Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2022 — House Report 117-83
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This is House Report 117-83 of the 117th Congress, 1st Session, titled Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2022, from the Committee on Appropriations, together with minority views, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed July 6, 2021. Ms. Pingree reports on H.R. 4372, making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022. The report states that the bill provides regular annual appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, and related agencies, including the Forest Service, the Indian Health Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities. The contents list the bill's titles by agency.
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“Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2022 — House Report 117-83.”
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117TH CONGRESS REPORT
" HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES !
1st Session 117–83
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2022
JULY 6, 2021.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of
the Union and ordered to be printed
Ms. PINGREE, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
together with
MINORITY VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 4372]
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,
2022. The bill provides regular annual appropriations for the De-
partment 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 11
Bureau of Land Management ............................................................ 2 11
United States Fish and Wildlife Service ........................................... 7 16
National Park Service ......................................................................... 13 31
United States Geological Survey ....................................................... 19 38
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ............................................. 21 46
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement ......................... 22 47
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement ................. 24 48
Bureau of Indian Affairs .................................................................... 27 49
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Bureau of Indian Education ............................................................... 32 61
Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians ......................... 38 65
45–015
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Page number
Bill Report
Office of the Secretary ........................................................................ 41 67
Insular Affairs ..................................................................................... 43 68
Office of the Solicitor .......................................................................... 46 70
Office of Inspector General ................................................................. 46 70
Department-wide Programs: 46 70
Wildland Fire Management, Interior Department ........................... 46 70
Central Hazardous Materials Fund .................................................. 51 72
Energy Community Revitalization Program ..................................... 52 72
Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration ................. 53 72
Working Capital Fund ........................................................................ 54 73
Office of Natural Resources Revenue ................................................ 55 73
General Provisions, Department of the Interior ............................... 56 73
Title II—Environmental Protection Agency: 79 74
Science and Technology ...................................................................... 79 79
Environmental Programs and Management ..................................... 79 85
Office of Inspector General ................................................................. 80 94
Buildings and Facilities ...................................................................... 81 94
Hazardous Substance Superfund ....................................................... 81 95
Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Program ............. 82 97
Inland Oil Spill Programs .................................................................. 82 98
State and Tribal Assistance Grants .................................................. 83 99
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account ... 95 105
Administrative Provisions .................................................................. 98 105
Title III—Related Agencies: 102 106
Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environ-
ment .................................................................................................. 102 106
Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture .............................. 103 106
Wildland Fire Management, Forest Service ..................................... 109 120
Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services ............................................................................................ 120 122
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ..................... 129 132
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ......................... 130 133
Other Related Agencies: 131 134
Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental
Quality .............................................................................................. 131 134
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board ........................... 131 134
Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation ................................... 132 135
Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts
Development .................................................................................... 133 135
Smithsonian Institution ..................................................................... 134 135
National Gallery of Art ....................................................................... 136 139
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ............................ 138 140
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars ........................ 139 140
National Endowment for the Arts ..................................................... 139 141
National Endowment for the Humanities ......................................... 139 142
Commission of Fine Arts .................................................................... 141 143
National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs ...................................... 142 144
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation ....................................... 142 144
National Capital Planning Commission ............................................ 142 145
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum .................................... 142 145
Presidio Trust ...................................................................................... 143 146
World War I Centennial Commission ................................................ 143 146
Title IV—General Provisions .................................................................... 144 147
Minority Views ........................................................................................... ........ 312
INTRODUCTION
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The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agen-
cies Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2022 totals $45,850,000,000,
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$7,393,000,000 above the fiscal year 2021 enacted level and
$252,809,000 below the fiscal year 2022 budget request.
References throughout this report to the enacted bill and the
budget request refer to the fiscal year 2021 enacted level and the
fiscal year 2022 budget request unless otherwise stated.
COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT
Members of Congress have provided considerable input in fash-
ioning this bill. In total, 359 Members submitted 7,840 pro-
grammatic and community project requests relating to multiple
agencies and programs.
The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee
conducted six oversight hearings this year to carefully review the
programs and budgets under its jurisdiction. The Subcommittee
held the following oversight hearings:
Efforts to Address Marine Plastic Pollution Through Recy-
cling—March 18, 2021
Wood Innovation: Sustainable Forest Products to Reinvigo-
rate Rural Economies—March 23, 2021
The Effects of COVID–19 on Arts and Humanities Organiza-
tions—March 25, 2021
Forest Service Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Oversight Hearing—
April 15, 2021
Department of the Interior Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Over-
sight Hearing—April 20, 2021
Environmental Protection Agency Fiscal Year 2022 Budget
Oversight Hearing—April 21, 2021
In total, 17 individuals representing the Executive Branch, Con-
gress, State, Tribal, and local governments, and the general public
testified before the Subcommittee. In addition to those who testi-
fied in person, another 169 organizations, or coalitions provided
written testimony for the hearing record which is publicly available
online.
AERIAL FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION
The Committee is concerned that, in some cases, aerial fire-fight-
ing companies put forward by states for inclusion in Cooperator
Letters, and that are certified by states as meeting the equivalent
of either Forest Service or Department of Interior standards, are
not receiving timely approval or are receiving conditional approvals
that limit states from fully utilizing their resources to fight
wildfires. Given the patchwork of state and federal lands and the
scale of wildfires, the Committee urges timely and transparent Co-
operator Letter decisions to allow states to adequately respond to
regional wildfires, including providing feedback to state wildfire
agencies with detailed rationale for denials of requests. The Forest
Service is directed to brief the Committee within 180 days of enact-
ment of this Act on actions that can be taken to improve this proc-
ess to include the feasibility of federal carding outside the federal
contracting process.
BIGHORN SHEEP
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The Committee is aware that the Forest Service and Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) use the Western Association of Fish and
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Wildlife Agencies’ occupied bighorn habitat maps, telemetry data,
and recent bighorn observations in conducting Risk of Contact
analysis and that risk of contact models are currently being run on
a State-wide basis where sufficient data exists. The Committee ex-
pects the agencies to continue to share findings transparently and
promptly with other Federal land management agencies, State and
local governments, State wildlife agencies, and State and Federal
animal health professionals, including the Agricultural Research
Service, permittees, and stakeholders. This will ensure the inclu-
sion of the most directly affected interests in a common under-
standing of the Risk of Contact analysis, the search for suitable al-
ternative allotments, and the development of options for wild and
domestic sheep. The Forest Service and BLM are further directed
to continue to engage the Agricultural Research Service, research
institutions, state wildlife agencies, and other scientific entities to
ensure the best professional scientific understanding of the risk of
disease transmission between domestic and bighorn sheep is known
before making management decisions that impact permittees.
BIRD COLLISIONS ON FEDERAL PROPERTY
Birds play an important role in ecosystems and a recent study
suggests that nearly 3 billion birds have been lost since 1970. This
is a staggering loss in every biome because birds play important
roles such as being pollinators or in controlling pests. Collisions
with glass kill up to 1 billion birds per year in the United States.
All agencies under the jurisdiction of this Act are directed to mon-
itor visitor and nature centers and office buildings for bird colli-
sions with glass during spring migration (April 1—June 1) and fall
migration (September 1—November 1); determine the scale of colli-
sions; and assess whether retrofits to windows will reduce colli-
sions. At a minimum, all agencies are directed to take low cost or
no cost action, such as turning off interior lights at night or apply-
ing films or other adhesives to glass windows to reduce bird colli-
sions. The Committee also supports efforts by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service to encourage communication tower owners to use
avian friendly flashing lights which can save 4 million birds per
year.
CARBON STORAGE ON FEDERAL LANDS
The Committee notes that geologic storage of carbon dioxide pro-
vides an opportunity for carbon capture and removal projects that
could reduce emissions and mitigate climate change, and encour-
ages land management agencies, including the Bureau of Land
Management and Forest Service, to evaluate carbon storage as a
potential activity on public lands. Within 180 days of enactment of
this Act, the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service
are to meet with the U.S. Geological Survey and discuss the poten-
tial to collaborate on efforts to better understand the potential car-
bon capture and geological storage on Federal lands and the effi-
cacy of including this evaluation in resource management and for-
est plan revisions. Within 270 days of enactment of this Act, the
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Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service are to brief
the Committee on the outcome of this discussion and any related
decisions.
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CIVILIAN CLIMATE CORPS
The Committee supports the proposed Civilian Climate Corps
(CCC). Funding provided in this recommendation will leverage
work occurring in a variety of different agencies and maximize ef-
forts to engage and mobilize a new generation of climate focused
conservation work. The Committee notes the critical importance of
the urban interface for CCC to inspire and engage communities
and residents traditionally unconnected to the core rural conserva-
tion missions of the partner agencies. The disperse locations of po-
tential CCC sites will provide the opportunity to provide a physical
and psychological imprint in the history of our nation during evolv-
ing times. The Departments of Interior and Agriculture are di-
rected to provide a written plan, within 90 days of enactment of
this Act, for how CCC funding will be used, along with a break-
down of funding and a list of existing programs or partners. The
report should also include an analysis of the impacts of creating a
dedicated budget line for the CCC.
COLLABORATION ON WILDFIRE PREVENTION
The Committee recognizes the important work in wildfire preven-
tion for which the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management
are responsible. The Committee encourages the Forest Service and
Bureau of Land Management to conduct more frequent fuel content
and soil moisture testing in consultation with the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration to ensure the government’s ability
to develop more accurate wildfire modeling and artificial intel-
ligence solutions.
CORAL REEF HEALTH
The Committee remains concerned that an unprecedented coral
disease outbreak especially along the Florida Reef Tract, has left
America’s Great Barrier Reef on the brink of functional extinction,
posing a significant obstacle to coral reef restoration efforts. Coral
reef tracts serve as a major economic driver for the State of Florida
and the U.S. territories, and are the most biologically diverse eco-
systems in the ocean. The Committee recognizes the restoration
work of the Department of the Interior and the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, as well as state and territorial
government partners, to support coral monitoring, research, and
restoration efforts in highly impacted and high priority coral reef
habitats in U.S. waters, including in Biscayne National Park and
Dry Tortugas National Park, and further recommends the diver-
sion of additional resources to support the state and local partners
conducting this work on a daily basis.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Committee directs all agencies funded by this Act to comply
with title 31 of the United States Code, including the development
of their organizational priority goals and outcomes such as per-
formance outcome measures, output measures, efficiency measures,
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and customer service measures, as well as developing standards to
improve customer service and incorporation of the standards into
the performance plans.
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EDUCATIONAL AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS
The Committee strongly supports academic internships, partner-
ships, and educational and outreach programs of the agencies fund-
ed through this bill and encourages them to ensure that their ef-
forts reach the widest possible audience including, but not limited
to, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, and Tribal Colleges and Universities, as appropriate.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
The Committee recognizes the importance of environmental edu-
cation and nature-based learning as a means of building healthy
communities and neighborhoods, particularly in urban settings and
economically disadvantaged communities. The Committee urges
Department of the Interior agencies (including the National Park
Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Ge-
ological Service and the Bureau of Land Management), EPA, and
the Forest Service to continue to develop partnerships with envi-
ronmental educational organizations that increase access to out-
door focused learning year round in under resourced urban commu-
nities, including those organizations that target programming to
children and K–12 schools. The Committee expects these agencies
to delineate, in fiscal year 2023 budget justifications, efforts under-
taken to support environmental education in urban settings and to
partner with non-profit organizations that contribute to the under-
lying mission of these agencies.
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Committee notes that the Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 directs the Attorney
General to continue efforts to implement training programs to
cover the use of force and de-escalation, racial profiling, implicit
bias, and procedural justice, to include training on the duty of Fed-
eral law enforcement officers to intervene in cases where another
law enforcement officer is using excessive force, and make such
training a requirement for Federal law enforcement officers. The
Committee further notes that several Departments and agencies
funded by this Act employ Federal law enforcement officers and are
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers partner organizations.
The Committee directs such Departments and agencies to adopt
and follow the training programs implemented by the Attorney
General, and to make such training a requirement for its Federal
law enforcement officers. The Committee further directs such De-
partments and agencies to brief the House and Senate Committees
on Appropriations on their efforts relating to training no later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
In addition, the Committee directs such Departments and agen-
cies, to the extent that such Departments and agencies have not al-
ready done so, to submit their use of force data to the Federal Bu-
reau of Investigation (FBI)’s National Use of Force Data Collection
database. The Committee further directs such Departments and
agencies to brief the House and Senate Committees on Appropria-
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tions no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act
on their current efforts to tabulate and submit their use of force
data to the FBI.
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FIRE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
The Committee supports public-private partnerships that support
and promote fire resilient communities including efforts to encour-
age the design, construction, and retrofitting of fire resilient resi-
dential homes and commercial buildings. Collaborative efforts be-
tween private industry, university-based wildfire researchers, com-
munity-based organizations and local communities are making no-
table progress in developing construction techniques and identi-
fying building materials to actively mitigate fire risk in areas sus-
ceptible to catastrophic wildland fire, including the wildland urban
interface. The Committee strongly encourages efforts at the state
and local level, particularly within high-risk fire areas, to support
the use of non-combustible American made construction materials
to support and promote fire hardened and resilient communities.
FIREFIGHTING AVIATION CONTRACTS
The Committee reiterates that it is important the Forest Service
and Department of the Interior analyze current aviation con-
tracting capabilities for wildland fire suppression activities to de-
termine whether changes to existing practices may better support
the strategic plan for aerial firefighting assets. The Committee
notes that it has yet to receive the report outlined in House Report
116–448 and the explanatory statement accompanying the Consoli-
dated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116–260) regarding
aviation contracts, current impediments to the use of longer-term
contracts, and whether modifying cancellation ceilings for longer-
term aviation contracts consistent with practices used for longer-
term stewardship contracts, as provided by Division O of Public
Law 115–141, could assist the agencies in having long-term cer-
tainty and affordability for modern aviation assets. The Committee
expects the Forest Service and the Department to finalize the re-
port expeditiously.
FORMERLY INCARCERATED FIREFIGHTER
The Committee directs the Department of the Interior and the
Forest Service to explore the possibility of allowing formerly incar-
cerated individuals to qualify for Federal wildland firefighting posi-
tions. Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the Committee fur-
ther directs the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service
to provide a joint briefing to the Committee on the viability of a
pilot program for allowing formerly incarcerated individuals to
qualify for Federal wildland firefighting positions and the resources
necessary to enact such a program.
GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOORS ACT
At the end of this explanatory statement, the Committees have
included allocation of projects pursuant to the Great American Out-
doors Act (Public Law 116–152).
LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND
With the August 4, 2020, enactment of the Great American Out-
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doors Act (Public Law 116–152), Congress provided a permanent
appropriation of $900,000,000 per year from the Land and Water
Conservation Fund (LWCF). The Act also mandated that account
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allocations and detailed project information be proposed by the ad-
ministration each year through the president’s annual budget sub-
mission, and that such allocations, following review by the Com-
mittee, may be modified through an alternate allocation. A detailed
table showing the LWCF allocation by agency, account, activity,
and project, with lists of specific federal land acquisition projects
(including Community Project Funding acquisitions) and Forest
Legacy Program projects, included at the end of this report.
The Committee encourages the National Park Service to
prioritize funding under State and Local Assistance Programs to
support the establishment of greenways, parks, trails and other
outdoor recreation facilities in honor of America’s veterans.
LAND GRANTS, ACEQUIAS AND COMMUNITY DITCHES
The Secretaries of the Department of the Interior and the De-
partment of Agriculture are urged to recognize the traditional use
of State-recognized community land grants, acequias, and commu-
nity ditches in the American Southwest during the land use plan-
ning process and in accordance with applicable law, shall consider
and, as appropriate, provide for traditional-historic uses by these
entities within land management plans.
MARIJUANA ON PUBLIC LANDS
The Committee is aware that trespassers illegally grow mari-
juana on public lands in California. These unlawful activities
harmfully impact the public, water, soil, and wildlife. The Com-
mittee supports Forest Service efforts to develop tools to detect and
eradicate grow sites. The Committee directs the Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management to continue to cooperate with
state, local, and tribal governments on survey, reclamation, and
prevention efforts to the maximum extent possible. The Committee
also supports the Department of the Interior’s use of drones to con-
duct statewide remote-sensing surveys of federal public lands to
identify grow sites and allow for the development of cost estimates
for reclamation after concerns about cybersecurity, technology, and
domestic production have been addressed.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER RESTORATION AND RESILIENCY STRATEGY
The Committee recognizes that the Mississippi River basin from
Minnesota to Louisiana is a vital American waterway. Therefore,
the Committee urges the Department of Interior, including the Na-
tional Park Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and
the Bureau of Indian Affairs to participate and coordinate as an es-
sential federal stakeholder with the Environmental Protection
Agency as it leads efforts to develop a federal government-wide
Mississippi River restoration and resiliency strategy focused on im-
proving water quality, restoring habitat and natural systems, im-
proved navigation, eliminating aquatic invasive species, and build-
ing local resilience to natural disasters. Additional direction is pro-
vided for the Environmental Protection Agency.
MITIGATION ACTIVITIES FOR BORDER BARRIER CONSTRUCTION
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The Committee is concerned that construction of a border barrier
on sensitive lands along the southwest border, including national
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wildlife refuges, national forests, national monuments, and wilder-
ness areas has adversely impacted wildlife and the survival of im-
periled species. The Committee directs the Department of the Inte-
rior to report back within 180 days of enactment of this Act on im-
pacts to habitat and species from border barrier construction and
what is needed to mitigate these impacts. Bill language has been
included which authorizes the Bureau of Land Management, the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park
Service to accept transfers of funds from U.S. Customs and Border
Protection for mitigation activities, including land acquisition, re-
lated to construction of border barriers on Federal lands.
MONARCH BUTTERFLY POPULATIONS
The Committee is aware the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service determined that listing the monarch as endangered or
threatened is warranted but precluded by higher priority listing ac-
tions. The monarch is now a candidate under the Endangered Spe-
cies Act and the Service will review its status annually until a list-
ing decision is made. The Committee supports the historic Can-
didate Conservation Agreement with Assurances recently forged to
create and maintain habitat for monarch butterflies and other pol-
linators on energy and transportation lands. The Committee has
provided funding within the Department of the Interior to assist
with monarch recovery.
PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES (PILT)
The Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program provides com-
pensation to local governments for the loss of tax revenue resulting
from the presence of Federal land in their county or State. The rec-
ommendation includes full funding for PILT for fiscal year 2022 in
Section 114 of Title I General Provisions.
PRESCRIBED BURNS
The Committee encourages the Department of the Interior and
the Forest Service to continue utilizing prescribed burns as a forest
management tool in the western United States. Within 180 days of
enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the Department of
the Interior and the Forest Service to submit a report detailing the
barriers to implementing prescribed burns in the western United
States, possible solutions, and an estimate of fire damage in 2020
that could have potentially been avoided had the agencies imple-
mented a more robust prescribed burn regime.
PUBLIC ACCESS
The Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service are
directed to notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropria-
tions in advance of any proposed project specifically intending to
close an area to recreational shooting, hunting, or fishing on a non-
emergency basis of more than 30 days.
REPROGRAMMING GUIDELINES
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Reprogramming guidelines were codified in Division D of P.L.
116–94 and outlined in the accompanying explanatory statement.
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Bill language and direction is maintained to protect the integrity
of this Committee.
TRIBAL CONSULTATION
The Committee notes with concern the frustrations heard from
Tribes about agency failures to conduct ‘‘true’’ and ‘‘meaningful’’
government-to-government consultation. Although the level of frus-
tration varies by agency and event, the common theme is that
while most consultations solicit input and feedback from Tribes,
the communication is one way and fails to return feedback to
Tribes. Tribes often report that they don’t know whether and how
their input is considered. On decisions made in consultation with
Tribes, the Committee expects agencies funded in this bill to pub-
lish decision rationale in the context of and in reasonable detail to
the Tribal input received during consultation.
CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS AND TRIBAL LEASE PAYMENTS
Payments for 105(l) Tribal lease costs directly resulting from de-
cisions in the case of Maniilaq Ass’n v. Burwell in both 2014 (72
F. Supp. 3d 227 (D.D.C. 2014)) and 2016 (70 F. Supp. 3d 243
(D.D.C. 2016)) appear to create an entitlement to compensation
that is typically not funded through discretionary appropriations.
Instead, obligations of this nature are typically addressed through
mandatory spending. Estimates for contract support costs and pay-
ments for section 105(l) Tribal lease costs continue to increase and
have the potential to increase even further. Uncertainty sur-
rounding estimates has inserted a high level of unpredictability
into the budget process placing the Committee in the difficult posi-
tion where rapidly escalating requirements are negatively impact-
ing the ability to use discretionary appropriations to support core
Tribal programs, including health, education and construction pro-
grams, or provide essential fixed cost requirements. In addition, be-
cause contract support costs and payments for Tribal leases are ad-
dressed through discretionary spending, all other programs funded
under the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropria-
tions bill are impacted. The costs are growing exponentially, neces-
sitating a long-term funding strategy to address them. The Com-
mittee notes the Administration’s proposal to reclassify these costs
as an appropriated entitlement in fiscal year 2023. The Depart-
ment of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human
Services are directed to continue working with the House and Sen-
ate committees of jurisdiction, the Office of Management and Budg-
et, and the Committees on Appropriations to formulate long-term
accounting, budget, and legislative strategies to address this situa-
tion, including discussions reclassifying these funds as an appro-
priated entitlement.
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TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT OF LANDS AND RESOURCES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $1,220,555,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 1,480,334,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 1,458,414,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +237,859,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥21,920,000
The Bureau of Land Management (Bureau) was created in 1946,
75 years ago, to steward the nation’s public lands for the benefit
of all Americans. Today the Bureau manages approximately 245
million surface acres or one-tenth of America’s land base and 700
million acres of the subsurface mineral estate (30% of the United
States). The Bureau manages a wide range of uses while con-
serving natural, historical, and cultural resources for present and
future generations.
The Committee is aware of the Bureau’s loss of staff and institu-
tional knowledge under the previous Administration and that the
Bureau is in the process of building back capacity. That does not
excuse the Bureau from providing accurate and complete pro-
grammatic information to Congress in a timely fashion. The Com-
mittee directs Bureau leadership to examine this problem and take
immediate actions to resolve it. The Bureau is to provide monthly
briefings to the Committee on its progress in rebuilding staff capac-
ity including its staffing plans, location of employees and the loca-
tion of the headquarters, number of staff they have onboarded, hir-
ing timeline from advertising to filling positions, with a particular
emphasis on the Bureau’s budget office.
