorney over 20 years and i have never had anybody ive asked question a better job to dance around the question. You are very good at that. The only challenge i have is that im here to work with you i am not against you there is an opportunity for department of interior to work with the state of nevada my goal is to balance between the military National Security and the stakeholders that live in nevada over 80 percent is with the federal government we can do that working together im hopeful you could give me direct answers and work with us. We circular a 130. First day positive note, want to thank you for your commitment to the restore the parks act you stated that your confirmation hearing there has been a lot of work recently the president has come out firmly in favor of this proposal as well as permanent funding. And as we think about that we are close. We are not there but we have legislative consideration but we see the light at the end of the trail and we appreciate the work and the attention you have paid to that issue and we look forward to working with you. I presume this is a yes or no answer . That was the answer you gave before and a couple of specific questions and the tax bill that passed the big tax bill that had drilling in and war can you give us a quick update what is the status . Completing an Environmental Impact statement a few months ago and we are in the process of issuing a decision which is a formal decision which is the establishment of the Leasing Program which is what congress directed and the process and this is embarrassing right now i cannot think of the specific date but there is a mandatory time. The first is within one year. So we dont know yet. As of today there has not that when people look at the language used by congress what they will find is there are a lot of rights that go with the leases that will be significant how people think about it. So no leases yet and that is in the process in the coming six months. That is accurate no leases yet and i think a month is appropriate. Of the price of oil stays where it is today may be not. I dont know about that i have some experience on that stage i dont think people make decisions where oil is today. The reality is they will look the rights they are likely to acquire and the potential of the area there is a lot of factors that go into those decisions and we are conscious. And to stay on oil for a minute are there plans to proceed with expiration research or drilling of the east coast of the United States . We dont have any present plan we spoke of this before and the outer Continental Shelf is a very specific process that involves the development of the plan and then there is a lot of comments. We are not even to that stage yet what we committed getting to that point as we go through the process it is required not only be listen to but be considered i do not know a single incident where they objected to the leasing and it occurred. That is just the history nothing has changed in regard to my view in our prior conversation. I hope that history holds. I am worried about moral hazard the fact we talk about restore our parks act and the budget cuts maintenance by 50 percent i dont want us to rely upon the Congress Every ten years to do with a deferred Maintenance Issue that should be taking care of on the ongoing basis i am worried about the cut to fix the problem. It is cut 50 percent. If you look at the budget most of the budget for what you would expect to be maintenance typically doesnt come out of the construction budget. I dont think we backed away from our operations in a significant way at all. The worst thing we could do is get this investment from maintenance and get things up to snuff and then fall back we will not do that. I am spending, the park service is a little frustrated but i am saying if we make Major Investments like this we have to have Asset Management plans because what i cant have happened is three years later or ten years later or 13 years later we are in exactly the same spot that we are. We are in the process to reconfigure the process in many instances that has to change. The operations budget has declined over time and so to take money. This is exactly what has happened it cannot be that way. We have a wonderful opportunity with great relationships on the donation side to ensure for certain things that we just need to be better at our planning without a superintendent decision what they want to do is not a good way to run and that has to change. I look forward to working with you. Thank you for your recent visit to our state and i have to start off by thanking you for a number of things you have done because it just seems appropriate when somebody addresses the issues we need to recognize that around here and you have and we are deeply appreciative. Us fish and wildlife where you give farmers the ability to appeal that decision. I have included the site visit and legislation not only now do they have the appeal but it is required your people show up and thats the way that it ought to be Theodore Roosevelt National Park thank you for coming out they started on a fix for this scenic loop working with the dot to get from that temporary fix to a permanent fix to touch on the importance of maintenance but again it is under way. With the basin and the elk that is important. And then to undertake the study for what is going on with the whale with the low cost producer through saudi arabia and wash it on russia with the world supply. And then the irrigation project so that they can actually operate and keep operating it. That theres anything you want to touch on we appreciate it. I am thrilled for this combination because its a Great Program for wildlife and for farmers and we are thrilled about that. I appreciate you spending time with me meeting your constituents. We are very proud but the legislation i have with the blm is not owning any surface acres. None. Zero and less than half of the minerals rather than requiring we go through their permit process that they would agree to get on board so your thoughts for this legislation . This is a recognition of a common sense approach with a federal interest obviously that we have some of these parcels that we have a small interest but it causes a lot of problem looking at the overall scope with Directional Drilling and other things so it doesnt make much sense. And we may be going miles away. So working with me on this legislation has been fabulous and with Wildlife Management but again it is common sense to other things that relate to native americans of the Indian Affairs committee. One is to streamline the process to reduce flaring and to see that incredible amount of energy. They are involved with those but they have made an effort as part is our pandemic, our plan to be reaching out and make sure our schools are protected, we are acting consistently with employees so i think so far, weve done a good job of getting things straight up in our Emergency Management folks and moving along at a good pace. In north dakota, but right now keeping an eye on ihs and making sure they are getting it done. Thats right. If there is something on that, i would be happy to visit with you. So far, we been very aggressive because youre taking this extremely seriously. We have to be making sure theres consultation. One of the great things, from my perspective, it is impact on children with the swine flu. With our schools, we have protocols in place but our younger population looks like they did very well in this situation. Thank you. Want to go to the implementation and it will be a relatively quick question. Vietnam veteran allotment provision is one that i care very much about as we go to those natives serving during the vietnam war unable to obtain their plan allotment. Identify and make available lands that these veterans could seek application for. Can you tell me whether you are on track or identify the lands and implementing a lot of the questions from back home. We know this is very important to you. I also think it is notable that when the president signed the act, this is one of the things he specifically had. Its important to him. I am told that we are at the point that they would be at the federal registry very soon and a report would be available. I know it appeared, i get a report every week. I know we are having that very soon. We will be looking forward to that. One of the things we had a conversation about, the public land, plr that date back and prevent conveyances whether it is the state of alaska and one of the things i appreciated is your leadership and this administration, we been looking at this process and you moved forward and last year, it has been significant for Different Reasons but most immediately to the trend allotment. Its been interesting, if you look to the feedback you get, whether its in the press or otherwise, it becomes clear to me that some people are equating these pet allows plos are and acting public land. Exactly. Its very frustrating, its being confused in that way. Ask for a level of reassurance that they understand the importance of listing the plos and remains committed. We certainly understand the difference. We have certain environmental processes we have to go through as we do them and theres certainly nothing slowing anything down. They are working hard on those issues. I appreciate that. We have a joint study between the services and potential exchange for corporations to resolve that. The act requires a study within 18 months and on tract with that. We are absolutely on track and it is underway. How about within the usps space, i mentioned in the comments, a concern that i have about the cuts on the earthquake monitoring and volcano hazards. We have a requirement for implementation of an Early Warning system, can you tell me where we are with implementation of that . Then, i would love it if you could look at an update of the National Hazard model, the whole state i am very familiar with that problem. Most active state in the country and not including plans on but within that model, can you give me updates, if you ca can it keeps things on track to ensure we have everything done by the next update with alaska. I think that is good. Volcano monitoring and upgrades, 51 stations in alaska to be converted to digital, 26 this year and next year end i think asked for 2. 3 million in 21 2021 project. I think thats where we are. The other thing, we reached a combination of Forest Service in the process to expedite that. It was really slowing things down. We been able to find a way that they can accommodate that. It is making very Good Progress on that. Volcanoes, earthquakes and landslides is part of our disaster trifecta in our states. What really hit home a couple of weeks ago, a Grocery Store in ketchikan, where i come from, a rockslide came down after really serious rain and i all estimat estimates, it would not reopen. It took place about 1 00 a. M. And again, we need to make sure within your sts, they are a good team with extreme devastation and again putting that in. Thank you. I want to talk to you for a moment about disposal, in particular, i do think you were secretary order 3373, they probably didnt think about the importance that the very small isolated piece of the land can have, unlocking a larger landscape about the importance of the section of the land can be a gateway to the service line. I think secretary ory is