The Committee recommends $1,458,414,000 in new budget au-
thority for the Management of Lands and Resources appropriation.
This amount is $237,859,000 above the enacted level and
$21,920,000 below the budget request. The recommendation as-
sumes the enacted level of funding for all programs and accepts the
program changes in the budget request unless differences are speci-
fied. Program changes, instructions and details follow below and in
the table at the end of this report. Additional instructions are in-
cluded in the front of this report.
Land Resources.—The Committee recommends $314,971,000 for
Land Resources, $63,539,000 above the enacted level and
$1,668,000 above the budget request.
Rangeland Management.—The Committee recommends
$118,335,000 which includes $1,950,000 for the Civilian Climate
Corps; $2,051,000 for restoring landscape connectivity and function;
$1,242,000 for conserving and restoring lands to combat climate
change; $1,147,000 for improving water resources; $1,675,000 for
restoring legacy disturbances; $1,147,000 for decision support for
adaptive management; and $458,000 to transition to a zero emis-
sion fleet. The recommendation also provides $457,000 for National
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Wild and Scenic Rivers and $68,000 for National Scenic and His-
toric Trails. Within available funds, the Bureau is to work with a
land grant university to conduct a study on public land manage-
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ment policies. This study will assist Western urban and rural com-
munities, policy makers, resource managers, resource users, and
others to understand, analyze, and engage effectively in the public
land policy process.
Forestry Management.—The Committee recommends $12,948,000
which includes $1,256,000 for restoring landscape connectivity and
function; $700,000 for conserving and restoring lands to combat cli-
mate change; and $68,000 to transition to a zero emission fleet.
The recommendation also provides $118,000 for National Wild and
Scenic Rivers.
Cultural Resource Management.—The Committee recommends
$21,595,000 which includes $450,000 for the Civilian Climate
Corps and $92,000 to transition to a zero emission fleet. The rec-
ommendation also provides $820,000 for National Wild and Scenic
Rivers and $1,057,000 for National Scenic and Historic Trails.
Wild Horse and Burro Management.—The Committee rec-
ommends $162,093,000 which supports implementation of the May
2020 plan and includes $11,000,000 for administration of and re-
search on reversible immunocontraceptive fertility control; and
$504,000 to transition to a zero emission fleet. The Committee is
making a large Federal investment in the wild horse and burro
program and wants to ensure that these resources protect the wel-
fare of the wild horses and burros and conserve the range for the
habitat it provides to other species and the ecosystem services that
are essential to protect human and species health and well-being
in the face of climate change. The Committee directs the Secretary
to establish a task force to bring experts from all Interior bureaus
together to address the challenge of wild horses and burros. The
Bureau of Land Management is directed to use $11,000,000 of the
funds appropriated for this program to enter cooperative efforts
with other Federal partners to significantly progress the adminis-
tration of and research on reversible immunocontraceptive fertility
control. This should include public-private partnerships and simul-
taneous evaluation of multiple fertility control alternatives at a
meaningful scale. To tackle this challenge, the Bureau needs to
focus on achieving a sustainable Appropriate Management Level
while ensuring that all removals are conducted in strict compliance
with the Bureau’s Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program and
any population growth suppression strategies must be proven, safe,
and humane. The strategy will not include any sale or actions that
result in the destruction of healthy animals, which continues to be
prohibited by this bill. The Bureau is also directed to protect
against any violation of the law. Specifically, the Bureau is to re-
view its Adoption Incentive program and work with the Office of
the Solicitor to strengthen contractual language and address any
weakness in the program that would jeopardize the welfare of
these animals. The Bureau is directed to provide quarterly updates
to the Committee on the allocation of resources, achievement of
performance metrics, input from the Departmental task force, effi-
cacy of identifying and relocating horses to different Herd Manage-
ment Areas, and to discuss any proposed changes to the current
course of action. The recommendation provides $504,000 for the
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transition to a zero emission fleet.
Wildlife and Aquatic Habitat Management.—The Committee rec-
ommends $232,674,000 for Wildlife and Aquatic Habitat Manage-
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13
ment, $44,170,000 above the enacted level and $4,298,000 below
the budget request.
Wildlife Habitat Management.—The Committee recommends
$158,972,000 which includes $70,000,000 for sage grouse conserva-
tion activities, $31,000,000 for threatened and endangered species,
$19,667,000 for plant conservation and restoration, and $595,000 to
transition to a zero emission fleet. The Committee also provides
$427,000 for National Wild and Scenic Rivers and $192,000 for Na-
tional Scenic and Historic Trails.
Aquatic Habitat Management.—The Committee recommends
$73,702,000 which includes $3,188,000 for restoring landscape
connectivity and function; $3,475,000 for conserving and restoring
lands to combat climate change; $5,895,000 for improving water re-
sources; $2,383,000 for decision support for adaptive management;
and $229,000 to transition to a zero emission fleet. The rec-
ommendation also provides $952,000 for National Wild and Scenic
Rivers and $132,000 for National Scenic and Historic Trails.
Recreation Management.—The Committee recommends
$95,136,000 for Recreation Management, $18,407,000 above the en-
acted level and $3,635,000 above the budget request. The rec-
ommendation includes a total of $367,000 to transition to a zero
emission fleet, $3,947,000 for National Wild and Scenic Rivers and
$9,397,000 for National Scenic and Historic Trails. The increase of
$3,000,000 for National Scenic and Historic Trails may be used for
interpretive centers and to support iconic trails such as the Pacific
Crest Trail.
The Bureau is directed to prioritize the use of funding for Travel
and Transportation planning for special management areas to min-
imize the impact of motorized vehicles and recreation on threat-
ened and endangered species. The Bureau is also encouraged to en-
sure that the public is adequately informed regarding the protec-
tion of lands, as well as open and closed routes for trails and rec-
reational activities, for the areas protected by Public Law 116–9.
To help inform the public, the Department should properly post
signage and conduct regular reviews to ensure that signage is
maintained, in good readable condition, and to replace any dam-
aged or unreadable signs in a timely manner.
Energy and Minerals.—The Committee recommends
$241,226,000 for Energy and Minerals, $42,622,000 above the en-
acted level and $7,655,000 below the budget request. The bill pro-
vides $15,000,000 for Alaska legacy wells; $8,000,000 for orphan
wells; $2,000,000 for restoring legacy disturbances; $12,000,000 for
promoting renewable energy development; and a total of $1,191,000
to transition to a zero emission fleet.
Realty and Ownership Management.—The Committee rec-
ommends $85,345,000 for Realty and Ownership Management,
$5,220,000 above the enacted level and $2,401,000 below the budg-
et request. The recommendation includes $3,000,000 for restoring
landscape connectivity and function and a total of $321,000 to tran-
sition to a zero emission fleet. The recommendation also provides
a total of $163,000 for National Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Resource Protection and Maintenance.—The Committee rec-
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ommends $177,781,000 for Resource Protection and Maintenance,
$44,540,000 above the enacted level and $11,594,000 below the
budget request. The recommendation provides $8,000,000 for as-
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sessment, inventory, and monitoring; $8,000,000 for renewable en-
ergy development; $4,220,000 for improving water resources;
$20,200,000 for abandoned mine land sites; and a total of $596,000
to transition to a zero emission fleet. The recommendation also pro-
vides $121,000 for National Wild and Scenic Rivers and
$10,000,000 in resource management planning for sage grouse con-
servation activities.
Transportation and Facilities Maintenance.—The Committee rec-
ommends $78,724,000 for Transportation and Facilities Mainte-
nance, $1,055,000 above the enacted level and equal to the budget
request. The recommendation provides $1,220,000 for National
Wild and Scenic Rivers and $1,012,000 for National Scenic and
Historic Trails.
Workforce and Organizational Support.—The Committee rec-
ommends $166,066,000, for Workforce and Organizational Support,
$2,366,000 below the enacted level and $92,000 below the budget
request. The recommendation includes a total of $91,000 to transi-
tion to a zero emission fleet. The recommendation also provides
$800,000 for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and
$59,000 for National Wild and Scenic Rivers.
National Landscape Conservation System.—The Committee rec-
ommends $66,491,000 for the National Landscape Conservation
System, $20,672,000 above the enacted level and $1,183,000 below
the budget request. The recommendation includes $1,779,000 for
conserving and restoring lands to combat climate change, and a
total of $183,000 to transition to a zero emission fleet.
Communication Site Management.—The Committee recommends
$2,000,000 for communications site management, equal to the
budget request. This amount is reduced by $2,000,000 in offsetting
collections.
Mining Law Administration.—The Committee recommends
$39,696,000 for mining law administration, equal to the budget re-
quest. This amount is offset by $64,000,000 in offsetting collections.
Additional Guidance.—
Aquifer Recharge.—The Committee encourages the Bureau to
work with the state of Idaho to provide appropriate access to fed-
eral lands for the purposes of recharge projects.
Cadastral Survey.—The Committee directs the Bureau to con-
tinue executing the survey requirements of the Hawaiian Home
Lands Recovery Act, P.L. 104–42 as soon as public health condi-
tions allow. The Bureau shall consult with Homestead Beneficiary
Associations, as defined under 43 C.F.R. § 47.1, when conducting
these surveys.
Diversity Statistics.—The Bureau is encouraged to consider the
feasibility of adding diversity reporting requirement to commercial
filming projects on Bureau-managed lands.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.—The Committee appre-
ciates the long-standing partnership between the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation, a congressionally chartered institution,
and several bureaus within the Department, particularly the Bu-
reau of Land Management. The Committee urges the Bureau to
continue this partnership and agrees that, at the Bureau’s discre-
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tion, funds made available under this appropriation may be used
for critical conservation activities, pursuant to 16 U.S.C.3701 et
seq., under the same term and conditions as outlined under this
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heading in Title I of Division G of P.L. 115–31, the fiscal year 2017
Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Act.
Off-Highway Vehicle Pilot Program.—The Bureau is once again
directed to provide a report to the Committee within 90 days of en-
actment of this Act, on the status of the Bureau’s efforts regarding
the directive contained in House Report 115–765.
Plant Conservation Activities.—The Committee continues to sup-
port the Bureau’s Plant Conservation Program and the National
Seed Strategy and no less than $25,000,000 across the Bureau
should be directed towards this effort to enhance this activity. The
program is to be operated consistent with prior years. The Com-
mittee expects the Bureau to work to lead the interagency Native
Plant Materials Development program, the Seeds of Success pro-
gram, the Plant Conservation Alliance, several regional native
plant materials development programs, and related research and
programmatic activity. The Committee also continues to support
the implementation of the national seed strategy to ensure there is
a variety of seeds to accomplish immediate and long-term restora-
tion goals.
Rainy River Watershed.—The Committee is pleased to see the
terms of the Stipulated Settlement Agreement filed May 10, 2021
in which the Bureau of Land Management will reconsider its May
1, 2020 decision authorizing the extension of thirteen Twin Metals
prospecting permits after conducting an Environmental Assess-
ment, completing an effects determination and, as appropriate, re-
questing initiation of Endangered Species Act Section 7 consulta-
tion, and during the interim will not authorize any surface dis-
turbing activities for the thirteen prospecting permits.
Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA).—
The Committee reiterates that the funds from this account are to
be used for activities authorized under Public Law 105–263.
Water Quality.—The Committee encourages the Bureau to work
with Blaine County and interested community stakeholders to ad-
dress the increased sediment buildup in the Hulen Meadows Pond
by examining collaborative solutions to restoring the pond to ade-
quate health through dredging and other cost effective measures.
Bill language has been included which authorizes the Bureau to
accept transfers of funds from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
for mitigation activities, including land acquisition, related to con-
struction of border barriers on Federal lands.
OREGON AND CALIFORNIA GRANT LANDS
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $114,783,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 128,471,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 124,471,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +9,688,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥4,000,000
The Committee recommends $124,471,000 for the Oregon and
California Grant Lands appropriation. This amount is $9,688,000
above the enacted level and $4,000,000 below the budget request.
The Committee approves the program changes in the budget re-
quest except includes $1,640,000 for Civilian Climate Corps;
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$3,962,000 for restoring landscape connectivity and function;
$2,239,000 for conserving and restoring lands to combat climate
change; and $250,000 to transition to a zero emission fleet. The rec-
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16
ommendation also provides $374,000 for National Wild and Scenic
Rivers.
Fire protection.—The Committee directs the Bureau to refrain
from any actions that would withdraw the Bureau from its fire pro-
tection agreement with the State of Oregon.
Timber targets.—The Committee continues to be troubled by the
disparity in timber targets compared with timber awarded and har-
vested in some districts. The Bureau is once again directed to
prioritize response to administrative protests on timber sales in a
timely manner and to report timber sale accomplishments in vol-
ume of timber sold and awarded, rather than merely the volume
offered for sale, and shall report to the Committee on its progress.
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 re-
quested.
SERVICE CHARGES, DEPOSITS, AND FORFEITURES
The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation esti-
mated to be $30,000,000 for Service Charges, Deposits, and Forfeit-
ures. The appropriation is fully offset through collections.
MISCELLANEOUS TRUST FUNDS
The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation esti-
mated to be $26,000,000.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The Committee recommends inclusion of the Administrative Pro-
visions proposed in the budget request and notes that they are
long-standing items that facilitate efficient operations.
UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Originating in 1871, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service) is the oldest federal conservation agency, and the only
agency in the federal government, whose primary responsibility is
management of fish and wildlife for the American public. The Serv-
ice plays an important role in connecting Americans with nature
and in maintaining and protecting the Nation’s natural resources
for present and future generations. This requires strict enforcement
of important and foundational environmental laws such as the En-
dangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA),
Marine Mammal Protection Act, Lacey Act, and international trea-
ties like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Spe-
cies (CITES).
During the coronavirus pandemic visitors to the 568 national
wildlife refuges found sanctuary in a safe, socially distanced and
masked environment where they could seek solace from nature.
These 568 National Wildlife Refuges located in every State and
many territories operate as a national network of lands and waters
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for the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife,
and plant resources and habitats. The Service also operates one
historic National Fish Hatchery and 70 National Fish Hatcheries
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that work with states and tribes to propagate fish to bolster or re-
establish self-sustaining populations in the wild and mitigate im-
pacts associated with Federal water projects.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $1,379,828,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 1,679,113,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 1,651,795,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +271,967,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥27,318,000
The Committee recommends $1,651,795,000 for Resource Man-
agement, $271,967,000 above the enacted level and $27,318,000
below the budget request. The recommendation assumes the en-
acted level of funding for all programs and accepts the program
changes in the budget request unless differences are specified. Pro-
gram changes, instructions and details follow below and in the
table at the end of this report. Additional instructions are included
in the front of this report. The Committee encourages the Service
to expand its work through its Tribal liaison and regional liaisons
and coordinators to enhance technical assistance and collaboration
with tribes.
Ecological Services.—The recommendation includes $315,159,000
for Ecological Services to protect landscapes, fish, wildlife, and
plants by administering the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and re-
lated activities, $45,493,000 above the enacted level and
$16,930,000 below the budget request. The recommendation pro-
vides additional resources to strengthen efforts to conserve our nat-
ural resources for future generations and to ensure the protection
of important ecosystems such as the Chesapeake Bay, the Ever-
glades, and the California Bay-Delta. Program elements for this ac-
tivity follow below.
Listing.—The recommendation includes $22,279,000 for ESA list-
ings and related activities. Through the listing process, the best sci-
entific and commercial information on a species is analyzed so a de-
termination can be made on whether the survival of a species re-
quires the protections afforded by the ESA. Bill language is contin-
ued as requested to protect the rest of the Resource Management
account from listing-related judicial mandates. The Committee sup-
ports the Service’s efforts with local and regional stakeholders to
develop voluntary solutions to conserve targeted species.
Planning and Consultation.—The recommendation includes
$125,292,000 for timely evaluations and permitting of development
projects to ensure species are protected while allowing for develop-
ment that contributes to economic growth and job creation. This
recommendation provides $17,354,000 for increased support for en-
vironmental permitting for clean energy to stem the effects of cli-
mate change, $1,500,000 for pesticide consultations, and
$93,307,000 for general program activities such as building field ca-
pacity and focus on technical assistance to Federal agencies and
project proponents and to work with States, counties and private
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landowners to develop planning grants and create Habitat Con-
servation Plans; to enhance the Integrated Planning and Conserva-
tion (IPaC) system; and to ensure adequate implementation of the
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ESA and the integration of monitoring data into management deci-
sions.
The Committee acknowledges that the Service has issued guid-
ance to field offices and will be updating the Habitat Conservation
Plan (HCP) Handbook on streamlining ESA section 7(a)(2) con-
sultations on federal actions that authorize, fund, or carry out a
covered activity that affects listed species in an approved HCP
which covers those species as permitted under section 10(a)(1)(B).
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plans balance resource
use and conservation and foster collaboration with other stake-
holders. An example is the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation
Plan in Clark County, Nevada which covers 78 species, including
the threatened Mojave Desert Tortoise and the endangered South-
western Willow Flycatcher and yellow-billed cuckoo. The Com-
mittee is supportive of the goal of this plan which is the long-term
conservation and recovery of those species and their habitat.
Conservation and Restoration.—The recommendation includes
$50,416,000 for Conservation and Restoration. The recommenda-
tion provides $2,390,000 for Coastal Barrier Resources Act;
$12,785,000 for environmental response and restoration; $6,970,000
for marine mammals with a particular focus on manatees;
$5,471,000 for the National Wetlands Inventory, and $17,050,000
for candidate conservation. The Committee directs the Department
to involve the Service in any decision made by the Bureau of Land
Management on energy leasing where leasing will impact species.
Recovery.—The recommendation includes $117,172,000 for ESA
recovery activities. The recommendation provides $4,000,000 for
State of the Birds; $10,000,000 for Recovery Challenge grants;
$1,500,000 for Prescott Grants; $1,000,000 for wolf livestock;
$750,000 for a zero emission fleet; and $91,890,000 for general pro-
gram activities which includes funding at the enacted level for the
Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, San
Juan Basin Recovery Implementation Plan, and the Florida grass-
hopper sparrow.
The 2019 United Nations report outlined that nature is declining
and that up to one million plant and animal species are at risk of
extinction. The President’s Budget echoes that concern with its em-
phasis on protecting biodiversity and highlighting the importance
of restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems and ecosystem
services to protect human and species health and well-being.
Foundational environmental laws are critical tools in ensuring bio-
diversity is maintained for future generations. The Committee
strongly supports that the basis for any listing decisions must be
the best available science and data. The Committee recognizes
states like Michigan and its Department of Natural Resources for
their demonstrated support for keeping the Kirtland’s warbler re-
covered and healthy. For recovered and de-listed species under
State authority, the Service must abide by the direction outlined in
these foundational environmental laws as they work with the
States to continue to conserve and protect the well-being of these
species so that re-listings under the Endangered Species Act aren’t
necessary.
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Recovery Challenge matching grants are to be used to develop
and implement recovery outlines, update recovery plans, and im-
plement high priority recovery actions as prescribed in recovery
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plans and other public documents containing specific, measurable,
and prioritized actions to recover federally listed species. Actions
should include but are not limited to genetically-sound breeding,
rearing, and reintroduction programs. Longstanding partnerships,
including for the northern aplomado falcon and California condor,
should be funded at no less than their current levels and partner
contributions should be no less than their current amounts. The re-
maining funds should be dedicated to other multi-year partnerships
and should require at least a 50:50 partner match, which may in-
clude in-kind services. Unless an affected State is a partner on the
project, none of the funds may be awarded to a project until the
project partners have consulted with such State. The Service is ex-
pected to continue to work with the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation to administer a portion of the program in full consulta-
tion with the Service and subject to Service approval of all grants
and cooperative agreements. This approach allows Service funds to
be leveraged and expands recovery actions. The Service is also ex-
pected to administer a portion of the program itself in support of
partnerships to develop and implement recovery outlines, update
recovery plans, and implement recovery actions benefiting species
for which the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is not engaged
in conservation efforts. None of the funds may be used for indirect
costs. The Service is to provide a report to the Committee 120 days
after enactment of this Act which shall include the allocation of
funds between the Service and the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation and an evaluation of this collaboration; a breakdown of
funding by project which contains appropriated and matching funds
and the estimated projection completion year; and the amount of
highly-ranked but unfunded project proposals.
Recovery activities are essential for critically endangered species
at the brink of extinction because of climate change. The Com-
mittee directs the Service to incorporate climate change adaptation
actions and activities into new and revised recovery plans and re-
covery implementation strategies, such as with the mosquito vector
of avian pox and malaria in the revised Hawaiian Forest Birds re-
covery plan. The Service is directed to brief the Committee within
90 days of enactment of this Act on how it is prioritizing recovery
actions that improve a species’ resiliency, redundancy, and rep-
resentation so that a species is able to withstand the impacts of cli-
mate change and show direct evidence that these actions are incor-
porated into new and revised recovery plans.
The Committee provides an increase to State of the Birds to re-
spond to the urgent needs of critically endangered birds with habi-
tats that, due to climate change, now face increased threats from
mosquitoes that carry avian malaria and other pathogens.
The Committee recommendation maintains funding at the en-
acted level for the Service’s work on the Upper Colorado River En-
dangered Fish Recovery Program and the San Juan River Basin
Recovery Implementation Program.
The Committee supports the Service’s recovery efforts of the
American red wolf and recognizes the tremendous vulnerability of
this species. The Service is working to complete the final revised
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recovery plan by February 2023 and is directed to engage with the
local community to enhance education and outreach in the des-
ignated five-county recovery area in North Carolina, is encouraged
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20
to release American red wolves from captive breeding facilities into
the wild in the recovery area as well as other potential reintroduc-
tion sites, and to renew adaptive management techniques for con-
trolling coyote interference in wild red wolf population.
Habitat Conservation.—The recommendation for this activity in-
cludes $80,331,000 for voluntary, non-regulatory habitat conserva-
tion partnerships with public and private landowners, of which
$64,715,000 is to implement the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act
and $15,616,000 is for the Coastal Program. This recommendation
is $10,112,000 above the enacted level and $500,000 below the re-
quest. The recommendation includes $55,905,000 for general pro-
gram activities in Partners for Fish and Wildlife to provide tech-
nical and financial assistance to landowners interested in restoring
and enhancing wildlife habitat on their land. The recommendation
maintains funding for nutria eradication at no less than the en-
acted level and notes that additional funding for nutria eradication
is provided in the National Wildlife Refuge System. As of 2018, the
Service has stated that all the known nutria populations have been
removed from over a quarter million acres of the Delmarva Penin-
sula and efforts continue to verify eradication and remove any re-
sidual animals. Despite this success, nutria is becoming an emerg-
ing problem in other parts of the country and resources are pro-
vided for the Service to work with partners to achieve control and
eradication of all nutria populations and to help partners restore
land damaged by nutria. The Service is also encouraged to focus
Coastal Program funding on projects that address the threat of
invasive species and climate change.
National Wildlife Refuge System.—The recommendation includes
$582,055,000 for the National Wildlife Refuge System, $78,202,000
above the enacted level and $2,344,000 below the budget request.
Program elements for this activity follow below.
Wildlife and Habitat Management.—The recommendation in-
cludes $264,517,000, which includes $23,425,000 for Invasive Spe-
cies Strike Teams an increase of $10,000,000 above the enacted
level for new teams to focus on high priority invasive species prob-
lems, such as nutria, to eradicate or control them before they de-
velop more of a stronghold in the environment. The Committee also
urges the Service to consider fire prone areas, or regions that are
made more fire prone by the presence of invasive species, such as
buffelgrass, when allocating and prioritizing resources for the
Invasive Species Strike Teams and in their other efforts to eradi-
cate invasive species. The recommendation also provides
$29,924,000 for Inventory and Monitoring which includes no less
than $5,000,000 for monarch butterflies, and no less than
$1,000,000 for chronic wasting disease; and $2,000,000 for Marine
National Monuments which provides a total of $700,000 for re-
search in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National
Monument. The recommendation provides $204,583,000 for general
program activities to assist the Service in delivering conservation
on a landscape scale and providing important ecosystem services
that enhance the survival and protection of hundreds of threatened
and endangered species.
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The Committee understands the use of native plant materials in-
creases resilience, reduces invasive species, and creates a more ef-
fective deterrent to fire. The Service has also informed the Com-
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mittee that it favors management that restores or mimics natural
ecosystem processes using native seed sources and native plants in
ecological restoration. Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the
Service is directed to brief the Committee on the use of native
plants in refuge restoration and the guidelines it has in place to
maintain existing levels of biological integrity, diversity, and envi-
ronmental health. The Committee also supports the continued col-
laboration of Service staff with National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, USGS, and other partners to monitor coral disease
in refuge and monument waters. This recommendation maintains
the enacted level of funding to support refuge biologists, manage-
ment activities, and coral disease studies.
Since fiscal year 2017, the Service has been responsive to Con-
gressional direction to institute signage on any national wildlife
refuge where trapping occurs. In fiscal year 2020, the Service was
to update the information posted on the website and physical prem-
ises of any refuge to note if body-gripping traps were on the prem-
ises. To further protect the public, the Committee encourages the
Service to conduct a review of this signage and ensure the signage
is in good, readable condition, and to replace any damaged or
unreadable signs within 30 days of identification. The Service is to
continue the reporting requirement to provide trapping information
to the Committee on an annual basis. The Committee directs
$300,000 of the funds provided to institute a 3-year pilot program
that evaluates the efficacy of using non-lethal methods and equip-
ment to remove pest species compared to the use of body-gripping
traps. During the pilot study, agency personnel would be allowed
to use body-gripping traps in the following situations: When the
body-gripping trap is used to control documented, invasive species
to achieve resource management objectives where alternative meth-
ods have failed; or protect a species that is listed as an endangered
species or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or treated by the Forest Service as
a sensitive species. Exceptions only apply when: such use of a body-
gripping trap is in accordance with applicable State and Federal
law; prior to use of a body-gripping trap, all available and viable
non-lethal methods for such control or protection, respectively, are
attempted; and such attempts are documented in writing, and such
documentation is maintained at the office of the department that
employs the individual engaging in such attempt. The Committee
directs the Secretary to begin the pilot program no later than 180
days after enactment of this Act and report to Congress no later
than 365 days later on the details of its implementation.
Regional refuges, such as the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and
Wildlife Refuge, effectively work with local communities and land-
owners to achieve collaborative conservation. The Committee en-
courages the Service to continue these efforts and to provide the
highest level of funding available to these refuges to build upon
this exemplary work. The Committee also recognizes that refuge
sites, while not physically connected, often contain important eco-
logical and cultural value when connected as part of a regional
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wildlife footprint. Numerous refuges serve the various migratory
flyways through an integrated migratory and ecological footprint
across the Refuge System.
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Visitor Services.—The recommendation includes $92,737,000. The
recommendation provides $12,500,000 for Urban Wildlife Conserva-
tion, an increase of $7,000,000 above the enacted level, and
$78,237,000 for general program activities that will enhance rec-
reational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, and watching
wildlife, and put young people to work improving America’s land,
waters, and infrastructure. With a national wildlife refuge located
within a one-hour drive of nearly every major metropolitan area,
this increase for urban refuges enables the Service to improve ac-
cess and engage new audiences in outdoor recreation and conserva-
tion. The Service is encouraged to work with partners to support
year-round environmental education for youth and adults of all
ages living in urban settings.
Refuge Maintenance.—The recommendation includes
$171,386,000, which includes $3,250,000 to begin to translate the
Service fleet to zero emission vehicles. The Service has continued
to reduce the deferred maintenance backlog at refuges like
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and when formulating the fis-
cal year 2023 budget is encouraged to prioritize projects where the
visitor experience would be enhanced by the construction of facili-
ties for public recreation and environmental education. The Com-
mittee recognizes the Service’s effort to prioritize maintenance and
restoration of units within the refuge system that were damaged
by Hurricanes Sandy and Irene. For trails projects, the Committee
understands funding from this account is supplemented with fund-
ing from the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP), which
comes from the Highway Trust Fund, and from the Great American
Outdoors Act.
Conservation and Enforcement.—The recommendation includes
$191,618,000 for Conservation and Enforcement, $33,853,000 above
the enacted level and $1,303,000 above the budget request. Pro-
gram elements for this activity follow below.
Migratory Bird Management.—The recommendation includes
$66,371,000 for Migratory Bird Management, including $41,546,000
for Conservation and Monitoring and provides $125,000 to begin to
translate the Service fleet to zero emission vehicles. The Committee
encourages the Service to continue its efforts to work with land-
owners to reduce black vulture predation on livestock and to man-
age double crested cormorants. The recommendation provides
$1,000,000 for the Federal Duck Stamp Program and $18,812,000
for North American Waterfowl Management Plan/Joint Ventures
(JV). The JV program is essential for addressing the conservation
needs of migratory birds by leveraging matching contributions from
partners. This increase will expand the technical assistance pro-
vided to conservation partners and help address the void created
in some regions of the country by the dismantling of the landscape
conservation cooperatives.
The Committee was pleased the Administration has discarded
the December 22, 2017 legal opinion on the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act (MBTA), M–37050 and plans to replace the previous Adminis-
tration’s rule that would have no longer prohibited incidental take.
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The funding required for staffing to support an incidental take per-
mitting system under the MBTA and to complete the e-permitting
system is provided. Statistics on the Service website indicate that
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migratory birds and their habitats remain at risk and that inci-
dental take remains a threat.
Law Enforcement.—The recommendation includes $94,982,000
for Law Enforcement. As in prior years, this increase may be used
as necessary to supplement inspections. The Committee notes the
important role the Service plays in combating illegal wildlife traf-
ficking and the nexus with trafficking and close contact with wild-
life that can transmit pathogens and impact human health. The
Service is to brief the Committee within 180 days of enactment of
this Act on the roles of Law Enforcement and International Affairs
in how they combat global trafficking, assist with building capacity
to improve law enforcement in other countries; detect and deter il-
legal import and export of wildlife; and are improving information
sharing and enhancing capabilities for stopping high-risk illegal
shipments of wildlife into the United States.
International Affairs.—The recommendation provides
$30,265,000 for International Affairs. This funding level provides
$1,000,000 for the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize, and
$6,700,000 for replacing the Service’s out-of-date permit processing
infrastructure with a modernized Service-wide electronic permit
application and processing system.
The Committee acknowledges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv-
ice’s International Affairs (IA) Program works worldwide to con-
serve fish, wildlife, plants, and the habitats they depend on at a
landscape level, and to maintain these ecological processes beyond
our borders for future generations. Through these aims, IA leads
U.S. and international efforts to protect, restore, and enhance the
world’s diverse wildlife and their habitats, focusing on species of
global concern. Funding also supports strong oversight of inter-
national conservation grants from the agency. As long-term success
for conserving wildlife and wild places relies on building the capac-
ity in countries for managing their own protected areas and spe-
cies, Indigenous Peoples and communities should be included.
Within the amount provided, the Committee encourages the Serv-
ice to support projects that foster partnerships with universities or
other institutions that are educating the current and next genera-
tions of conservationists.
The Committee recognizes the Service’s work with Honduras, El
Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico to conserve priority species and
ecosystems, including partnering with the U.S. Agency for Inter-
national Development (USAID) to support community forestry con-
cessions and tropical forest conservation in the Maya Biosphere Re-
serve, and urges the continuation of these international partner-
ships in fiscal year 2022 as well as the timely disbursement of
funding. The Committee directs the Service to provide no less than
the enacted level for these grants to promote research, training,
and development of best practices for international conservation,
and to submit a report within 60 days of the enactment of this Act
on these efforts.
Since 1989, the Service has provided critical financial assistance
to Central African countries that has created stability and im-
proved local economies while conserving species of shared impor-
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tance and concern, protecting vital landscapes, and combatting
wildlife trafficking. This financial assistance includes the transfer
of funding from USAID for the Central Africa Regional Program for
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the Environment which began in 2007. Congress has provided the
resources for the Department to continue to administer and execute
these programs with adequate safeguards to protect these funds
from being used in violation of U.S. law. Collaboration with partner
agencies, such as USAID, that routinely provide grant funding to
the same countries should enable the Department to further
strengthen such safeguards and allow for the timely disbursement
of these funds. The Service is directed to brief the Committee with-
in 30 days of enactment of this Act, on how this program has been
revised under the new Administration. This briefing is to include
a discussion of the oversight and safeguards that have been insti-
tuted to prevent the misuse of these funds and the disbursement
and obligation of international grants.
The Committee reiterates its concern about the Service’s current
policy of evaluating applications for importing trophies for ele-
phants and lions on a case-by-case basis and whether its analysis
adequately determines whether a country has proper safeguards in
place to protect species vulnerable to poaching. In fiscal year 2020,
the Service was directed to reevaluate its current policy and ana-
lyze how targeted investments and technical assistance to the ex-
porting countries conservation programs would impact the survival
of elephants and lions, improve local communities, and sustain spe-
cies populations. The Service has yet to comply with the directive
to brief the Committee within 60 days of enactment. Therefore, the
Committee includes bill language that prohibits the issuance of any
permit for the import of a sport-hunted trophy of an elephant or
lion taken in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, or Zambia. The limitation de-
scribed does not apply in the case of the administration of a tax
or tariff.
The Committee also acknowledges and commends the enactment
of the Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals
(DELTA) Act in 2018 and urges the Service, especially its Inter-
national Affairs and Office of Law Enforcement programs, to work
with Angola, Namibia, and Botswana in combating poaching and
wildlife trafficking and strengthening protected area management,
including through trans-boundary conservation programs in the re-
gion, with an initial focus on Angola. The Committee understands
the Service has historically allocated $500,000 towards this effort.
Fish and Aquatic Conservation.—The recommendation includes
$250,472,000 for Fish and Aquatic Conservation, $43,859,000 above
the enacted level and $4,450,000 below the budget request. The
Service is expected to continue to work with partners and the pub-
lic to manage fish and other aquatic resources for the benefit of the
American people. Program elements for this activity follow below.
National Fish Hatchery System Operations.—The recommenda-
tion provides $75,674,000 for National Fish Hatchery Systems Op-
erations, which includes $1,200,000 for the Aquatic Animal Drug
Approval Partnership; $4,700,000 for the Pacific Salmon Treaty;
and maintains the enacted level for the Great Lakes Consent De-
cree; the national wild fish health survey program; mass marking
salmonids in the Pacific Northwest; and Klamath Restoration. The
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recommendation also provides $62,569,000 to sustain activities
such as expanding capabilities to ensure the health of aquatic spe-
cies, advancing aquatic conservation, and supporting the recovery
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of federally listed threatened or endangered aquatic species and re-
storing at-risk species.
The recommended funding level provides the resources required
to sustain current hatchery operations. The Service may not termi-
nate operations or close any facility of the National Fish Hatchery
System. None of the production programs listed in the March 2013
National Fish Hatchery System Strategic Hatchery and Workforce
Planning Report may be reduced or terminated without advance,
informal consultation with affected States and Tribes.
The Service is expected to continue funding mitigation hatchery
programs via reimbursable agreements with Federal partners. Fu-
ture agreements should include reimbursement for production, fa-
cilities, and administrative costs. The Service is expected to ensure
that its costs are fully reimbursed before proposing to reduce or re-
direct base funding.
The Committee encourages the Service to carry out sampling of
re-introduced lake sturgeon and monitor the survival of juvenile
lake sturgeon after they are stocked to determine whether the
stocking rates should be increased to meet the target stock level.
Maintenance and Equipment.—The recommendation provides
$49,546,000, which includes $1,588,000 to begin to transition the
Service fleet to zero emission vehicles. The Service should continue
to allocate this funding to facilities with the most severe health and
safety deficiencies across the System as a whole, rather than by re-
gion. All other funds should continue to be allocated as in prior
years and should include mitigation hatcheries as needed to sup-
plement reimbursable funds.
Aquatic Habitat and Species Conservation.—The recommendation
includes $125,252,000 for Aquatic Habitat and Species Conserva-
tion. A discussion of the program components follows below.
Habitat Assessment and Restoration.—The recommendation in-
cludes $46,326,000, of which: $200,000 is for the Truckee River Op-
erating Agreement; $7,664,000 is for the National Fish Habitat Ac-
tion Plan; and $12,500,000 is to implement the Delaware River
Basin Conservation Act. The recommendation maintains the en-
acted level for the Chehalis Fisheries Restoration Program; the Na-
tional Fish Passage Program which includes work with tribes; and
the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. The Committee encour-
ages the Service to continue to work with partners to address their
concerns about securing the non-Federal matching dollars required
for eligibility to receive funding through the Delaware Watershed
Conservation Fund. The Service should explore solutions and con-
vene partners to develop approaches for addressing this concern
and identify other sources of funds that can be used as a match.
Continued collaboration with the National Fish and Wildlife Foun-
dation to acquire technical assistance is also encouraged. The Serv-
ice is encouraged to continue its collaborative work with partners
through the National Fish Passage Program on the Warren Glen
Dam removal project.
Population Assessment and Cooperative Management.—The rec-
ommendation provides $33,615,000, which provides the $1,000,000
requested to implement the Great Lakes Consent Decree and
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$2,000,000 for the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act.
The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act is supple-
mented with funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
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The recommendation does not accept the proposed reductions for
the Lake Champlain sea lamprey program and the Pacific Salmon
treaty and funds them at no less than $818,000 and up to
$1,000,000 and $150,000 respectively, and $16,148,000 for general
program activities. The Committee remains supportive of the an-
nual Memorandum of Agreement with the Great Lakes Fishery
Commission to provide funding for sea lamprey treatment, assess-
ment, and program administration. The Service is encouraged to
continue to work with the State of Maryland, NOAA, and other
partners on eradication of invasive northern snakehead and to fi-
nalize their plan for eradication in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
The Service is to brief the Committee on this effort within 120 days
of the enactment of the Act and to use up to $1,000,000 from with-
in available funds for this effort.
Aquatic Invasive Species.—The recommendation includes
$45,311,000, of which no less than $3,834,000 is to help States im-
plement plans required by the National Invasive Species Act
(NISA); $1,566,000 is for NISA coordination; and $6,088,000 is to
implement subsection 5(d)(2) of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act.
The Committee continues funding to aid the Service in working to
prevent Invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes, and to con-
trol and eradicate them from the Mississippi River; its six sub-ba-
sins, the Upper Mississippi River, Missouri River, Arkansas-Red
White River, Lower Mississippi River, Tennessee Cumberland
River, and Ohio River, and Kentucky Lake, and Lake Barkley. This
recommendation includes $26,000,000 for Invasive carp, of which
$4,000,000 is for contract fishing; $1,011,000 is for Sea Lamprey
administration costs; $3,500,000 is to prevent the spread of quagga
and zebra mussels in the West; and $2,367,000 is for prevention.
The $4,000,000 provided for contract fishing will create jobs
while advancing efforts to combat Invasive carp by expanding and
perfecting the combined use of contract fishing and deterrents to
extirpate Invasive carp, including grass carp, where already estab-
lished, pursuant to individual State laws and regulations and as
called for in management plans to prevent a sustainable population
from establishing in the Great Lakes. Contract fishing has proven
to be an extremely effective management tool. The Service shall
continue to work with its State partners to gather data to analyze
the impacts of contract fishing to control abundance and movement
of Invasive carp, including grass carp, and to make sure adequate
resources are provided to support the efforts of the Invasive Carp
Regional Coordinating Committee.
The Committee recognizes the importance of understanding the
current economic situation as it relates to the removal and uses of
Invasive carp. The Committee directs the Department of Interior to
hold a one-day forum modeled on the March 25, 2021 Department
of the Interior oil and gas forum to review how Invasive carp that
are removed through contract fishing or by other means are being
utilized. Participants should include State Departments of Natural
Resources, academia, and other interested stakeholders to ascer-
tain current and potential uses, including human consumption and
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as a source for bait. The Service is to maintain a link on their
website to this forum and brief the Committee on the findings
within 180 days of enactment of this Act.
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The Service is encouraged to pursue technologies to aid in the
elimination, mitigation, or control of aquatic nuisance species and
invasive species that do not result in the addition of chemical
agents to the ecosystem that can lead to harmful by-products such
as algal blooms.
Cooperative Landscape Conservation.—The Committee rec-
ommendation provides $14,030,000, $1,530,000 above the enacted
level and $4,772,000 below the budget request. The Committee is
still awaiting the Congressionally directed report on the operation
of this program and directs the Administration to provide it within
30 days of enactment of this Act.
Science Support.—The recommendation provides $41,808,000 for
the Science Support program, $24,541,000 above the enacted level
and $5,375,000 above the budget request. The Service should con-
tinue to co-lead and implement the North American Bat Monitoring
Program with other Federal, State, and non-governmental part-
ners. The Service is also expected to partner with Cooperative Re-
search Units whenever possible. This funding level maintains the
enacted level for ecosystem restoration of the Gulf Coast as well as
includes $3,500,000 for research related to white-nose syndrome in
bats. The recommendation also provides $15,000,000 for the Chesa-
peake WILD grant program. The Service is directed to brief the
Committee within 30 days of enactment of this Act on the frame-
work, staffing, criteria for grants, and monitoring established for
this new grant program. Acknowledging the findings of the report
from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Services that 1,000,000 species are threatened with
extinction, the recommendation provides $5,000,000 for research on
Monarch butterflies. Funding of $125,000 is provided to begin to
transition the Service fleet to zero emission vehicles.
General Operations.—The recommendation includes $176,322,000
for General Operations programs, $34,377,000 above the enacted
level and $4,000,000 below the budget request. This funding level
provides $32,766,000 for Central Office Operations; $58,157,000 for
Management and Administration, which includes $150,000 to over-
see the translation of the Service fleet to zero emission vehicles;
$44,667,000 for Servicewide Bill Paying; $7,022,000 for the Na-
tional Fish and Wildlife Foundation; $30,455,000 for the National
Conservation Training Center; and $3,255,000 for Aviation Man-
agement.
Everglades.—The Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Ref-
uge and Conservation Area was created to protect one of the last
remaining grassland and longleaf pine savanna landscapes in east-
ern North America while securing water resources for seven million
people in south Florida. The Committee continues its support for
collaborative efforts to protect, restore, and conserve habitats for
one of the greatest ecological treasures of the United States. The
recommendation provides no less than $15,238,000, the enacted
level, across multiple programs for Everglades restoration.
Bill language has been included which authorizes the Service to
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accept transfers of funds from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
for mitigation activities, including land acquisition, related to con-
struction of border barriers on Federal lands.
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CONSTRUCTION
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $18,193,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 39,620,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 34,620,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +16,427,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥5,000,000
The Committee recommends $34,620,000 for Construction,
$16,427,000 above the enacted level and $5,000,000 below the re-
quest. The recommendation includes $5,000,000 for the installation
of charging stations and support for the translation of the Service
fleet to zero emission vehicles. For line item construction, the Serv-
ice is expected to follow the project priority list in the table below.
When a construction project is completed or terminated and ap-
propriated funds remain, the Service may use those balances to re-
spond to unforeseen reconstruction, replacement, or repair of facili-
ties or equipment damaged or destroyed by storms, floods, fires,
and similar unanticipated natural events.
Committee
State Refuge, Hatchery, or Other Unit Budget Request Recommendation
CA Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge ............... $1,200,000 $1,200,000
WA Makah National Fish Hatchery ........................................................... 2,521,000 2,521,000
AZ Alchesay National Fish Hatchery ........................................................ 1,012,000 1,012,000
AZ Alchesay National Fish Hatchery ........................................................ 1,400,000 1,400,000
MT North West Montana Complex ............................................................ 11,533,000 11,533,000
* Branch of Dam Safety ........................................................................ 200,000 200,000
* Information Resources & Technology Management ........................... 250,000 250,000
AK Resident Agent in Charge .................................................................. 350,000 350,000
NY Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Cortland Ecological Services .. 3,160,000 3,160,000
WI Iron River National Fish Hatchery ...................................................... 30,000 30,000
* Nationwide Zero Emission Charging Stations ................................... 10,000,000 5,000,000
COOPERATIVE ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND
The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund
(CESCF; Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act), administered by
the Service’s Ecological Services program, provides grant funding to
States and Territories for species and habitat conservation actions
on non-Federal lands, including habitat acquisition, conservation
planning, habitat restoration, status surveys, captive propagation
and reintroduction, research, and education.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $43,340,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 42,702,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 24,064,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ ¥19,276,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥18,638,000
The Committee recommends $24,064,000 for the Cooperative En-
dangered Species Conservation Fund, $19,276,000 below the en-
acted level and $18,638,000 below the budget request. Land acqui-
sition funding is provided in the Great American Outdoors Act. A
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detailed table of funding recommendations below the account level
is provided at the end of this report.