appropriate and welcomed by many and im curious if it makes sense to potentially look at a standard Going Forward giving the importance. I have not actually thought about that is a legislative proposal that i certainly support the underlying policy and feel strongly about it. I think there is no reason for the department to contemplate Public Access as a things about not only disposals but acquisitions and transfers. If you the rule, access is a critical issue and certainly, where i grew up, its like renewing really important land. The department process to evaluate that, i think it is important. Other people argue that there are other things and to me, to make a transfer, and certainly before that, i think it is relative to thing about those factors. The political theres no doubt about that. Theres quite a broad amount of folks for that. I want to move to a place you are familiar with because in december, the park service closed 17 campsites, this is a legitimate risk and they are working to relocate the campsite but that process is probably going to take years. The campground carries 39 miles away, you know it is quite a drive to the nearest hotel or motel and i would ask that you would be willing to look at interim options to see if we cant find a way to interrupt as we look for a longterm solution. One 100 . Basically 32 campsites, i am happy to work that. I will be glad to work with it. That might be really great. Navajo area bureau department, this is where it hasnt seen significant funding increases in the last two decades. Theres management plans and i guess i would ask that they might apply that case as well i do think its a place where we have continued and reinvesting in that. It is dire in many cases without roads issues. We have a situation where the principal canceled six days of school and 2018 due to road conditions. At least seven occasions, 80 of the students couldnt attend school due to washed out roads. Im curious if youre thinking with respect to transportation assets as well when it comes to having Asset Management plan so we manage these things for the longterm and make the investments. We have about 100,000 miles of roads. Think about that for a minute. Thats a lot. I will tell you that i get so many concerns regarding the roads and they create significant safety drives. My view is across the board, we just havent done that. Its been completely dispersed and the problem is, its out of control. Some of them are very bad condition. It has brought that in. Thank you. Think about the significance, within our public land, this is the biggest Financial One we have. Its not making sure we are adequate, it is the roads and road issues. This is a significant one for us. I want to thank you for the time you have given us, im very grateful because i mentioned in my opening statement, this is a Good Neighbor 30 and potentially expanding it to fish and while protection, i think we have seen the benefits play out there with partnerships as we focused on that. In concept, we have no objection to it, i just need to go back and figure it out. From a policy perspective, it should be a nobrainer. I think it is something the last thing, related to the firefighting and it relates to the drones, the entire fleet, 800 drones and manufactured, i think they are still undergoing evaluations of security risks of what they have done and put in place this process that allows them as well, a search and rescue and requesting waivers. How is that working . Have you been granting any waivers . What is the status . It is my hope that the review is completed relatively soon and there are no issues. Weve laid out conditions where these vehicles and missions and they go through a process and i dont think weve had any problems granting them. Then clear that they are phenomenal but with two things here, one is security, the other is making sure that we have suppliers for these types of things. It is my hope that it comes back with no problem. Until then, i cant make that promise. We recognize that. I want to thank you. You have the probation subcommittee and ask those questions, i shouldnt say in that way, my job is to implement them well and you do that. I appreciate what you are doing, whether its the specific initiatives, it is something they study and what we are trying to do with the allotment, we are implementing the law. When it comes to the Tax Reform Act of 2017, the law says you shall move forward within a prescribed time and you are doing that, you are following thoughtful and working to balance it to ensure you are in compliance. You are following the law. You are doing these grand orde orders, youve got to work within that. Youre following the law as it relates to that. When i talk about the members, you can point fingers, youve got the lock to implement. Must we decide we are going to change that law and implement it, i appreciate that you come back, my job is to implement the law. Thank you for what you are doing and you are meeting in that way, youve been good partners and i appreciate the leadership you and your team have provided. I appreciate the time. I know you will have questions and we look forward to that as well. The committee stands adjourned. Policy issues brought to you. Saturday morning meeting on the coronavirus. Washington post now and the institute on the sick leave. Legislative proposal on the coronavirus. Talk about how colleges and universities across the u. S. And the spread of the coronavirus. She spends washington internal live seven eastern saturday morning. During the discussion. Its easy to follow response to the coronavirus outbreak at cspan. Org coronavirus. The spread throughout the u. S. And the world with interactive maps and charts