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NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FUND
The National Wildlife Refuge Fund shares refuge revenues and
makes payments in lieu of taxes to counties in which Service lands
are located.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $13,228,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 0
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 13,228,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ 0
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +13,228,000
The Committee recommends $13,228,000 for the National Wild-
life Refuge Fund, equal to the enacted level and $13,228,000 above
the budget request.
NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION FUND
The North American Wetlands Conservation Act of 1989
(NAWCA) provided for matching grants to support projects that
protect, enhance, and restore habitat for wetland-dependent birds
and other wildlife in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Addi-
tional program funding comes from fines, penalties, and forfeitures
collected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918; from Fed-
eral 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 ac-
crued on the fund established under the Federal Aid in Wildlife
Restoration Act of 1937. To date, the Service has helped NAWCA
partners conserve 31 million acres. Appropriations are authorized
through fiscal year 2025.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $46,500,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 46,500,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 50,000,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +3,500,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +3,500,000
The Committee recommends $50,000,000 for the North American
Wetlands Conservation Fund, $3,500,000 above the enacted level
and $3,500,000 above the budget request.
NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION
The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act program pro-
vides matching grants to partners throughout the Western Hemi-
sphere to promote the conservation of neotropical migratory birds
in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean,
with not less than 75 percent of the amounts available to be ex-
pended on projects in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $4,910,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 7,910,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 6,500,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +1,590,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥1,410,000
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The Committee recommends $6,500,000 for neotropical migratory
bird conservation, $1,590,000 above the enacted level and
$1,410,000 below the budget request.
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MULTINATIONAL SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND
The Multinational Species Conservation Fund provides critical
technical and financial assistance to local communities, wildlife au-
thorities, and non-governmental organizations in foreign countries
for on-the-ground conservation work to protect African and Asian
elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, great apes, and marine turtles, and
their habitats. Matching grants are provided to countries to estab-
lish protected areas; monitor wildlife populations; combat wildlife
trafficking; reduce consumer demand for illegal wildlife products;
and provide vital infrastructure, training, and equipment to man-
age protected areas and wildlife populations.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $18,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 18,000,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 22,000,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +4,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +4,000,000
The Committee recommends $22,000,000 for the Multinational
Species Conservation Fund to protect these priority species,
$4,000,000 above the enacted level and $4,000,000 above the budg-
et request. The Committee is aware of how the coronavirus is dev-
astating ecotourism, impacting the enforcement of wildlife traf-
ficking prohibitions and the ability to protect wildlife, and supports
aiding key wildlife populations. A detailed table of funding rec-
ommendations below the account level is provided at the end of
this report.
The Committee directs the Service to provide a briefing within
60 days after enactment of this Act on the timely disbursement and
obligation of these grants.
STATE AND TRIBAL WILDLIFE GRANTS
The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program provides grants to
States and federally recognized Tribes, the District of Columbia,
Commonwealths, and Territories to conserve fish and wildlife and
their habitats, including species that are not hunted or fished.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $72,362,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 82,362,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 82,362,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +10,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $82,362,000 for State and Tribal
Wildlife Grants, $10,000,000 above the enacted level and equal to
the budget request. The recommendation acknowledges the impor-
tant role States, Commonwealths, Territories, the District of Co-
lumbia, and Tribes play in seeking public input to produce com-
prehensive fish and wildlife conservation strategies that guide the
management and conservation of species before they decline to lev-
els that require listing.
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A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account
level is provided at the end of this report.
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ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The Administrative Provisions include long-standing items that
facilitate efficient operations. The recommendation does not include
language requested for recovery of damages.
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 423 separate and distinct units, is recog-
nized globally as a leader in park management and resource pres-
ervation. The national park system represents much of the finest
the Nation has to offer in terms of natural beauty and wildlife, his-
torical and archeological relics, and cultural heritage. Through its
varied sites, the National Park Service attempts to explain Amer-
ica’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.
OPERATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $2,688,287,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 2,977,329,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 2,965,756,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +277,469,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥11,573,000
The Committee recommends $2,965,756,000 for Operation of the
National Park System (ONPS), $277,469,000 above the enacted
level and $11,573,000 below the budget request. The amounts rec-
ommended by the Committee compared with the budget estimates
by activity are shown in the table at the end of this report. The
recommendation provides fixed costs and funding for new and crit-
ical responsibilities, as requested.
Additional funding guidance is provided below.
Resource Stewardship.—The Committee recommends
$561,153,000 for resource stewardship. This amount is a
$199,527,000 increase over the enacted level that supports the pro-
posed conservation initiative and fully funds Advancing Racial Jus-
tice and Equity for Underserved Communities. The recommenda-
tion provides $4,900,000 for the Partnership Wild & Scenic Rivers
program, $5,000,000 for Quagga and Zebra Mussel Programs, and
$800,000 for Cave and Karst Ecosystem Research. The rec-
ommendation includes a program increase of $1,462,000 for the Na-
tional Trails System.
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The recommendation provides $8,825,000 for the National Net-
works. Within this amount, the African American Civil Rights Net-
work is funded at the requested level of $5,375,000 and the Na-
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32
tional Underground Railroad Network to Freedom is funded at
$2,500,000.
Everglades Restoration.—The Committee recommends
$11,452,000 for the Everglades Restoration Program. The Com-
mittee 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. As restoration efforts continue, it is encouraged that the
northern headwaters of the Everglades be given special consider-
ation.
Visitor Services.—The Committee recommends $288,760,000 for
Visitor Services. The National Capital Area Performing Arts Pro-
gram is funded at no less than the enacted level.
Every Kid Outdoors Program.—The John D. Dingell, Jr. Con-
servation, Management and Recreation Act reauthorized the Every
Kid Outdoors program through 2026. This program provides U.S.
fourth graders and family members with free access to over 2,000
federal lands and waters. Within the funds provided for Visitor
Services, the Service should aim to use no less than $25,000,000 to
support the work of this program. This funding will support activi-
ties such as distributing information and resources to make it easy
for teachers and families to identify nearby public lands and
waters, providing transportation support to schools with the great-
est financial need, and providing educational materials. Further-
more, the Service is encouraged to launch targeted programs for
underserved communities and children with disabilities.
Global Positioning System Modernization.—The recommendation
provides $4,000,000 for the replacement of Global Positioning Sys-
tem (GPS) data collection devices used by the Service for facilities
planning, lands administration, visitor safety, and infrastructure
protection. The Committee is aware that approximately 10 percent
of the Service’s field data collection to and comply with the Depart-
ment’s Information Technology requirements. Within appropriate
procurement requirements, the NPS is encouraged to procure these
devices from U.S. manufacturers.
National Park Foundation.—The recommendation includes
$5,000,000 for the National Park Foundation, equal to the enacted
level.
Additional Guidance.—The following additional direction and
guidance is provided with respect to funding provided within this
account:
America’s First Frontier.—The Committee urges the Service to
advance interpretive efforts at existing Service sites and in collabo-
ration with other Federal, State, and local agencies, including other
bureaus within the Department of the Interior, to detail the start
of westward expansion through the Northwest Territory as Amer-
icas First Frontier.
Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor.—The Committee
continues the fiscal year 2021 enacted directive regarding coopera-
tive agreements with the local coordinating entity for the Black-
stone Valley National Heritage Corridor.
Coltsville National Historical Park.—The Committee recognizes
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the unique complexities that have led to a delay in the establish-
ment of Coltsville National Historical Park, as authorized in P.L.
113–291. In light of this, the Committee directs the National Park
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Service to prioritize activities that will advance the development of
the park, including park establishment and subsequent efficient
progress on a General Management Plan and subsequent initiation
of the General Management Plan process. The Service shall brief
the Committee on its plan to fulfill this directive within 90 days
of enactment of this act.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility.—The Committee
strongly supports the Department of the Interior’s Diversity, Eq-
uity, Inclusion and Accessibility initiative and expects the Service
to use resources provided in this recommendation in a manner that
supports it. The Service is directed to submit a report within 90
days of enactment that explains what steps it has taken to ensure
equity in park access. The report should include an analysis of
whether additional authorities are needed to achieve this goal.
Diversity Reporting Requirements for Special Use Permits.—The
Committee recognizes the Service’s role in facilitating special use
permits for film projects on its lands. The Committee encourages
the Service to explore opportunities to incorporate diversity and in-
clusion requirements as part of the special use permit process.
El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail.—The Com-
mittee encourages the National Park Service to emphasize and in-
crease collaborations with local non-profit organizations to support
research and renewal efforts of the El Camino Real de los Tejas
National Historic Trail.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Mead National
Recreation Area.—The significant threat that quagga mussel infes-
tations pose to the health of the Colorado River ecosystem and its
tributaries, as well as non-federal waterways, is concerning. There
is a continued need for adequate monitoring of recreational boating
activities carried out subsequent to leaving the National Recreation
Areas. The Service is directed to continue implementation of a
technology-based pilot program at Glen Canyon National Recre-
ation Area to assist in better monitoring and cleaning of rec-
reational boating. The Committee provides additional funding for
the Service to consider expanding the program to the Lake Mead
National Recreation Area and encourages the National Park Sys-
tem to implement a fully mobile, automated solution that optimizes
both federal and state resources, and can be deployed quickly.
Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor Center.—The Com-
mittee commends the Service for the strong partnership it has
maintained with the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor
Center to enhance and support the preservation, development, and
interpretation goals of the Center. The Committee encourages the
Service to work in collaboration with the Center and local univer-
sities to update the Center’s mission.
Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Office.—The Com-
mittee is aware of the work the Natural Resource Stewardship and
Science Office does to leverage science capacity with programs such
as Research Learning Centers, Cooperative Ecosystem Studies
Units, Climate Science Centers, and other academic, nonprofit, and
private entities. The Service is encouraged to continue the work of
this important program.
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Outreach.—The Committee recognizes that the Service has taken
steps to increase outreach, make parks more accessible, and in-
crease recruitment within minority schools and communities. The
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Committee directs the Service to continue with these efforts and to
develop partnerships and programs with Hispanic Serving Institu-
tions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Asian American
Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, Tribal Col-
leges and Universities, and other Minority Serving Institutions
that contribute to the mission of the National Park Service. The
Service is directed to complete and submit to the Committee on Ap-
propriations the study required by House Report 116–100 within
60 days of enactment of the Act.
Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers.—The Committee recognizes
the effectiveness of the Partnership Wild & Scenic Rivers Program
in fulfilling its core mission to preserve resources, provide for vis-
itor enjoyment and protection, operate and maintain facilities, and
manage and administer the national parks. Upon authorization,
the Service is expected to study the feasibility of including the Flor-
ida National Spring system in Northern and Central Florida for
possible inclusion in the Wild & Scenic Rivers Program.
Plastic Waste Reduction.—On August 16, 2017, the Service an-
nounced its repeal of the policy entitled, ‘‘Recycling and Reduction
of Disposable Plastic Bottles in Parks’’. This policy allowed parks
to voluntarily establish disposable plastic water bottle sales elimi-
nation programs that aimed to reduce the disposal of plastic water
bottles in national parks. Since the repeal, there have been no al-
ternative approaches to mitigating or preventing plastic pollution.
Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the Service is directed
to develop and submit to the Committee a plan to mitigate or pre-
vent plastic pollution in the National Park System. The plan
should include an evaluation of the potential role of refillable water
stations and recyclable packaging.
Reconnaissance Survey of Black Panther Party Sites.—The Com-
mittee is aware that the Service has received a request for a recon-
naissance survey to review sites in Oakland, CA that are relevant
to the Black Panther Party. Such a survey to determine the poten-
tial inclusion in the National Park System is an important step to
protect and interpret this chapter in the struggle for civil rights
and racial equality.
World War II Interpretation.—The Committee recognizes the im-
portance of the interpretive story at the World War II Memorial as
a national focal point for a message of perseverance and hope at
a defining moment in American history. The Service is encouraged
to include innovative storytelling at the memorial, which incor-
porates video and collections with related WWII sites.
Bill language has been included which authorizes the Bureau to
accept transfers of funds from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
for mitigation activities, including land acquisition, related to con-
struction of border barriers on Federal lands.
NATIONAL RECREATION AND PRESERVATION
The National Recreation and Preservation account provides for
outdoor recreation planning, preservation of cultural and national
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heritage resources, technical assistance to Federal, State and local
agencies, and administration of Historic Preservation Fund grants.
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Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $74,157,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 74,514,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 80,410,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +6,253,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +5,896,000
The Committee recommends $80,410,000 for national recreation
and preservation, $6,253,000 above the enacted level and
$5,896,000 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. The recommenda-
tion provides fixed costs, as requested.
Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Trails.—The Committee rec-
ommends $3,000,000 for Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Trails.
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Grants.—
The Committee recommends $2,407,000 for Native American
Graves Protection and Repatriation Grants.
Japanese Confinement Site Grants.—The Committee recommends
$3,655,000 for Japanese Confinement Site Grants.
American Indian and Native Hawaiian Art and Culture
Grants.—The Committee recommends $1,750,000 for American In-
dian and Native Hawaiian Art and Culture Grants.
9/11 Memorial Act Grants.—The Committee recommends
$3,000,000 for the competitive grant program, as authorized by the
9/11 Memorial Act Public Law 115–413).
Heritage Partnership Programs.—The Committee recommends
$27,144,000 for Heritage Partnership Programs. The directive con-
tained in the explanatory statement that accompanied Public Law
116–6 with regards to funding distribution is continued.
Additional Guidance.—The following additional direction and
guidance is provided with respect to funding provided within this
account:
Chief Standing Bear Trail.—The Committee recognizes the im-
portance of Chief Standing Bear as one of America’s earliest civil
rights leaders. The Committee supports work being done at the
state and local level to establish a multi-state trail commemorating
his accomplishments and urges the Secretary of the Interior to as-
sist in these efforts.
Crossroads of the West National Historic District.—The Cross-
roads of the West National Historic District is an important geo-
graphical and historical area in northern Utah representing the
center of the western U.S. and sites associated with the completion
of the first transcontinental railroad in the State. The Service is
encouraged to work with the Committee, the authorizing commit-
tees of jurisdiction, and relevant stakeholders to help preserve and
interpret sites in the District for the educational and inspirational
benefit of the public and to enhance cultural and compatible eco-
nomic redevelopment within the District.
Federal Lands to Parks.—The Committee is concerned about the
lack of access to outdoor recreation opportunities in underserved
and at-risk communities and is therefore supportive of the Federal
Lands to Parks initiative, which conserves natural and cultural re-
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sources and supports a nationwide system of parks, open space, riv-
ers, and trails to provide close to home recreational and conserva-
tion benefits through the transfer of surplus Federal lands.
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Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District.—The
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District has prov-
en to be a unique public-private partnership model for the protec-
tion and preservation of this nationally significant site. The Com-
mittee encourages the Service to work with the District to ensure
that authorities provided under the District’s enabling legislation
are fully utilized to maximize the effectiveness of this partnership.
Additionally, the Service is encouraged to work with Congress to
consider reclassifying it as a National Battlefield Site. The Com-
mittee also directs the Service to convene the Cedar Creek and
Belle Grove National Historical Park Advisory Commission to ad-
vise the Secretary regarding opportunities to maximize the visitor
experience across all elements of the battlefield.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND
The Historic Preservation Fund supports the State historic pres-
ervation offices to perform a variety of functions. These include
State management and administration of existing grant obliga-
tions; review and advice on Federal projects and actions; deter-
minations and nominations to the National Register; Tax Act cer-
tifications; and technical preservation services. The States also re-
view 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 her-
itage tourism and local historic preservation.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $144,300,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 151,800,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 155,800,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +11,500,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +4,000,000
The Committee recommends $155,800,000 for historic preserva-
tion, $11,500,000 above the enacted level and $4,000,000 above the
budget request.
Historic Preservation Offices.—The bill provides $57,675,000 for
State Historic Preservation Offices and $23,000,000 for Tribal His-
toric Preservation Offices.
Competitive Grants.—The Committee recommends $27,625,000,
an increase of $6,500,000 above the enacted level. The rec-
ommendation provides $21,750,000, for the African American Civil
Rights Grants and supports the new program proposed to support
larger physical preservation projects. Additionally, the Committee
provides $4,625,000 for the History of Equal Rights grants and
$1,250,000 for grants to underserved communities.
Save America’s Treasures Grants.—The recommendation includes
$30,000,000 for the Save America’s Treasures Grant program, an
increase of $5,000,000 above the enacted level. The Committee sup-
ports the important work of this program to preserve nationally
significant historic properties and collections while also leveraging
non-federal investment. The Committee encourages the Service to
ensure that properties and collections representing indigenous cul-
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tures, including Native Hawaiian culture, are considered for the
grants to provide a richer and more diverse portrait of the nation’s
past.
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Grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.—The
Committee provides $10,000,000 for the Historically Black Colleges
and Universities grant program. The Committee notes that the
John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation
Act (Public Law 116–9) reauthorized the Historically Black Col-
leges and Universities Historic Preservation Fund Program
through fiscal year 2025. The recommendation funds the program
at the fully authorized amount.
Additional Guidance.—The following guidance is provided with
respect to funding provided within this account:
Hispanic Heritage Sites.—The Committee is concerned that
across the United States, many sites that are historically connected
to Hispanic contributions to American society and culture have not
been given proper recognition, which affects how Americans see
Hispanics in U.S. history. While the Service has taken steps to im-
prove Hispanic representation in heritage sites, the Committee be-
lieves there is more work to be done and directs the Service to com-
plete and submit to the Committee on Appropriations the study re-
quired by House Report 116–100 within 60 days of enactment of
the Act.
CONSTRUCTION
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $223,907,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 278,563,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 252,613,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +28,706,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥25,950,000
The Committee recommends $252,613,000 for Construction,
$28,706,000 above the enacted level and $25,950,000 below the
budget request. The recommendation provides fixed costs, as re-
quested.
Line-Item Construction.—The bill includes $138,700,000 for line-
item construction priorities included in the budget request, includ-
ing $2,000,000 to support the Abandoned Mineral Lands conserva-
tion initiative.
The following table details the line item construction activity for
specific projects requested or provided by the administration.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CONSTRUCTION
Committee Rec-
State Project Budget Request ommendation
AL Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, Rehabilitate Selma
Interpretive Center ......................................................................... $10,000,000 $10,000,000
MD Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Reconstruct
Georgetown Canal Walls ................................................................ 14,365,000 14,365,000
GA Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Rehabilitate Visitor
Center and Headquarters .............................................................. 7,536,000 7,536,000
MO Gateway Arch National Park, Replace Windows and Climate Control
at Historic Old Courthouse ............................................................ 12,500,000 12,500,000
AZ Grand Canyon National Park, Improve Potable Water Supply to
Inner Canyon and South Rim ........................................................ 56,106,000 56,106,000
TN Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rehabilitate and Expand
Sugarlands Headquarters .............................................................. 14,519,000 14,519,000
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DC Rock Creek Park, Replace Bridge to Edgewater Stables ................... 5,130,000 5,130,000
VA Prince William Forest Park, Rehabilitate Infrastructure at Park
Campgrounds ................................................................................. 6,450,000 6,450,000
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Committee Rec-
State Project Budget Request ommendation
WA North Cascades National Park, Replace Obsolete Housing From
Stehekin River Flood Plain ............................................................. 6,094,000 6,094,000
Total ............................................................................................... 132,700,000 132,700,000
National Parks Fire Recovery.—In an effort to ensure that parks
around the country continue to provide for safe and uninterrupted
visitor use of facilities, within funding for Special Programs, the
Committee encourages the National Park Service to provide funds
for emergency and unscheduled projects at sites around the country
impacted by fires in recent years, such as Big Bend National Park.
Non-capitalized Proposals.—The Committee notes that the De-
partment of the Interior and its agencies may obtain non-capital-
ized proposals for use of appropriated funds consistent with the
Federal Acquisition Regulation, including funds allocated to the
National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund, the Federal Lands
Recreation Enhancement Act, and the Public Lands Infrastructure
Fund for the purpose of enhancing, improving and maintaining fa-
cilities, transportation, and infrastructure and meeting deferred
maintenance needs.
CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $15,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 15,000,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 15,000,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ 0
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $15,000,000 for the Centennial
Challenge matching grant program, equal to the enacted level and
the budget request.
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Originating in 1879, the United States Geological Survey (USGS
or Survey), is the Nation’s largest water, earth, and biological
science and civilian mapping agency. As the sole science agency for
the Department of the Interior, the Survey provides reliable sci-
entific information to describe and understand the Earth; monitor
and protect public safety, health, and American economic pros-
perity, and improve resilience to natural hazards; informs steward-
ship of energy and mineral resources; helps sustain healthy fish
and wildlife populations; improves water resource decision making;
investigates wildlife diseases; and provides accurate, high-resolu-
tion geospatial data. The Survey works in partnership within Inte-
rior and across the government as well as with States, Tribes, and
academia. The diversity of Survey scientific expertise enables the
Survey to provide the best available science and scientific informa-
tion to resource managers and planners, emergency response offi-
cials, and the public.
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SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $1,315,527,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 1,642,437,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 1,642,437,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +326,910,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $1,642,437,000 for Surveys, Inves-
tigations, and Research, $326,910,000 above the enacted level and
equal to the budget request. The recommendation includes the pro-
gram changes in the budget request that build on the enacted level
unless differences were specified in the budget request. Program
changes, instructions and details follow below and in the table at
the end of this report.
The Survey provides critical scientific research and data to land
and water managers in priority ecosystems including the California
Bay Delta, the Everglades, the Chesapeake Bay and the Great
Lakes. This work is funded through multiple mission areas and ac-
counts, and the Committee expects this work to continue at no less
than fiscal year 2021 enacted level, unless otherwise directed.
Ecosystems.—The recommendation provides $355,217,000,
$96,140,000 above the enacted level and $3,000,000 below the
budget request. Program elements of this mission area follow
below.
Environmental Health.—The recommendation includes
$26,739,000, which includes an increase of $1,000,000 above the
budget request in Toxic Substances Hydrology for harmful algal
bloom research. The Survey is to continue its research on under-
standing the prevalence of toxins in the nation’s natural bodies of
water by expanding its understanding of cyanobacteria and toxins
in stream and wetland ecosystems and the associated health im-
pacts, especially through drinking water. The Survey is directed to
examine pathways through which sediment and nutrients move
that result in the formation of harmful algal blooms, to examine
emerging treatment technologies, and to remain an active partici-
pant in the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Con-
trol Act Interagency Working Group to expedite the development
and deployment of remote sensing tools to assist with early event
warning delivered through mobile devices and web portals. The
Committee also directs the Survey to maintain its monitoring and
research activities in the Tahoe basin on nearshore algal blooms
and to support implementation of P.L. 106 506. The Committee un-
derstands the Survey will continue its work on unconventional oil
and gas as it relates to environmental health at the enacted level.
Within 60 days of enactment of this Act, the Survey is to provide
a report to the Committee on the Environmental Health research
it plans to conduct in fiscal year 2022.
Species Management Research Program.—For Species Manage-
ment Research, the recommendation provides $69,418,000. Funding
for the Great Lakes Science Center is provided at no less than
$14,000,000. The Committee supports the Great Lakes Science
Center’s collaboration with the broader Great Lakes Partnership to
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implement priority science needs for biological assessment tools
and technologies. These additional resources will ensure acquisition
of information necessary for fishery management decisions and to
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support the Center’s large vessels. The recommendation also in-
cludes $7,816,000 for decision support science for clean energy de-
velopment on Federal lands and waters and $35,000,000 for ap-
plied science in support of conservation and adaptation which in-
cludes funding to develop science-based tools for the conservation
of monarch butterflies, their associated host plants, and eco-
systems. Funding should also be used as necessary to supplement
the additional resources the Committee has provided to the Bureau
of Land Management to work with the Survey to significantly
progress research on reversible immunocontraceptive fertility con-
trol for wild horses and burros.
Within one year of enactment of this Act, the U.S. Geological
Survey shall host a Mississippi River Science Forum with relevant
federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the
U.S. Forest Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis-
tration; state, local and tribal governments located in states that
border the Mississippi River; academia, and other interested stake-
holders. The forum may utilize a virtual format, modeled on the
March 25, 2021 Department of the Interior Public Forum on the
Federal Oil and Gas Program. The purpose of the forum shall be
to share current science, identify data gaps and areas of concern,
and to prioritize next steps and identify resources needed to ad-
vance the goals of improving water quality, restoring habitat and
natural systems, improving navigation, eliminating aquatic
invasive species, and building local resilience to natural disasters.
The Survey shall incorporate lessons learned on stakeholder en-
gagement from their previous work on the Great Lakes science
needs assessment, and shall brief the Committee on the findings
from this forum, and make the findings publicly available in a re-
port of the proceedings within 270 days of the conclusion of the
forum.
Land Management Research Program.—For the Land Manage-
ment Research Program, the recommendation provides
$71,303,000. The Survey is directed to fund all priority geographic
landscapes and ecosystems, such as the Everglades at no less than
the enacted level, and $6,000,000 is provided for the Chesapeake
Bay. The Committee urges the Survey to continue its work on na-
tive plant research and identify opportunities for the Department
to increase the use of native plants in land restoration projects as
well as the native plant species that could be most successful for
restoration and promote improved ecosystem function. The rec-
ommendation provides $9,100,000 for understanding and quanti-
fying ecosystem services and $33,540,000 is provided for applied
science in support of conservation and adaptation. Resources for
applied science may be used to enhance base funding for sage
grouse research as the Survey’s recent report on plummeting popu-
lation numbers outlines the need for enhanced conservation to en-
sure the viability of the species.
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program.—The
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recommendation provides $43,951,000. This funding level provides
$10,620,000 to continue critical research for Invasive carp, includ-
ing $3,000,000 for research to contain or eradicate grass carp such
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as the Survey’s on-going work to develop species-specific toxicants
for grass carp. The recommendation also provides $4,720,000 for re-
search on chronic wasting disease in wild populations of cervids.
The Survey should continue to collaborate with partners, including
institutions of higher education that have expertise in biology, ecol-
ogy, and epidemiology of prion diseases, to develop early detection
tools and compounds to disrupt transmission of the disease. Fund-
ing for research on Coral Disease, White Nose Syndrome, and
Greater Everglades Invasive species is maintained at the enacted
level, and $4,190,000 is provided for reducing threats of invasive
species and wildlife disease in a changing climate.
Climate Adaptation Science Centers and Land Change Science.—
The Committee provides $116,300,000 for Climate Adaptation and
Land Change Science. National and Regional Climate Adaptation
Science Centers (CASCs) are provided $81,903,000 which ensures
all nine centers remain open, operational, and fully functional and
receive no less than the enacted level of funding. The Committee
encourages the Survey to fund these regional centers, including
university consortia, and approve staffing plans as expeditiously as
possible. At a time when our natural and cultural resources, our
communities, and our health are being assaulted by climate
change, CASCs provide actionable science and research that di-
rectly address many of the climate-related challenges unique to dif-
ferent regions of the country and are invaluable to stakeholders
and policy makers. In fiscal year 2020, Congress directed the cre-
ation of the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center in recogni-
tion of the disparate climates and adaptation needs of the twenty-
one states that comprised the Northeast CASC and to better ad-
dress climate challenges confronted by Midwestern states. The rec-
ommendation includes the requested increases, including
$10,500,000 for Tribal climate adaptation science, and provides
$3,000,000 to facilitate synthesis of regional findings to the na-
tional level. The recommendation also provides $34,397,000 for
land change science which includes $23,168,000 for climate impacts
on physical and biological systems.
Cooperative Research Units(CRUs).—The Committee recognizes
the value of Cooperative Research Units and provides $27,506,000
to support these research institutions and maintain the educational
pipeline, including improving and increasing youth involvement in
science and resource management. The recommendation continues
the directive to fill critical vacancies, specifically vacancies needed
to build quantitative fisheries capacity in inland waters of the
Upper Mississippi Basin. The Survey may use the increase to sup-
port existing CRU’s as well as establish a CRU at an institution
of higher education that does not have a CRU to address pollinator
declines, fish and wildlife disease, and new invasive species.
Energy and Mineral Resources.—The Committee provides
$144,973,000 for Energy and Minerals, $54,932,000 above the en-
acted level and $5,000,000 above the budget request. Program ele-
ments of this mission area follow below.
The Committee recommends $91,237,000 for the Mineral Re-
sources Program which includes $10,598,000 to support the Earth
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Mapping Resources Initiative, Earth MRI; $21,274,000 for mine
waste research and to characterize mine waste as a potential
source for critical minerals; $6,991,000 to locate and forecast crit-
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ical minerals; and $6,670,000 for supply chain research. This fund-
ing level allows the Survey to work with Federal and State part-
ners to modernize the Nation’s understanding of the subsurface
and improve the topographic, geological, and geophysical mapping
of the United States.
The recommendation includes $53,736,000 for the Energy Re-
sources Program. Within the $5,977,000 provided for geologic car-
bon sequestration, the Survey is to work on advancing the under-
standing of alkalinity sources of carbon mineralization with a focus
on mapping and assessing resources along with associated impacts.
The Survey is directed to collaborate with the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service to make sure any research or energy assess-
ments do not adversely impact species or their habitats.
Natural Hazards.—The Committee recommends $207,748,000 for
Natural Hazards Programs, $32,264,000 above the enacted level
and equal to the budget request. Program elements of this mission
area follow below.
The recommendation strongly supports the Earthquake Hazards
program and provides $92,637,000 which includes $28,600,000 for
continued development and expansion of the ShakeAlert West
Coast earthquake early warning (EEW) system and for capital
costs associated with the buildout of the ShakeAlert EEW. The
Survey is encouraged to continue its collaboration with California,
Oregon, and Washington to advance this program. The rec-
ommendation funds deferred maintenance and modernization for
the Advanced National Seismic System, Regional Seismic Network
Support, and the Seismic Network, which includes the Central and
Eastern U.S. Seismic Network, at no less than the enacted level.
Funding for the operation and maintenance of the 43 adopted
Earthscope USArray stations is maintained at $3,000,000. The
Committee requests an update from the Survey on how funding
made available in Fiscal Year 2021 was used to begin the expan-
sion of the National Seismic Hazard Map to include Puerto Rico
and the Virgin Islands and encourages the continuation of this
work in Fiscal Year 2022. The recommendation also provides
$3,700,000 for subduction zone science; $2,100,000 for induced seis-
micity; and $3,100,000 for modernization and hardening of infra-
structure in support of earthquake analysis.
The Committee remains concerned about the lack of knowledge
and offshore real-time instrumentation available for the Cascadia
subduction zone. Scientific understanding of earthquakes and the
ocean environment will benefit from the wealth of offshore data col-
lected. The Survey is to continue its development of an early earth-
quake warning system and its expansion into locations that will
benefit from early detection and characterization of earthquakes
and tsunamis, to include the Caribbean Basin.
The recommendation provides $33,532,000, for the Volcano Haz-
ards Program which includes the budget request for next genera-
tion volcano hazard assessments and the national volcano early
warning system: national volcano data center improvement.
The Committee provides $11,179,000 for the Landslide Hazards
Program. This funding level will prevent human and economic loss
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through the development of methods and models for landslide haz-
ard assessment, monitoring, and tools for landslide early warning
and situational awareness. The Committee remains concerned
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about the growing frequency of extreme weather storms and the re-
sulting hazards and directs that within the $3,000,000 provided for
actionable landslide hazard data and science the Survey improve
extreme event modeling and the transmission of that information
to emergency managers and at-risk communities.
The recommendation provides $7,212,000 for the Global Seis-
mographic Network (GSN). Adequate resources are provided to con-
tinue the multiyear effort to replace failing and obsolete equip-
ment, install new Department of Energy funded sensors, and main-
tain the network at a high level of quality and reliability.
The USGS Geomagnetism program is part of the U.S. National
Space Weather Program (NSWP), an interagency collaboration that
includes programs in the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis-
tration (NOAA), Department of Defense, National Oceanic and At-
mospheric Administration, and National Science Foundation. The
program provides data to the NSWP agencies, oil drilling services
companies, geophysical surveying companies, and electrical trans-
mission utilities. The Committee provides $5,673,000 to ensure
that all magnetic observatories remain open and operating and to
avoid any disruption to this work as well as to expand the number
of observatories to improve coverage. Funding is also provided to
support the Magnetotelluric Survey of the contiguous United
States.
The Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources program sup-
ports the hazards programs across the Survey and the rec-
ommendation provides $57,515,000 which includes funding for the
Administration’s priorities for coastal blue carbon and risk reduc-
tion and community resilience. The Committee encourages the Sur-
vey to collaborate on blue carbon research with other federal agen-
cies such as NOAA to leverage resources.
Water Resources.—The recommendation provides $293,394,000,
$30,274,000 above the enacted level and $5,000,000 above the
budget request. Program elements of this mission area follow
below.
The Water Availability and Use Science Program is funded at
$68,501,000 which maintains funding for the U.S.-Mexico Trans-
boundary Aquifer Assessment at the enacted level. The Committee
supports efforts by the USGS Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water
Science Center to monitor saltwater intrusion in the Louisiana
coastal area aquifers as a result of changes in the Mississippi
River. In Fiscal Year 2021 the Committee provided funding to ini-
tiate research that examines the hydrologic impact of extraction of
water for bottling on water tables, on concentrations of contami-
nants, on saltwater intrusion into the groundwater, and to better
understand water availability. The recommendation includes an
additional $1,000,000 to begin a phased study on the impacts of
water extraction from springs and groundwater. The Survey is di-
rected to report to the Committee within 60 days of enactment of
this Act on how they will approach this study. The Water Re-
sources Mission Area allows the Survey to provide information and
tools to first responders, the public, water managers and planners,
policy makers, and other decision makers. The Committee urges
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the Survey to continue to engage with universities and other part-
ners to utilize the best available technology to develop advanced
modeling tools, state-of-the-art forecasts, and decision support sys-
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tems for water emergencies and daily water operations. The rec-
ommendation also provides $12,000,000 for integrated water pre-
diction and $7,225,000 for integrated water availability. Within
available funds $2,500,000 is to be directed for the Survey’s work
with the OpenET consortium and the OpenET software system,
and $1,000,000 is to develop nationally consistent PFAS sampling
protocols and support implementation of the broad-scale PFAS
sampling plan to assess PFAS occurrence at a national scale and
help estimate human exposure to PFAS.
The Cooperative Matching Funds program is designed to bring
State, Tribal, and local partners together to respond to emerging
water issues through shared efforts and funding. The recommenda-
tion provides no less than $65,529,000.
Streamgages are crucial to early warning and flood damage re-
duction efforts across the United States. The Committee rec-
ommends $112,651,000 for the National Groundwater and
Streamflow Information Program which expands operation of Fed-
eral Priority streamgages that meet one or more strategic, long-
term Federal information needs.
The Committee recommends $97,242,000 for the National Water
Quality program, which includes $7,490,000 for harmful algal
blooms (HABs) to include research on health effects associated with
HABs, as well as efforts to monitor, characterize, prevent, control
them, and provide rapid response alerts to water resource agencies,
health departments, and the public. As part of this research, the
Committee supports the Survey’s examination of the pathways
through which sediment and nutrients move through watersheds
and into bodies of water and how that relates to the formation of
harmful algal blooms. The Survey is also urged to coordinate with
the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the nations water
systems and publish available data on the amount of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFOA/PFAS) detected in our water sys-
tems as well as examine its own water sources.
The Water Resources Research Act was designed to provide more
effective coordination of the Nation’s water research by establishing
Water Resources Research Institutes at universities in each State,
territory, and the District of Columbia. These institutes provide
vital support to stakeholders, States, and Federal agencies for long-
term water planning, policy development, and resource manage-
ment. The recommendation provides $15,000,000. Research on
aquatic invasive species in the Upper Mississippi River region to
address a critical need for multi-state research is maintained at no
less than the enacted level. The Committee encourages the continu-
ation of the development of multi-state research teams to coordi-
nate needed research for aquatic invasive species in the basin and
requests a briefing on the aquatic invasive species hydrologic re-
search proposals that are approved. The Committee also encour-
ages the use of the funding increase for research on PFAS.
Core Science Systems.—The Committee recommends
$328,192,000 for Core Science Systems, $75,504,000 above the en-
acted level and $13,682,000 below the budget request. Program ele-
ments of this mission area follow below.
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National Land Imaging.—The Committee recommends
$116,892,000 for National Land Imaging, which provides
$84,788,000 for Satellite Operations. The National Civil Applica-
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tions Center and Remote Sensing State grants are funded at no
less than the enacted levels.
Science, Synthesis, Analysis and Research.—The recommendation
provides $65,871,000, which provides $5,000,000 for the National
Geologic and Geophysical Data Preservation Program to preserve
critical data; $4,250,000 for tools supporting conservation planning,
monitoring, and projection and $30,000,000 for assessment of bio-
diversity collaborative climate adaptation and resilience research
(ARPA–C).
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program.—The rec-
ommendation includes $44,581,000 for the National Geologic Map-
ping Program, $4,000,000 above the budget request to accelerate
subsurface mapping and sustain Phase Three of the National Geo-
logic Map Database. This effort is bringing together detailed na-
tional and continental resolution 2D and 3D information, produced
throughout the Survey and by federal and state partners, that is
an essential underpinning of the USGS Earth Map and Earth MRI
initiatives and will enhance drinking water protection, hazards re-
silience, infrastructure design, natural resource management, and
support a wide range of fundamental research applications.
National Geospatial Program.—The recommendation includes
$100,848,000 for the National Geospatial Program, which includes
increases of $5,000,000 for geospatial, 3D Elevation Program
(3DEP), and geologic research and collection on Tribal lands,
$500,000 for the United States Board on Geographic Names and
$1,250,000 for the National Digital Trails project. The Committee
notes that much of the remaining areas to be mapped to complete
the national map represent states with sparse population density,
high federal land ownership, and/or other mitigating factors and
provides an increase of $13,500,000 to accelerate coverage in the
West. The Committee supports the continued collaboration with
partners to leverage the resources provided for 3DEP to achieve the
goal of national coverage by 2026. The National Hydrography Data-
base (NHD) represents the Nation’s drainage networks and pro-
vides information integral to a myriad of mission-critical activities
which rely on hydrography data. The USGS is partnering with the
Environmental Protection Agency, Army Corps, and the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service to develop an authoritative 3D Hydrography
program that will produce a modernized NHD and be derived from
3DEP data to provide resolution at the neighborhood and farm
scale. The Committee directs the survey to provide a briefing with-
in 90 days of enactment of this Act, on what funding and staffing
would be required to modernize hydrography to depict the scope of
waters regulated under the Clean Water Act for states such as Ne-
vada. The Committee also encourages the Survey to examine the
efficacy of working with academic partners to develop new capa-
bility to incorporate elevation changes near coastal areas into ele-
vation maps. Funding for the U.S. Topo program should be at no
less than the enacted level and the Survey should continue to pro-
cure product-on-demand updates. The Committee understands
State and Federal agencies can use high accuracy lidar from the
3DEP program to identify the location, size, and shape of sinkholes
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quickly and remotely, and encourages the Survey to consider the
inclusion of areas with a high risk of sinkhole development for re-
peat coverage. The Committee understands any funding awarded
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outside the Federal sector will undergo a competitive review proc-
ess.
Science Support.—The Committee recommends $118,103,000,
$22,369,000 above the enacted level and $3,318,000 below the
budget request. Funding to transition the fleet to zero emission ve-
hicles is provided at $3,832,000.
Facilities.—The recommendation includes $194,810,000,
$15,427,000 above the enacted level and $10,000,000 above the
budget request. The recommendation includes $110,146,000 for
Rental Payments and Operations and Maintenance, and
$84,664,000 for projects outlined in the budget request as well as
$10,000,000 for the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Cen-
ter.
BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT
OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $192,815,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 227,781,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 223,932,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +31,117,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥3,849,000
The Committee recommends $223,932,000 for the Ocean Energy
Management appropriation. This amount is $31,117,000 above the
enacted level and $3,849,000 below the budget request. The overall
funding level is partially offset through the collection of rental re-
ceipts and other cost recovery fees totaling $43,000,000, resulting
in a final appropriation of $180,932,000. Details of the rec-
ommendation are explained through the narrative below and in the
table at the back of this report.
Renewable Energy.—The Committee recommends $45,818,000 for
Renewable Energy, $17,353,000 above the enacted level and equal
to the budget request. The Committee supports the Administra-
tion’s commitment to developing offshore renewable energy includ-
ing but not limited to wind energy.
Offshore Wind Development.—The Committee finds that offshore
wind energy development creates jobs, stimulates investment, and
grows manufacturing, all while reducing emissions and strength-
ening America’s energy security and climate resilience. The Com-
mittee is encouraged by the robust stakeholder engagement, con-
sultation, and cooperation in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Manage-
ment’s (BOEM) offshore wind leasing and permitting process and
encourages the Department to continue expeditiously identifying
new Wind Energy Areas, holding lease auctions within existing and
future Wind Energy Areas, and permitting offshore wind projects
within these areas. The Committee urges BOEM to continue its en-
gagement with states, local communities, and other stakeholders in
this process to ensure that its decisions consider multiple perspec-
tives.
The Committee further encourages continued research, through-
out the renewable energy development process, on the sustained co-
existence of offshore wind and commercial fishing.
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Marine Minerals.—The Committee recommends $14,965,000 for
Marine Minerals, $4,184,000 above the enacted level and equal to
the budget request. The Committee provides an increase of
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$4,184,000 to support the Bureau’s National Offshore Sand Inven-
tory. The sand inventory is a key component of coastal mitigation
efforts and an increasingly important resource for states.
General Provision.—Within the General Provisions section of this
title, the Committee has included a provision which restricts fund-
ing for the Bureau’s offshore oil and gas activities to only those
planning areas contained in the current 2017–2022 Outer Conti-
nental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing program, published in November
2016. The restriction applies to the enabling steps prior to leasing
or to the consideration of areas for leasing as part of a leasing pro-
gram, including the issuance of permits for geological and geo-
physical exploration. The Committee does not sanction the defini-
tion of OCS preleasing activities contained in H. Rpt. 102–116 (pp
46–47) and directs the Bureau to discontinue reliance on that de-
scription.
BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT
OFFSHORE SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $193,812,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 238,273,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 213,273,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +19,461,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥25,000,000
OFFSHORE SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT
The Committee recommends $213,273,000 for the Offshore Safety
and Environmental Enforcement appropriation. This amount is
$19,461,000 above the enacted level and $25,000,000 below the
budget request. The overall funding level is partially offset through
the collection of rental receipts, other cost recovery fees, and in-
spection fees totaling $58,000,000, resulting in a final appropria-
tion of $155,273,000.
The funding provides an increase for the development of an off-
shore renewable energy program as requested.
Offshore Decommissioning.—The Committee provides $5,000,000
in a new budget activity to begin work to plug and abandon orphan
infrastructure. While the Committee is grateful for the Bureau’s
work on these environmental hazards, the Committee strongly dis-
agrees that the ultimate responsibility for these activities should
fall to the American taxpayer. Therefore, before accessing these
funds, the Department is directed to brief the Committee on a plan
to ensure that oil and gas assurance policies are set to minimize
risk of a lack of funds for decommissioning in the scenario of a
company’s bankruptcy. The briefing should also include a plan, for
the Department to set a per-barrel fee on oil and gas offshore ac-
tivities to be set aside in a separate account for decommissioning
activities in cases where there is no remaining liable party similar
to the surface mining control and reclamation act standard for rec-
lamation.
Rigs to Reefs.—The Committee strongly supports the Rigs to
Reefs program in cooperation with the States and NOAA, both for
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its conservation value and for its potential to reduce taxpayer de-
commissioning costs. The Bureau is encouraged to utilize the pro-
gram to the maximum extent possible.
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Blow Out Prevention Technology.—The Committee encourages
BSEE to continue to review new and emerging technology, includ-
ing those related to blow out preventers, to ensure that risks are
properly identified and mitigated.
OIL SPILL RESEARCH
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $14,899,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 15,099,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 15,099,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +200,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $15,099,000 for the Oil Spill Re-
search appropriation, $200,000 above the enacted level and equal
to the budget request.
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT
REGULATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $117,768,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 119,257,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 119,257,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +1,489,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $119,257,000 for the Regulation and
Technology appropriation. This amount is $1,489,000 above the en-
acted level and equal to the budget request.
ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $139,831,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 192,765,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 192,765,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +52,934,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $192,765,000 for the Abandoned
Mine Reclamation Fund appropriation, $52,934,000 above the en-
acted level and equal to the budget request. Of the funds provided,
$27,765,000 are derived from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation
Fund and $165,000,000 are derived from the general treasury. The
Committee recommendation supports the implementation of stra-
tegic environmental justice programs proposed by the Administra-
tion such as Justice40 and includes the requested funding for the
reclamation of Indian Lands in Oklahoma resulting from the Su-
preme Court ruling McGirt v. Oklahoma.
Passive Treatment Systems.—The fiscal year 2022 budget request
highlights the Watershed Cooperative Agreement program through
which the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
(OSMRE) directly funds not-for-profit organizations to clean
streams affected by acid mine drainage. The Committee directs
OSMRE to provide both a briefing and report within 90 days of en-
actment of this Act detailing how the current program is meeting
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community needs, the universe of unmet needs, and options for ex-
panding this program to encompass abandoned mine land passive
treatment systems that address other types of water pollution.
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INDIAN AFFAIRS
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Office of the Assistant Sec-
retary—Indian Affairs (together, ‘‘Indian Affairs’’) programs serve
573 federally recognized Indian Tribes, a service population of ap-
proximately two million American Indians and Alaska Natives in
Tribal and Native communities. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
provides direct services and funding for compacts and contracts for
Tribes to provide Federal programs for a wide range of activities
necessary for community development. Programs address Tribal
government, natural resource management, trust services, law en-
forcement, economic development, and social service needs.
In preparation for the fiscal year 2022 appropriation bill, the
Subcommittee received written testimony from approximately 68
witnesses on a variety of topics pertaining to American Indian and
Alaska Native (AI/AN) programs. The Federal government has a
legal and moral obligation to provide quality services to AI/AN. On
a nonpartisan basis, the Committee continues to protect and, where
possible, strengthen the budgets for Indian Country programs in
this bill to address long-standing and underfunded needs.
OPERATION OF INDIAN PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $1,616,532,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 1,916,066,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 1,924,089,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +307,557,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +8,023,000
The Committee recommends $1,924,089,000 for Operation of In-
dian Programs, $307,557,000 above the enacted level and
$8,023,000 above the budget request. All subactivities and program
elements presented in the budget estimate submitted to Congress
are continued at enacted levels and adjusted for internal transfers
unless specifically addressed below. The recommendation fully
funds fixed costs, as requested. None of the requested program
changes are agreed to unless specifically addressed below. Rec-
ommended program changes, instructions, and details follow below
and in the table at the end of this report. Additional instructions
are included in the front of this report.
Internal Transfers.—The recommendation includes internal
transfers, as requested. Again, the Committee notes that due to in-
ternal transfers requested by Indian Tribes, some increases and de-
creases in program lines are anomalies. These anomalies create
confusion in Indian Country about true funding levels for various
programs. The Committee continues to direct Indian Affairs to con-
sult with Indian Tribes about the need to include Tribally-re-
quested internal transfers on the budget program line if there is
no impact on the ability of compacting and contracting Indian
Tribes to transfer funds among programs. This will increase trans-
parency in the future about the actual amounts appropriated for
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various activities. The Committee directs Indian Affairs to include
a Tribal internal transfer table within the annual budget submis-
sion.
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The Committee expects Indian Affairs to consult with the Navajo
Nation and the Hopi Tribe, and to work with the Office of Navajo
and Hopi Indian Relocation (ONHIR) on a potential role for Indian
Affairs in the event of ONHIR’s closure. Indian Affairs is to initiate
consultation within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
Tribal Priority Allocations.—Tribal Priority Allocations (TPA)
programs fund basic Tribal services, such as social services, job
placement and training, child welfare, natural resources manage-
ment, and Tribal courts. TPA programs give Tribes the opportunity
to further Indian self-determination by establishing their own pri-
orities and reallocating Federal funds among programs in this
budget category. The recommendation includes $788,902,000 for
BIA TPA programs.
Tiwahe.—Numerous Tribes expressed interest in operating a
Tiwahe program. The Committee heard anecdotally from Tribes
with programs about the success of the program. However, the
Committee is unable to assess whether changes should be made be-
fore expanding the program because Indian Affairs has not pro-
vided the final report as directed by House Report 115–765 and by
the explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 116–94. In fiscal
year 2021, Congress withheld $1,000,000 of funds provided for As-
sistant Secretary Support within Executive Direction and Adminis-
trative Services until Indian Affairs provides the requested Tiwahe
reports to the Committee. In anticipation of receiving the requested
reports soon, the Committee provides additional funds as discussed
below to expand the program. If the reports are not received soon
as indicated, the Committee will reassess the additional funding.
The Committee expects BIA to continue funding the existing recipi-
ents at the same amount, including funding to support women and
children’s shelters.
Vacancies.—The Committee is concerned about the number of va-
cant positions throughout Indian Affairs. Staff shortages during the
coronavirus pandemic highlighted Indian Affairs’ inability to fulfill
its trust and treaty obligations to Indian Tribes. The Committee is
encouraged by the request for funding additional FTEs and urges
BIA to prioritize filling these positions expeditiously.
Tribal Government.—The recommendation includes $355,424,000
for Tribal Government programs, $1,000,000 below the budget re-
quest and $14,393,000 above the enacted level. The recommenda-
tion includes $27,812,000 for Aid to Tribal Government, as re-
quested, and $571,000 above the enacted level; $84,821,000 for
Consolidated Tribal Government Program, as requested, and
$2,725,000 above the enacted level; $187,813,000 for Self-Govern-
ance Compacts, as requested, and $8,434,000 above the enacted
level; and $480,000 for New Tribes, as requested, and $1,144,000
below the enacted level.
The Committee includes $6,000,000 for Small and Needy Tribes,
$2,000,000 below the budget request and $1,000,000 above the en-
acted level. The increase is to ensure all Tribes meeting the criteria
receive the current minimum amount based on their respective
population. Indian Affairs, in consultation with Tribes, is directed
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to develop criteria to determine eligibility for these funds and in-
form the Committee of the criteria once developed as well as the
number of Tribes eligible for the program.
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The recommendation includes $87,400,000 for Road Mainte-
nance, $1,604,000 above the enacted level. The Committee recog-
nizes the importance of funding provided through the Tribal Trans-
portation Program to address the deferred maintenance backlog.
Funding for school bus roads is continued at the fiscal year 2021
enacted level to improve the condition of unpaved roads and
bridges used by school buses transporting students. Indian Affairs
is directed to report to the Committee within 90 days of enactment
of this Act on the distribution of funds provided for school bus
routes.
The Committee includes $10,098,000 for Tribal Government Pro-
gram Oversight, as requested, and $1,203,000 above the enacted
level. The increase includes funding for additional Public Law 93–
638 Awarding Officials to ensure Federal responsibilities are prop-
erly accounted for and to provide support to Tribes exercising their
contracted programs.
Human Services.—The recommendation includes $176,810,000
for Human Services programs, $15,584,000 above the enacted level
and $1,500,000 above the budget request.
Social Services (TPA).—The Committee provides $63,292,000 for
Social Services (TPA), as requested, and $12,097,000 above the en-
acted level. This includes $10,000,000 to implement sections 3209
and 3210 of the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Pre-
vention Act and $3,000,000 to expand the Tiwahe initiative beyond
the existing programs through grants to two new sites and to gath-
er Tribal data on program implementation.
The recommendation includes $78,494,000 for Welfare Assistance
(TPA), $494,000 above the enacted level and $500,000 above the
budget request. A general program increase is provided.
Indian Child Welfare Act (TPA).—This recommendation includes
$18,813,000 for Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) (TPA), as re-
quested, and $1,906,000 above the enacted level. The increase in-
cludes an additional $2,000,000 for off-reservation programs au-
thorized by section 202 of ICWA. The Committee directs Indian Af-
fairs to report to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of
this Act on the distribution of funds provided for off-reservation
programs and identify any challenges to obligating funds.
The recommendation also includes $12,736,000 for the Housing
Improvement Program, $1,028,000 above the enacted level and
$1,000,000 above the budget request; $290,000 for Human Services
Tribal Design (TPA), as requested, and equal to the enacted level;
and $3,185,000 for Human Services Program Oversight, as re-
quested, and $59,000 above the enacted level. The Committee notes
the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) (P.L. 117–2) included
$900,000,000 for BIA programs, of which $100,000,000 was for
housing.
Trust—Natural Resources Management.—The recommendation
includes $407,614,000 for Trust-Natural Resources Management
programs, $148,772,000 above the enacted level and $11,823,000
above the budget request.
The Committee is concerned about illegal dumping and other en-
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vironmentally harmful activity that occurs on allotted trust land,
specifically in the Pacific Region. The Committee encourages the
Agency to use available resources to assist Tribes in enforcing envi-
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ronmental codes and ordinances, as well as support Tribal con-
sortia protecting against illegal dumping.
There has been recent momentum in achieving Everglades res-
toration with the funding provided for Endangered Species,
Invasive Species and Natural Resources (TPA). The Committee
continues funding for Everglades restoration funding at no less
than the fiscal year 2021 enacted level across all programs and
strongly encourages BIA to continue prioritizing funding for Ever-
glades restoration activities.
Natural Resources (TPA).—The recommendation includes
$19,750,000 for Natural Resources (TPA), $11,643,000 above the
enacted level and $1,500,000 above the budget request. The in-
crease includes a general program adjustment, an additional
$4,000,000 for the Indian Youth Service Corps program under Sec-
tion 9003 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management,
and Recreation Act of 2019 at BIA, and $2,500,000 for land acquisi-
tion for landless and recently recognized Tribes to foster sustain-
able Tribal communities, economic development, and conservation
practices. Bill language increases the amount of funds Indian Af-
fairs may expend for land acquisition.
Between fiscal years 2019 and 2020, the Committee appropriated
$3,500,000 to BIA to fulfill the remaining authorization in section
7 of the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act
(Act). The Committee expects the Secretary of the Interior and the
Director of BIA to work with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe to
identify appropriate land for acquisition to satisfy the requirements
of the Act by the end of fiscal year 2022.
The Committee is concerned about reports of unpermitted busi-
nesses creating environmental and public health hazards in the Pa-
cific Region. The Committee directs Indian Affairs to require Pa-
cific Region staff submit a list of all outstanding business permit
applications and/or businesses operating without an approved per-
mit on Tribal land to the Committee within 90 days and develop
a plan to increase compliance with permitting laws.
Irrigation Operations and Maintenance.—The recommendation
includes $22,169,000 for Irrigation Operations and Maintenance,
$1,500,000 above the budget request and $8,082,000 above the en-
acted level. The general program increase is to be distributed pro-
portionately among the projects.
Rights Protection Implementation.—The recommendation in-
cludes $45,487,000 for Rights Protection Implementation,
$2,676,000 above the enacted level and $1,000,000 above the budg-
et request.
The recommendation continues $1,500,000 for Columbia River in-
lieu sites law enforcement and includes $500,000 for Columbia
River in-lieu sites operations and maintenance.The remaining
$2,000,000 increase is to be distributed proportionately to the re-
maining activities within Rights Protection Implementation to pro-
vide additional resources to assess and address various existing
and potential climate change impacts to all of the natural resources
within their communities, to implement the Columbia River In-
Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act (P.L. 116–
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99), for Columbia River fisheries management, to implement re-
cently adopted U.S./Pacific Salmon Treaty agreements and obliga-
tion, and for western Washington Tribal wildlife monitoring and
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regulation of treaty salmon harvest and co-managing Pacific salm-
on resources. The Committee provides funding for climate related
adaptation grants below and expects all Tribes to be eligible to
apply for those grants, including those with treaty-based rights
under U.S. v. Oregon and U.S. v. Washington. Similarly, Tribal
youth are eligible to participate in other youth programs funded in
this Act.
Tribal Management/Development Program.—The recommenda-
tion includes $19,082,000 for Tribal Management/Development Pro-
gram, $5,695,000 above the enacted level and $1,623,000 above the
budget request. The recommendation includes $2,500,000 to de-
velop capacity and prepare for Tribal assumption of responsibility
for the National Bison Range as required under the Montana
Water Rights Settlement Act (P.L. 116–260); $1,000,000 to directly
and indirectly support and assist Tribes to build capacity and serv-
ices to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, habitat, and
cultural resources; and an additional $123,000 to manage salmon
and steelhead fisheries as part of the Salmon and Steelhead Habi-
tat Inventory and Assessment Program. The remaining $2,000,000
general increase is to be divided proportionately among remaining
projects.
The Committee continues to expect Indian Affairs to examine
historical funding provided for buffalo preservation and manage-
ment compared to other Native food activities, such as the preser-
vation and management of fish. In fiscal year 2020, the Committee
directed Indian Affairs to conduct this comparison and develop a
plan to ensure parity among Native food activities. The Committee
has not received this report and plan and directs Indian Affairs to
provide this information within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
Endangered Species.—The recommendation includes $6,219,000
for Endangered Species, as requested, and $2,011,000 above the en-
acted level. Additional funds are provided to allow Tribes to better
coordinate compliance with the Endangered Species Act and focus
activities on protecting and enhancing conditions for listed species.
Tribal Climate Resilience.—The Committee provides $60,971,000
for Tribal Climate Resilience, as requested, and $44,015,000 above
the enacted level. The increase includes $10,000,000 to establish a
Tribal Civilian Climate Corps to address climate change on-the-
ground, ensure a living wage, and provide skills and a pathway to
employment; and $23,000,000 for Tribal climate adaptation grants
to support climate resilient planning by Tribes.
The increase also includes $11,000,000 for Tribes located in
ocean coastal areas in the lower 48 and Alaska who are at risk of
damage from tsunamis or where relocation is necessary due to cli-
mate change. The Committee expects $5,500,000 to be used to as-
sist Tribes in Alaska and $5,500,000 to be used to assist Tribes in
the lower 48. The funds are to be used for planning or relocation
purposes. Indian Affairs is to report to the Committee within 90
days of enactment of this Act on how funds are distributed. In ad-
dition, within 180 days of enactment of the Act, the Committee ex-
pects Indian Affairs to work with Tribes to compile a list of Tribes
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requiring full or partial relocation due to climate change or other
environmental hazards with the estimated costs to conduct the re-
location and to submit the information to the Committee.
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Integrated Resource Information Program.—The recommendation
includes $8,998,000 for Integrated Resource Information Program,
as requested, and $6,015,000 above the enacted level. The general
program increase is to enable Tribes and Trust managers to incor-
porate climate projections into program decision-making, modernize
handling of Indian trust-related information and enhance data to
optimize efficacy of Indian trust assets.
Agriculture and Range Program.—The recommendation provides
$42,127,000 for the Agriculture and Range Program, $5,607,000
above the enacted level and $700,000 below the budget request.
This amount includes $14,781,000 for Invasive Species and
$27,346,000 for Agriculture Program (TPA).
Forestry.—The recommendation includes $64,277,000 for For-
estry, $9,641,000 above the enacted level and $3,000,000 above the
budget request. Within this amount, the Committee recommends
$31,062,000 for Forestry Program (TPA) and $33,215,000 for For-
estry Projects. The general increase in Forestry Projects is to sup-
port forest development, inventory and planning, woodlands man-
agement, and timber harvest. By applying science to projects, the
increase is to support resource planning and management by ap-
plying technology to spatially illustrate the effectiveness of forestry
and fuels projects and to deliver geospatial capacity, tools, training,
and technical support to Tribal forest managers for climate change
vulnerability analysis and for adaptation planning tools.
Water Resources.—The recommendation provides $19,302,000 for
Water Resources, $6,108,000 above the enacted level and
$2,000,000 above the budget request. This amount includes
$6,210,000 for Water Resources Program (TPA) and $13,092,000 for
Water Management, Planning and Pre-Development. The increase
is to be used to spatially illustrate the effectiveness of forestry and
fuels projects; to deliver geospatial capacity, tools, training, and
technical support to forest managers for climate change vulner-
ability analysis; and adaptation planning tools.
Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.—The recommendation includes
$23,806,000 for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, $6,366,000 above the en-
acted level and $2,300,000 above the budget request. Within
amounts provided, $8,550,000 is for Wildlife and Parks Program
(TPA) and $15,256,000 is for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Projects.
Minerals and Mining.—The recommendation includes
$66,010,000 for Minerals and Mining, $39,304,000 above the en-
acted level. The increase for Mineral and Mining Projects is to
focus on clean energy programs that strengthen Tribal sovereignty,
enhance Tribal energy independence and security, promote energy
diversification, and yield environmental and economic benefits.
Resource Management Program Oversight.—The recommendation
includes $9,416,000 for Resource Management Program Oversight,
$1,609,000 above the enacted level and $600,000 above the budget
request. The increase is to provide subject matter expertise to miti-
gate environmental impacts as requested. It also includes an addi-
tional $600,000 to continue support for ongoing Tribal cultural re-
source investigations in the Chaco Canyon region of the Southwest
as instructed in the explanatory statement accompanying the Fur-
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ther Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116–94).
Trust—Real Estate Services.—The Committee includes
$170,864,000 for Trust-Real Estate Services, $30,201,000 above the
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55
enacted level and $1,000,000 above the budget request. Within
amounts provided, the recommendation includes $10,503,000 for
Trust Services (TPA), which includes $1,000,000 to plug abandoned
wells not under Bureau of Land Management authority. The bill
establishes the Energy Community Revitalization Program, which
includes funds to plug orphan wells in Indian country. Tribes are
encouraged to apply for these funds as well.
The recommendation also includes $1,256,000 for Navajo-Hopi
Settlement Program; $13,529,000 for Probate (TPA); $15,735,000
for Land Titles and Records Offices; $39,736,000 for Real Estate
Services; $6,990,000 for Land Records Improvement; $49,351,000
for Environmental Quality; $1,499,000 for Alaska Native Programs;
$17,361,000 for Rights Protection; and $14,904,000 for Trust—Real
Estate Services Oversight. The increase for Environmental Quality
Projects includes additional funds to remediate open dumps and to
prepare for other environmental quality challenges. Within
amounts provided for Rights Protection, the Committee rec-
ommends $4,180,000 for Rights Protection (TPA), $11,204,000 for
Water Rights Negotiations/Litigation, $1,800,000 for Litigation
Support/Attorney Fees, and $177,000 for Other Indian Rights Pro-
tection.
Public Safety and Justice.—The recommendation includes
$509,917,000 for Public Safety and Justice, $61,195,000 above the
enacted level and $2,800,000 above the budget request.
McGirt v. Oklahoma, 591 U.S. ll, 140 S.Ct. 2452 (2020)
(McGirt).—Last year, the Supreme Court held much of eastern
Oklahoma remains Indian country. Overnight, Tribes located in
that area experienced increased need for public safety and justice
funds. The Committee includes funding to implement public safety
changes resulting from the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision, which
created an immediate and severe shortage of police and investiga-
tive personnel in the vastly expanded Tribal criminal jurisdiction
areas along with other challenges. Indian Affairs is expected to
closely monitor the situation surrounding public safety and justice
needs. The Committee directs Indian Affairs to provide a longer
term cost estimate to determine future allocation needs to imple-
ment the McGirt decision within 120 days of enactment of this Act.
The estimate is to evaluate all Tribal public safety and justice
needs, including detention/corrections and Tribal court needs, and
evaluate any additional funding or other support from Indian Af-
fairs and the Department of Justice that may be required for
Tribes in that area to fully exercise their jurisdiction.
The Committee continues to direct Indian Affairs to provide a de-
tailed accounting of law enforcement funds retained for BIA activi-
ties or not spent at the local level within 90 days of enactment of
this Act, including the activities funded, the number of employees
by activity, and the number of vacant positions.
The Committee includes $259,213,000 for Criminal Investiga-
tions and Police Services, $38,155,000 above the enacted level and
$300,000 below the budget request. The increase includes
$9,000,000 for additional law enforcement needs due to the McGirt
decision, and $8,000,000 for body-worn cameras for law enforce-
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ment and detention facility officers in Indian Country, and a gen-
eral program increase. The Committee continues funding for opioid
addiction assistance, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women un-
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solved cases, and to expedite background checks for the Missing
and Murdered Indigenous Women initiative at fiscal year 2021 en-
acted levels. It also continues $1,500,000 to allow law enforcement
officers to implement and enforce the Native American Graves Pro-
tection and Repatriation Act.
Within amounts provided, $118,469,000 is for Detention/Correc-
tions, $12,062,000 above the enacted level and $2,100,000 above
the budget request. The increase includes $1,000,000 for Tribal
needs related to the McGirt decision and a general program adjust-
ment. It also continues funding for Indian country detention facili-
ties and background checks for facilities on Indian lands at fiscal
year 2021 enacted levels.
The Committee is disturbed about recent reports on the high
number of deaths in BIA funded detention facilities. Since 2004,
the Department of Interior Office of Inspector General (OIG) con-
ducted reviews of detention/correction facilities and operations. The
OIG found numerous deficiencies and recommended various
changes, which the Committee understands most have been closed.
Yet details surrounding recent deaths suggest that although BIA
indicated recommendations had been adopted, the changes made in
response to recommendations are not being implemented. There-
fore, the Committee directs the OIG to conduct a comprehensive
follow-up of closed recommendations to determine whether changes
made in response to prior recommendations are being implemented
correctly. In addition, the Committee expects the OIG to examine
appropriations provided for Detention/Corrections in prior years to
determine how the funds were spent and whether they were spent
correctly. The Committee expects this review to begin no later than
60 days of enactment of this Act.
The recommendation includes $3,666,000 for Inspections/Internal
Affairs, as requested, and $76,000 above the enacted level; and
$21,898,000 for Law Enforcement Special Initiatives, $2,115,000
above the enacted level and $3,000,000 below the budget request.
The increase for Law Enforcement Special Initiatives includes
$2,000,000 to focus on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
cases. The Committee expects Indian Affairs to report to the Com-
mittee on the number of FTEs hired and the number of cold cases
resolved with these funds. This information should be provided at
the same time as the annual budget request. The Committee con-
tinues funding at fiscal year 2021 enacted levels for equipment to
collect and preserve evidence, Tiwahe recidivism programs and the
Victims Witness assistance program increase. The Committee di-
rects Indian Affairs to report within 90 days of enactment of this
Act on the number of Victim/Witness Assistance program employ-
ees hired with these funds and how the funds will be used to pro-
vide additional victim witness services throughout Indian Country.
The Committee provides $5,056,000 for the Indian Police Acad-
emy, as requested, and $71,000 above the enacted level; and
$26,809,000 for Tribal Justice Support, as requested, and $24,000
above the enacted level. The Committee continues $3,000,000 to
implement the Violence Against Women Act in Indian Country and
$15,000,000 for P.L. 280 courts.
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The recommendation provides $7,092,000 for Law Enforcement
Program Management, as requested, and $360,000 above the en-
acted level; $18,913,000 for Facilities Operations and Maintenance,
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as requested, and $120,000 above the enacted level; $47,169,000 for
Tribal Courts (TPA), $8,189,000 above the enacted level and
$4,000,000 above the budget request; and $1,632,000 for Fire Pro-
tection (TPA), as requested, and $23,000 above the enacted level.
The increase for Tribal Courts (TPA) consists of $1,000,000 for
Tribes impacted by the McGirt decision, $4,000,000 for Tribal court
operations and maintenance, and a general program adjustment.
Community and Economic Development.—The recommendation
includes $34,353,000 for Community and Economic Development,
$9,881,000 above the enacted level and $8,500,000 below the budg-
et request.
Within amounts provided, the Committee provides $14,751,000
for Job Placement and Training (TPA), which includes an increase
to provide training geared towards clean energy jobs. The rec-
ommendation for Economic Development (TPA) is $9,068,000. This
includes an additional $4,500,000 to implement the Native Amer-
ican Business Incubator Program, solicit applications, and award
grants and a general program adjustment to increase the number
of grants under the Economic Development Grant Program.
The recommendation includes $10,534,000 for Community Devel-
opment Oversight. This includes an additional $1,500,000 for Cen-
tral Oversight, as requested, and an additional $1,300,000 to imple-
ment the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experi-
ence Act (NATIVE Act) (P.L. 114–221). By investing in implemen-
tation of the NATIVE Act across federal departments and agencies,
as named in the NATIVE Act, the purposes and intent of the NA-
TIVE Act can be realized bringing needed support to build, en-
hance and grow sustainable cultural tourism at this critical junc-
ture as we address the COVID–19 recovery efforts, build economic
opportunities, address many of the underlying disparities and in-
vest in sustainable practices to preserve and protect delicate eco-
systems in California and across the United States as we face the
impacts of climate change.
Executive Direction and Administrative Services.—The rec-
ommendation includes $269,107,000 for Executive Direction and
Administrative Services, $27,531,000 above the enacted level and
$400,000 above the budget request. The recommendation for Assist-
ant Secretary Support includes an additional $500,000 to continue
implementation of the PROGRESS Act, an additional $1,500,000
for staff, as requested, and an additional $800,000 to promote eq-
uity and diversity as part of the Department-wide Diversity, Eq-
uity, Inclusion, and Accessibility initiative for Indian Affairs for
BIA and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians
(OST).
INDIAN LAND CONSOLIDATION
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $0
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 150,000,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 75,000,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +75,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥75,000,000
The Committee recommends $75,000,000 for Indian Land Con-
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solidation, $75,000,000 below the budget request. This new account
is to support Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis
at Home and Abroad by enhancing Tribal ability to plan for and
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adapt to climate change. By reducing land fractionation and Tribal
majority ownership of lands, Tribes will have more control over
land management, use, and protection to facilitate climate resil-
ience. The Committee is concerned Indian Affairs did not include
administrative expense estimates in the budget request and ex-
pects Indian Affairs to do so in future budget justifications. In the
interim, the Committee expects Indian Affairs to submit this infor-
mation within 30 days of enactment of this Act. Further, the Com-
mittee expects Indian Affairs to provide metrics, including the
number of fractionated interests purchased and acreage consoli-
dated, each fiscal year.
CONTRACT SUPPORT COSTS
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $335,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 240,000,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 240,000,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ ¥95,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation esti-
mated to be $240,000,000 for contract support costs incurred by the
Agency as required by law. The bill includes language making
available for two years such sums as are necessary to meet the
Federal government’s full legal obligation and prohibiting the
transfer of funds to any other account for any other purpose.
PAYMENTS FOR TRIBAL LEASES
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $21,593,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 36,593,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 36,593,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +15,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends an indefinite appropriation esti-
mated to be $36,593,000 for Payments for Tribal leases incurred by
the Agency as required by law. The bill includes language making
available for two years such sums as are necessary to meet the
Federal government’s full legal obligation and prohibiting the
transfer of funds to any other account for any other purpose.
CONSTRUCTION
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $128,818,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 187,992,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 187,992,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +59,174,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $187,992,000 for BIA Construction,
as requested, and $59,174,000 above the enacted level. Internal
transfers and fixed costs are included, as requested. All subactivi-
ties and program elements presented in the budget estimate sub-
mitted to Congress are continued at enacted levels unless other-
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wise indicated. Recommended program changes, instructions, and
details follow below and in the table at the end of this report. Addi-
tional instructions are included in the front of this report.
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Public Safety and Justice Construction.—The Committee pro-
vides $50,811,000 for Public Safety and Justice Construction,
$3,000,000 above the budget request and $8,000,000 above the en-
acted level. The recommendation provides an increase for Facilities
Replacement/New Construction for Indian Affairs to develop capac-
ity to assess facilities within the public safety and justice inven-
tory, to develop the master plan referenced below and repeatedly
requested by the Committee, and to construct facilities. The Com-
mittee heard concerns that BIA Fire Facilities processes, priorities,
and standards are inconsistent with other BIA processes, priorities,
and standards and that policy guidance is needed. Like other BIA
facilities, there is concern that many Fire Facilities are or should
be condemned. The Committee directs Indian Affairs to include fire
facilities in the assessment.
Green Infrastructure.—Within amounts for Public Safety and
Justice Construction, the Committee directs Indian Affairs in plan-
ning, design, and operations of buildings to reduce costs, minimize
environmental impacts, use renewable energy and incorporate
green infrastructure and the most current energy efficiency codes
and standards to the maximum extent practicable. The Committee
directs Indian Affairs to submit a report to the Committee within
90 days of enactment of this Act describing how Indian Affairs will
incorporate these activities.
Eligible Facilities.—The Committee continues to hear from
Tribes that Indian Affairs considers funding made available for Fa-
cility Replacement/New Construction for public safety and justice
facilities as only available for detention facilities. The Committee
directs Indian Affairs to consider all public safety and justice facili-
ties as eligible for funding under this program and to include such
facilities in the master plan the Committee has repeatedly directed
Indian Affairs to maintain. The Committee directs Indian Affairs
to provide the master plan to the Committee within 90 days of en-
actment of this Act.
The Committee understands the demand for public safety and
construction funding remains high and the backlog to replace these
facilities has grown exponentially. The Bureau is expected to dis-
tribute funds provided in this Act to expeditiously complete con-
struction of adult detention center projects that were previously
awarded.
Resources Management Construction.—The Committee rec-
ommends $86,510,000 for Resources Management Construction,
$1,150,000 above the budget request and $15,102,000 above the en-
acted level. The recommendation includes an additional $1,150,000
for Irrigation Project Construction, $13,800,000 for dam mainte-
nance and continues $10,000,000 for WIIN Act projects.
Other Program Construction.—The recommendation includes
$50,671,000 for Other Program Construction, $4,150,000 below the
budget request, and $36,072,000 above the enacted level. The Com-
mittee includes $6,000,000 to acquire zero emission vehicles, install
charging stations and administration costs associated with this ef-
fort; $29,923,000 for Water Safety and Sanitation to address issues
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across Indian country cited by the Environmental Protection Agen-
cy as requiring immediate action; and an additional $77,000 for a
total of $3,358,000 for operation and maintenance costs required by
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the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 (P.L.
105–382).
INDIAN LAND AND WATER CLAIM SETTLEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS
PAYMENTS TO INDIANS
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $45,644,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 75,844,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 75,844,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +30,200,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $75,844,000 for Indian Land and
Water Claim Settlements and Miscellaneous Payments to Indians,
as requested, and $30,200,000 above the enacted level. A detailed
table of funding recommendations below the account level is pro-
vided at the end of this report. Bill language provides that funds
may be used to implement settlements pursuant to Public Laws
99–264, 114–322, and 116–260, which includes the Navajo-Utah
Water Rights Settlement. Bill language allows funds to be depos-
ited into the Selis-Qlispe Ksanka Settlement Trust Fund. The Com-
mittee directs Indian Affairs to provide a list of land and water
claim settlements that will be paid in fiscal year 2023 at the same
time the budget request is submitted.
The Committee is aware that on January 31, 2020, the Chief
Judge of the Court of Federal Claims transmitted to the Clerk of
the U.S. House of Representatives the Report of the Hearing Offi-
cer and the Report of the Hearing Panel in the matter of Thomas
Charles Bear et al v. United States. After twenty years of litigation,
the Quapaw Nation and the United States settled some trust-re-
lated claims in the Court of Federal Claims. The Committee en-
courages Indian Affairs to work with the parties, the Committees
of jurisdiction, and the Office of Management and Budget to deter-
mine next steps.
INDIAN GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $11,797,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 11,833,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 11,833,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +36,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $11,833,000 for the Indian Guaran-
teed Loan Program Account, as requested, and $36,000 above the
enacted level.
The Committee supports the Indian Guaranteed Loan Program
but is concerned about high rates of loan defaults in recent years.
The high rate of default limited the amount of loans that could be
leveraged in fiscal year 2021. While Indian Affairs is addressing
this issue, the Committee expects Indian Affairs to provide fre-
quent updates to the Committee on a corrective action plan to sta-
bilize the program and its implementation. The Committee looks
forward to considering more robust funding in the future once the
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program is stabilized to leverage substantially more private financ-
ing demands in Indian Country. Bill language makes funds avail-
able for two years.
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BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION
OPERATION OF INDIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) manages a school system
with 169 elementary and secondary schools and 14 dormitories pro-
viding educational services to 47,000 individual students, with an
Average Daily Membership of 41,000 students in 23 States. The
BIE also operates two post-secondary schools and provides oper-
ating grants for 29 Tribally controlled colleges and universities and
two Tribal technical colleges.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $973,092,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 1,083,634,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 1,083,463,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +110,371,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥171,000
Operation of Indian Education Programs.—The Committee pro-
vides $1,083,463,000 for Operation of Indian Education Programs,
$110,371,000 above the enacted level and $171,000 below the budg-
et request. All subactivities and program elements presented in the
budget request submitted to Congress are continued at enacted lev-
els and adjusted for internal transfers and fixed costs, as re-
quested. None of the requested program changes are agreed to un-
less specifically addressed below. Recommended program changes,
instructions, and details follow below and in the table at the end
of this report. Additional instructions are included in the front of
this report.
The pandemic forced BIE-funded schools to begin distance learn-
ing with little guidance from BIE. The General Accounting Office
(GAO) determined comprehensive distance learning guidance will
help schools better navigate the current pandemic as well as future
emergencies requiring school closures. GAO also recommended BIE
develop and implement written policies and procedures for col-
lecting timely information on BIE-operated schools’ technology
needs. The Committee expects BIE to implement GAO’s rec-
ommendations in a timely manner.
In June 2021, the Department announced an investigation into
the Federal government’s past oversight of Native boarding schools.
These schools tore families apart and led to a loss of culture. The
Committee applauds this investigation and looks forward to receiv-
ing the results of the investigation.
Tribal Priority Allocations.—The recommendation includes
$68,459,000 for BIE Tribal Priority Allocation (TPA) programs.
TPA programs give Tribes the opportunity to further Indian self-
determination by establishing their own priorities and reallocating
Federal funds among budget accounts.
Elementary and Secondary Programs (forward funded).—The
Committee recommends $676,700,000 for Elementary and Sec-
ondary Programs (forward funded), $58,799,000 above the enacted
level and $13,099,000 below the budget request. Within this
amount, the recommendation includes $474,284,000 for Indian Stu-
dent Equalization Program (ISEP) Formula Funds, $47,446,000
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above the enacted level and $10,500,000 below the budget request;
$5,844,000 for ISEP Adjustments, as requested, and $259,000
above the enacted level; $15,013,000 for Education Program En-
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hancements, as requested, and $562,000 above the enacted level;
$5,003,000 for Tribal Education Departments, as requested, and
$3,000 above the enacted level; $59,616,000 for Student Transpor-
tation, as requested, and $1,473,000 above the enacted level; and
$92,285,000 to fully fund Tribal Grant Support Costs, $5,401,000
above the enacted level and $2,599,000 below the budget request.
Within Education Program Enhancements, the Committee con-
tinues $4,000,000 for Native language immersion grants at fiscal
year 2021 enacted levels.
Early Childhood and Family Development.—The Committee rec-
ommends $24,655,000 for Early Childhood and Family Develop-
ment, as requested, and $3,655,000 above the enacted level. The
$3,000,000 program adjustment will allow BIE to prepare more Na-
tive students to enter kindergarten ready to learn and may expand
FACE to new sites. The Committee directs Indian Affairs to submit
a report within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the number of
new sites and additional students served with the increased funds.
Post-Secondary Programs (forward funded).—The Committee rec-
ommends $121,211,000 for Post-Secondary Programs (forward
funded), $10,292,000 above the enacted level and $7,928,000 above
the budget request. Within funds provided, $28,694,000 is for Has-
kell and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI),
$2,436,000 above the enacted level and $72,000 above the budget
request; $83,610,000 is for Tribal Colleges and Universities,
$7,100,000 above the enacted level and the budget request; and
$8,907,000 is for Tribal Technical Colleges, $756,000 above the en-
acted level and the budget request.
Elementary and Secondary Programs.—The Committee rec-
ommends $154,362,000 for Elementary and Secondary Programs,
as requested, and $885,000 above the enacted level. Within these
amounts, $70,189,000 is for Facilities Operations, as requested,
and $404,000 above the enacted level; $62,421,000 is for Facilities
Maintenance, as requested, and $422,000 above the enacted level;
$554,000 is for Juvenile Detention Center Education, as requested,
and $1,000 above the enacted level.
Johnson O’Malley (TPA).—The Committee recommends
$21,198,000 for Johnson O’Malley (JOM) (TPA), as requested, and
$58,000 above the enacted level. In fiscal year 2021, Congress pro-
vided $2,500,000 for capacity building and training to JOM con-
tractors on administering the program as recommended by GAO.
The Committee expects these funds to be used as a general pro-
gram increase for fiscal year 2022.
The Committee continues to expect BIE to report on training and
capacity building activities provided to contractors in fiscal years
2020 and 2021 within 90 days of enactment of this Act. GAO also
found that BIE does not have systematic processes in place to con-
duct oversight of JOM programs. The Committee continues to ex-
pect Indian Affairs to develop recommended processes and
timelines to ensure the JOM program operates effectively and effi-
ciently and to submit a report to the Committee within 120 days
from enactment of this Act on the progress being made towards
meeting GAO’s recommendations.
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Post-Secondary Programs.—The Committee recommends
$59,703,000 for Post-Secondary Programs, $17,208,000 above the
enacted level and $5,000,000 above the budget request. Within the
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funds provided, $1,220,000 is for Tribal Colleges and University
Supplements (TPA), equal to the budget request and the enacted
level; $46,041,000 is for Scholarships and Adult Education (TPA),
$11,208,000 above the enacted level and $1,000,000 above the
budget request; $6,492,000 is for Special Higher Education Scholar-
ships, $3,000,000 above the enacted level and the budget request;
and $5,950,000 is for Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund,
$3,000,000 above the enacted level and $1,000,000 above the budg-
et request.
Education Management.—The recommendation includes
$71,487,000 for Education Management, as requested, and
$23,187,000 above the enacted level. This includes $36,063,000 for
Education Program Management activities, as requested, and
$3,107,000 above the enacted level, and $35,424,000 for Education
Information Technology, as requested, and $20,080,000 above the
enacted level. The increase includes $400,000 for Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion, and Accessibility, as requested, and $20,000,000 for Edu-
cation IT to support ongoing costs of learning and enhanced use of
technology in the classroom.
In fiscal year 2020, the Committee approved establishing BIE as
a bureau separate from BIA. BIE was directed to submit a quar-
terly report to the Committee on activities that occur to separate
BIE from BIA, including details on how additional funds are being
used to strengthen and improve BIE’s capacity. BIE has not sub-
mitted these reports. The Committee continues to direct BIE to
provide this information.
In fiscal year 2021, the Committee directed BIE to report on its
steps to implement GAO’s report documenting deficiencies in BIE’s
provision of special education for children with disabilities. Because
BIE has not provided the reports or the requested workforce plan,
the Committee continues to direct these reports to be provided.
The Committee is encouraged by BIE’s efforts to expand
broadband at BIE-funded schools. To modernize its electronic
health record system, the Indian Health Service (IHS) is also ex-
panding broadband at some IHS-funded facilities. The Committee
directs BIE to coordinate its efforts with IHS to the extent possible
to avoid duplication and to build upon each agency’s efforts.
EDUCATION CONSTRUCTION
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $264,277,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 264,330,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 267,330,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +3,053,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +3,000,000
The Committee recommends $267,330,000 for BIE Construction,
$3,053,000 above the enacted level and $3,000,000 above the budg-
et request. All subactivities and program elements presented in the
budget estimate submitted to Congress are continued at enacted
levels and adjusted for fixed costs and internal transfers unless
otherwise reflected below. None of the requested program changes
are agreed to unless specifically addressed below. Recommended
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program changes, instructions, and details follow below and in the
table at the end of this report. Additional instructions are included
in the front of this report.
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Within amounts provided, the Committee includes $116,504,000
for Replacement School Construction, $1,000,000 above the enacted
level and the budget request; $23,935,000 for Replacement Facility
Construction, as requested, and equal to the enacted level;
$1,000,000 for Replacement/New Employee Housing, as requested,
and equal to the enacted level; $13,589,000 for Employee Housing
Repair, $8,000 above the enacted level and equal to the budget re-
quest; $95,802,000 for Facilities Improvement and Repair, $500,000
above the budget request and $545,000 above the enacted level;
and $16,500,000 for Tribal Colleges Facilities, Improvement and
Repair, $1,500,000 above the enacted level and the budget request.
The recommendation includes $500,000 for Indian Affairs to deter-
mine the condition of existing Tribal College facilities, examine fa-
cilities-related health and safety concerns, and identify current and
long-term infrastructure needs for Tribal Colleges and Universities,
as defined in section 316(b)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3)). Indian Affairs is expected to commence the
study, in coordination with Tribal Colleges and Universities, within
120 days of enactment of this Act.
The Committee continues to direct BIE to provide an assessment
of the need for replacement/new employee housing and to provide
a spending plan to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of
this Act.
The Committee directs BIE to complete annual health and safety
inspections of all BIE system facilities and to publish quarterly up-
dates on the status of such inspections. The Department of Interior
Office of the Inspector General (OIG) revisited the Pine Hill School
to determine whether facility conditions had improved. The Com-
mittee is disturbed that issues identified in 2016 remain unre-
solved, including extensive water damage and mold as well as gen-
eral facility deficiencies, such as deteriorated walkways. These dec-
ades-long deficiencies affect the health and safety of Native chil-
dren and need to be addressed expeditiously. So, while Indian Af-
fairs indicates it conducts annual health and safety, the IG deter-
mined that, at least with respect to Pine Hill School, noted defi-
ciencies are not being addressed. Annual inspections are irrelevant
if noted deficiencies are not corrected. Indian Affairs is expected to
develop a deficiency tracking system that can be updated as defi-
ciencies are addressed to develop a plan to build schools’ capacity
to promptly address identified health and safety problems within
BIE facilities. The Committee expects BIE to promptly develop this
plan to address key challenges BIE schools face in addressing safe-
ty hazards and to update the Committee on the status of this activ-
ity within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
Green Infrastructure.—The Committee directs BIE to include
green infrastructure in the replacement school construction pro-
gram and in the replacement facility program. This includes plan-
ning, design, and operations of buildings to reduce costs, minimize
environmental impacts, use renewable energy, and incorporate
green infrastructure and the most current energy efficiency codes
and standards to the maximum extent practicable. The Committee
continues to direct Indian Affairs to submit a report to the Com-
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mittee within 90 days of enactment of this Act explaining how it
proposes to incorporate green infrastructure and renewable energy
in these projects.
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Education Construction Site Assessment and Capital Investment
Program.—The Committee recognizes the efforts of Indian Affairs
and the BIE to develop and communicate to Tribes a comprehen-
sive, system-wide approach to school repair and replacement, as
the Committee has directed the agencies to do since the fiscal year
2015 appropriation, which should include a clearly identified list of
prioritized projects to be accomplished with annual discretionary
and mandatory appropriations. The agencies are encouraged to con-
tinue working with Tribes to develop and refine the program and
are directed to provide feedback to Tribes throughout the process,
consistent with direction contained in House Report 116–448 on
Tribal consultation.The program must provide for data entry train-
ing for all on-site facilities managers and must not disincentivize
any Tribe from making improvements with its own funds.
At least with respect to the Pine Hill School, the IG noted that
the facility inventory continues to be inaccurate. Inaccurate data in
the facility database prevents a credible capital investment plan.
The Committee expects Indian Affairs to maintain valid, accurate
data in the facility inventory.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The bill continues language limiting expansion of grades and
schools in the BIE system which allow for the expansion of addi-
tional grades to schools that meet certain criteria. The intent of the
language is to prevent already limited funds from being spread fur-
ther 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 al-
ready in the BIE system to a charter school in accordance with
State and Federal law.
The bill continues language providing the Secretary with author-
ity to approve satellite locations of existing BIE schools if a Tribe
can demonstrate that establishment of such locations would pro-
vide comparable levels of education as are being offered at such ex-
isting BIE schools, and would not significantly increase costs to the
Federal government. The intent is provided for this authority to be
exercised only in extraordinary circumstances to provide Tribes
with additional flexibility regarding where students are educated
without compromising how they are educated, and to significantly
reduce the hardship and expense of transporting students over long
distances, all without unduly increasing costs that would otherwise
unfairly come at the expense of other schools in the BIE system.
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 inter-
ests, and management of approximately $5.5 billion held in trust
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by the Federal government on behalf of American Indians, Alaska
Natives, and federally recognized Indian Tribes. The Office of the
Special Trustee’s (OST) trust management of these assets includes
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conserving, maintaining, accounting, investing, disbursing, and re-
porting 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, 2021 .............................................................. $108,399,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 0
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 109,572,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +1,173,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +109,572,000
The Committee recommends $109,572,000 for Federal trust pro-
grams, $1,173,000 above the enacted level. No budget request was
submitted for OST. Once again, the Committee rejects the creation
of a new Bureau and proposed budget structure. A detailed table
of funding recommendations below the account level is provided at
the end of this report.
The recommendation provides $1,501,000 for Executive Direction
and $108,071,000 for Program Operations and Support. This
amount fully funds fixed costs estimated to be $1,173,000. The
Committee does not approve any internal transfers, other than for
historical accounting purposes, which is estimated to be
$17,536,000. As OST is scheduled to terminate, the Committee
does not approve any new FTEs and does not include funding for
these positions. However, to ensure OST participates in the De-
partment’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility initiative
in support of Executive Orders 13985 and 13988, the Committee in-
cludes $400,000 for Indian Affairs to perform these activities on
OST’s behalf until the future of OST is resolved.
The recommendation continues $2,700,000 provided in fiscal year
2021 to modernize the records management system via the Elec-
tronic Records Management Program. This will enable OST to
digitize and upload paper records into the cloud for storage for in-
creased operational efficiencies and compliance with Federal laws.
The Committee continues to direct OST to provide an estimate of
the total amount needed to digitize all trust records located in the
Kansas repository within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
The Committee is extremely concerned about the Department’s
disregard for Congress. Despite the rejection of the bureau budget
structure in fiscal year 2021, the Department continues to take ac-
tion to create a new Bureau to perform OST’s duties and functions.
In addition to the reports requested in the fiscal year 2021 explan-
atory statement, the Committee expects Indian Affairs to submit
an updated report with information similar to that requested in fis-
cal year 2021 showing costs and actions taken since passage of the
fiscal year 2021 appropriations bill through enactment of this Act.
The Committee expects Indian Affairs to submit the updated report
within 30 days of enactment of this Act.
Finally, the Committee directs Indian Affairs to consult with In-
dian Tribes on the future of OST. After consulting with Tribes and
providing the requested information to the Committee, the Com-
mittee is willing to consider creating a new Bureau. But without
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the requested information and Tribal consultation, the Committee
is unable to evaluate the proposal and make an informed decision.
Any future proposal should evaluate and provide options on how to
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ensure OST employees can be transitioned to Indian Affairs or else-
where within the Department.
DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $103,210,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 130,887,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 130,887,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +27,677,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $130,887,000 for the Office of the
Secretary, Departmental Operations appropriation. This amount is
$27,677,000 above the enacted level and equal to the budget re-
quest.
Botanical Science Expertise.—The Committee is concerned by the
need to incorporate the perspective and knowledge of botanists in
land management and restoration decision making. Input from this
scientific discipline is necessary to the effective development of ap-
proaches that incorporate meaningful consideration of how best to
create thriving habitats, ameliorate the impact of invasive species,
and preserve lands for multiple use missions. Accordingly, the
Committee encourages the Secretary to establish a chief botanist in
each of the Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bu-
reau of Land Management and U.S. Geological Survey.
Office of Native Hawaiian Relations.—The Committee directs the
Office of Native Hawaiian Relations (ONHR) to coordinate with
federal agencies to carry out the consultation policies described in
the Standard Operating Procedure for Consultation with the Na-
tive Hawaii Community in order to ensure the responsible execu-
tion of policy across the federal government. The Committee directs
the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations to submit a report, not
later than 180 days after the enactment to provide an update on
the actions taken to ensure regular and meaningful consultation by
federal agencies with the Native Hawaiian Community and with
native Hawaiians as defined under section 201(a) of the Hawaiian
Homes Commission Act.
Wild Horse and Burro Task Force.—The Committee is making a
large Federal investment in the Wild Horse and Burro program to
protect the welfare of the wild horses and burros and conserve the
range for the habitat it provides to other species and the ecosystem
services that protect human and species health and well-being in
the face of climate change. The Committee directs the Secretary to
establish a task force to bring experts from all Interior Bureaus to-
gether to address the challenge of wild horses and burros. This
task force is to have monthly meetings to review performance
metrics, monitor outcomes, assess milestone achievements, and ad-
dress any delays or setbacks to the implementation of the May
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plan. The task force should collaborate with experts from academia
on scientific advancements, analyze federal investments, and deter-
mine if any course correction is necessary. The Bureau of Land
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Management is to report to the Committee on a quarterly basis on
the status of this program and the work of the task force.
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. OIA has ad-
ministrative responsibility for coordinating Federal policy in the
territories of American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and
oversight of Federal programs and funds in the freely associated
states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic
of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau. The per-
manent and trust fund payments to the territories and the compact
nations provide substantial financial resources to these govern-
ments. During fiscal year 2004, financial arrangements for the
Compacts of Free Association with the FSM and the RMI were im-
plemented. These also included mandatory payments for certain ac-
tivities 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, 2021 .............................................................. $106,693,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 113,977,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 119,477,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +12,784,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +5,500,000
The Committee recommends $119,477,000 for Assistance to Ter-
ritories, $12,784,000 above the enacted level and $5,500,000 above
the budget request. Recommended program changes, instructions,
and details follow below and in the table at the end of this report.
Office of Insular Affairs.—The recommendation includes
$9,837,000 for the Office of Insular Affairs, $284,000 above the en-
acted level and equal to the budget request.
Technical Assistance.—The recommendation includes $22,800,000
for Technical Assistance, $1,000,000 above the enacted level and
$1,000,000 above the budget request.
Maintenance Assistance Fund.—The recommendation includes
$4,375,000 for Maintenance Assistance, equal to the enacted level
and the budget request.
Energizing Insular Communities.—The recommendation includes
$15,500,000 for Energizing Insular Communities (EIC), $7,000,000
above the enacted level and equal to the budget request.
The Committee continues direction to encourage the Department
to work with the Insular Areas to update and implement their en-
ergy action plans. The Committee expects funds to be used in ac-
cordance with 48 U.S.C. 1492a to update and implement the energy
action plans of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands with the
goals of reducing reliance and expenditures on imported fuels, de-
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veloping and utilizing domestic energy sources, and improving the
performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency
in each of these insular areas.
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American Samoa Operations Grants.—The Committee rec-
ommends $27,120,000 for American Samoa Operations, $2,500,000
above the enacted level and the budget request. With the increase
provided for American Samoa Operations Grants, the recommenda-
tion provides no less than $2,500,000 for the study, planning, site
selection, design, environmental, and engineering services for the
new Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center in American
Samoa, consistent with the U.S. Army Corps 2019 report to Con-
gress. The Committee also encourages the Department to pair this
funding with additional grant funds as appropriate from Technical
Assistance or other sources.
Regional Biosecurity Report.—The Department is directed to in-
clude in its annual budget submission an updated report describing
the activities of the Department during the preceding fiscal year to
implement the Regional Biosecurity Plan for Micronesia and Ha-
waii, as developed jointly by the Department and other Federal and
non-Federal entities to prevent and control the introduction of
invasive species in the United States Pacific Region. The report
shall also include next steps and planned activities of the Depart-
ment for further implementation of the plan, including estimates of
additional funding to be used or needed for such next steps and
planned activities.
The Committee recognizes that the Office of Insular Affairs funds
important efforts to improve education, health, infrastructure, judi-
cial training, and economic sustainability in the Insular areas and
expects funds to continue to be awarded accordingly. Additionally,
the Department is directed to continue to award noncompetitive
technical assistance funds to support investments in civic education
programs for Insular Area students.
COMPACT OF FREE ASSOCIATION
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $8,463,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 8,463,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 8,463,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ 0
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $8,463,000 for Compact of Free As-
sociation, equal to the enacted level and the budget request. Rec-
ommended program changes, instructions, and details follow below
and in the table at the end of this report.
Compact of Free Association—Federal Services.—The Committee
recommends $7,813,000 for Federal Services, equal to the enacted
level and the budget request. The recommendation includes
$5,000,000 as the third payment towards the $20,000,000 re-
quested by the Republic of the Marshall Islands in September
2009, as authorized in section 111(d) of the Compact of Free Asso-
ciation Act of 1986 (P.L. 99–239; 99 Stat. 1799; 48 U.S.C. 1911) and
section 108(b) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act
of 2003 (P.L. 108–188; 117 Stat. 2755; 48 U.S.C. 1921g).
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OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $86,813,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 95,498,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 95,498,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +8,685,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $95,498,000 for Salaries and Ex-
penses, as requested, and $8,685,000 above the enacted level. The
recommendation fully funds fixed costs and includes internal trans-
fers. The increase includes $3,400,000 for one-time office moves for
the Intermountain Regional Office and the Tulsa Field Office and
$200,000 for the Office to participate in the Department-wide Di-
versity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility initiative. New bill lan-
guage makes the funds available for two years, as requested.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $58,552,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 66,382,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 66,382,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +7,830,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $66,382,000 for salaries and ex-
penses of the Office of Inspector General (OIG), $7,830,000 above
the enacted level and equal to the budget request. The budget re-
flects additional funding for staffing increases to enable the OIG to
address key programmatic priorities, technology and infrastructure
needs, and fixed costs.
DEPARTMENT-WIDE PROGRAMS
WILDLAND FIRE
The Department’s Wildland Fire Management account supports
fire activities for the Bureau of Land Management, the National
Park Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the
Bureau of Indian Affairs.
WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $992,623,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 1,110,441,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 1,110,061,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +117,438,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥380,000
The Committee recommends $1,110,061,000 for Wildland Fire
Management at the Department of the Interior. The bill permits
the transfer of $50,000,000 in base discretionary fire suppression
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funds between the Department of the Interior and the Department
of Agriculture. The detailed allocation of funding by activity is in-
cluded in the table at the end of this report.
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The Committee remains concerned with the trend of high-inten-
sity fires year-round. The Committee supports the Department’s ef-
forts to develop a professional year-round workforce to combat
these fires.
Wildland Fire Preparedness.—The Committee recommends
$355,543,000 for Wildland Fire Preparedness, an increase of
$8,438,000 above the enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Wildland Fire Suppression.—The Committee recommends
$383,657,000, for Wildland Fire Suppression, equal to the enacted
level and the budget request. The recommended amount is the fis-
cal year 2015 10-year average cost for wildland fire suppression.
Fuels Management.—The Committee recommends $303,964,000
for the Fuels Management program, $84,000,000 above the enacted
level and $380,000 below the budget request.
Burned Area Rehabilitation.—The Committee recommends
$40,470,000 for the Burned Area Rehabilitation program,
$20,000,000 above the enacted level and equal to the budget re-
quest.
The Committee notes that funding for Burned Area Rehabilita-
tion is meant to supplement emergency stabilization funding pro-
vided under suppression, not replace it.
Fire Facilities.—The Committee recommends $18,427,000 for
Fire Facilities, equal to the enacted level and the budget request.
WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS RESERVE FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $310,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 330,000,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 330,000,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +20,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The bill includes $330,000,000 for the Wildfire Suppression Oper-
ations Reserve Fund, which is $20,000,000 above the enacted level
and equal to the budget request. Section 1(h) of H. Res. 467 of the
117th Congress as engrossed in the House of Representatives on
June 14, 2021 included a budget cap adjustment for wildfire sup-
pression costs and this additional funding is included for fiscal year
2022. Of the additional $2,450,000,000 available for fire suppres-
sion operations, $330,000,000 is provided to the Department of the
Interior and the remaining $2,120,000,000 is available through a
transfer from the Department of Agriculture (Forest Service). The
Committee provides these additional funds and authorities to en-
sure that sufficient funds are available to protect American homes,
lands, and wildlife from catastrophic fires without requiring a
transfer of funds from the very activities that advance forest health
and prevent wildland fires. The Committee expects the Department
to use suppression funds judiciously and continue to work closely
with the Office of Management and Budget and the Forest Service
to accurately account for expenditures and recover costs.
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CENTRAL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FUND
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $10,010,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 10,036,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 10,036,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +26,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $10,036,000 for the Central Haz-
ardous Materials Fund appropriation. This amount is $26,000
above the enacted level and equal to the budget request.
ENERGY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $0
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 169,200,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 120,000,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +120,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥49,200,000
The Committee recommends $120,000,000 for the Energy Com-
munity Revitalization Program, an increase of $120,000,000 above
the enacted level and $49,200,000 below the budget request. The
funding provided allows entities to inventory, assess, decommis-
sion, reclaim, respond to hazardous substance releases, and reme-
diate abandoned hard rock mines, orphaned oil and gas wells, and
orphaned infrastructure, including but not limited to, facilities,
pipelines, structures or equipment used in energy production oper-
ations. This recommendation includes $50,000,000 for State grants;
$14,000,000 for Tribal grants; $53,000,000 for the Federal program;
and $3,000,000 for program management. Within 30 days of enact-
ment of this Act, the Department will brief the Committee on the
framework for the program, provide a staffing plan, and outline the
grant programs including the criteria and review process for
awarding grants, the oversight and monitoring that will be insti-
tuted, and how this funding complements the funding provided di-
rectly to other Interior bureaus for this purpose.
NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION
NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FUND
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $7,767,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 7,933,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 7,933,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +166,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $7,933,000 for the Natural Resource
Damage Assessment Fund appropriation. This amount is $166,000
above the enacted level and equal to the budget request. Details of
the recommendation by activity are contained in the table at the
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back of this report.
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WORKING CAPITAL FUND
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $60,735,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 91,436,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 91,436,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +30,701,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $91,436,000 for the Working Capital
Fund appropriation. This amount is $30,701,000 above the enacted
level and equal to the budget request. The recommendation adopts
the proposed increases for cybersecurity and Financial Business
Management System (FBMS) activities.
OFFICE OF NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE
NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $148,474,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 169,640,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 153,474,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥16,166,000
The Committee recommends $153,474,000 for the Office of Nat-
ural Resources Revenue. This amount is $5,000,000 above the en-
acted level and $16,166,000 below the budget request.
Distribution of GOMESA revenues.—The Committee continues its
annual direction to the Office to distribute revenues from Gulf of
Mexico operations in a manner consistent with current law, includ-
ing the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (P.L. 109–432),
as amended.
GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Section 101 continues a provision providing for emergency trans-
fer authority (intra-bureau) with the approval of the Secretary.
Section 102 continues a provision providing for emergency trans-
fer authority (Department-wide) with the approval of the Secretary.
Section 103 continues a provision providing for the use of appro-
priations 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 Indi-
ans and includes a notification requirement.
Section 105 continues a provision permitting the redistribution of
Tribal priority allocation and Tribal base funds to alleviate funding
inequities.
Section 106 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 107 continues a provision allowing Outer Continental
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Shelf inspection fees to be collected by the Secretary of the Interior.
Section 108 continues a provision allowing the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) to enter into long-term cooperative agreements
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for long-term care and maintenance of excess wild horses and bur-
ros on private land.
Section 109 continues a provision dealing with the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service’s responsibilities for mass marking of salmonid
stocks.
Section 110 continues a provision allowing the Bureau of Indian
Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education to perform reimbursable
work more efficiently and effectively.
Section 111 continues bill language establishing a Department of
the Interior Experienced Services Program.
Section 112 requires funds to be available for obligation and ex-
penditure not later than 60 days after the date of enactment.
Section 113 continues authorization for the Secretary to transfer
funds in conformity with the reprogramming requirements between
the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education
in order to separate the accounts.
Section 114 provides funding for the Payments in Lieu of Taxes
(PILT) program.
Section 115 directs the public disclosure of waivers from safety
regulations for operators within the Outer Continental Shelf.
Section 116 allows the National Park Service to convey lands for
purposes of transportation and recreation for a specific project.
Section 117 authorizes Tribally controlled schools access to inter-
agency motor vehicles in same manner as if performing activities
under the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act.
Section 118 extends the date by which the Alyce Spotted Bear
and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native American Children
needs to submit its report on Native children.
Section 119 provides that the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama
and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act does not pre-
clude or limit the applicability of the Indian Gaming Regulatory
Act.
Section 120 extends the authorization for the Delaware Water
Gap National Recreation Area.
Section 121 addresses National Heritage Areas.
Section 122 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a
study to evaluate resources associated with the 1965 Voting Rights
March from Selma to Montgomery.
Section 123 limits the use of funds for certain Outer Continental
Shelf activities to lease sales that are contained in the currently
approved 2017–2022 plan.
Section 124 amends the Indian Reorganization Act to clarify ap-
plication to any federally recognized Indian Tribe.
Section 125 requires the National Park Service to conduct an en-
vironmental impact statement prior at Big Cypress National Pre-
serve.
Section 126 establishes a new offshore decommissioning account.
Section 127 modifies a provision on the exhaustion of administra-
tive review.
TITLE II—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created by Re-
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organization 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, re-
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search, pesticides, radiation, toxic substances, enforcement and
compliance assurance, pollution prevention, Inland oil spill, Super-
fund, Brownfields, and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank
program. In addition, EPA provides Federal assistance for waste-
water treatment, sewer overflow control, drinking water facilities,
other water infrastructure projects, and diesel emission reduction
projects. The Agency is responsible for conducting research and de-
velopment, establishing environmental standards through the use
of health science, risk assessment, and cost-benefit, monitoring pol-
lution conditions, seeking compliance through enforcement actions,
managing audits and investigations, and providing technical assist-
ance and grant support to States and Tribes, which in many cases
are delegated authority for much of program implementation.
Under existing statutory authority, the Agency contributes to spe-
cific homeland security efforts and participates in international en-
vironmental 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 Sanc-
tuaries 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 Conserva-
tion 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 Li-
ability 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.
American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020.
Save Our Seas 2.0 Act.
For fiscal year 2022, the Committee recommends $11,344,071,000
for the Environmental Protection Agency, $2,106,918,000 above the
enacted level, and $110,792,000 above the budget request. The
Committee notes that in fiscal year 2021, in addition to its annual
discretionary appropriation, the Agency received an additional
$100,000,000 in funds through the American Rescue Plan Act of
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2021 (P.L. 117–2) to support environmental justice activities. Com-
parisons to the budget request and enacted levels are shown by ac-
count in the table at the end of this report.
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Reprogramming.—In general, the Agency shall follow the Re-
programming Guidelines described in the front matter of this re-
port. As a reminder, these guidelines apply to reorganizations, of-
fice, laboratory, and facility closures, relocations, and consolida-
tions. The Committee notes that in the past two years there have
been numerous instances of reorganizations and laboratory reloca-
tions initiated outside of these guidelines, and expects strict adher-
ence to the outlined requirements. Further, the Agency may not
use any amount of de-obligated funds to initiate a new program, of-
fice, or initiative without the prior approval of the Committee. Not
more than 45 days after the end of each quarter, the Agency shall
report all reprogrammings between program projects, or the more
detailed program activity levels specified in this report, including
those below the levels requiring prior approval from the Com-
mittee, and shall include cumulative totals for each budget activity
or budget line item.
The Committee notes the four realignments proposed in the re-
quest, including the proposed creation of a new National Program
Manager for Environmental Justice. The Committee looks forward
to receiving and reviewing additional details regarding each of
these proposals prior to Agency implementation.
Congressional Budget Justification.—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 en-
acted language highlighted, at the beginning of each account sec-
tion; (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 consoli-
dations, realignments or other transfers of resources and personnel
from one program project to another such that the outgoing and re-
ceiving program projects offset and clearly illustrate a transfer of
resources; (6) a table listing the budgets and FTE by major office
within each National Program Management area, itemized by
headquarter and each regional office, with pay/non-pay breakouts;
(7) separate targets for onsite inspections and offsite compliance
monitoring activities, and separate target and actuals data for on-
site and offsite compliance monitoring activities for the previous
five fiscal years; (8) requested enforcement travel budget, and
budgeted and actual enforcement travel spending for the previous
five fiscal years; and (9) allocations for each component of funding
for environmental justice programs and grants. 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.
Operating Plan.—Within 30 days of enactment, the Agency is di-
rected to submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appro-
priations its annual operating plan for fiscal year 2022. The oper-
ating plan shall adhere to the program area levels, and where ap-
plicable, the program project levels, specified within this report.
For program project levels not otherwise specified herein, the oper-
ating plan should detail how the Agency plans to allocate funds at
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the program project level. For each program project, the operating
plan should include actuals for the preceding fiscal year, as well as
the amounts of any expired funds.
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The operating plan shall also include a table listing the enacted
budgets and target FTE by major office within each National Pro-
gram Management area, itemized by headquarter and each re-
gional office, with pay/non-pay breakouts. Further, the budgets of
each major office should be itemized to indicate the source of funds
for each major office by program project level.
The operating plan should include detailed allocations for all
components of funding for environmental justice programs, includ-
ing the Environmental Justice Small Grants program, the Environ-
mental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agree-
ment Program, and funding for regional resources, outreach, and
technical assistance.
Workforce and Staffing Plans.—The explanatory statement ac-
companying the fiscal year 2021 appropriations included directions
for the Agency to develop workforce and staffing plans to achieve
the Agency’s FTE targets in fiscal year 2021. For fiscal year 2022,
the Committee expects the Agency to submit as part of its oper-
ating plan, staffing targets by National Program Management
area, with separate staffing targets for headquarters and each re-
gional office within each Program, in line with the Agency’s en-
acted appropriation. The Committee expects the Agency to continue
to develop workforce and staffing plans to achieve the staffing tar-
gets submitted with the operating plan, and directs the Agency to
submit its fiscal year 2022 workforce and staffing plans to the
Committee not more than 45 days after the submission of the
Agency’s operating plan. Further, not later than 45 days after the
end of each quarter, the Agency shall submit data on the number
of FTE employed by the Agency in the same format as the fiscal
year 2022 FTE target data was submitted. The Committee expects
quarterly briefings on the Agency’s progress in achieving its staff-
ing targets.
The Committee notes that a significant portion of the Agency’s
workforce is already or will soon become retirement eligible. The
Committee applauds the significant strides the Agency has made
in the past two years to streamline the hiring and onboarding proc-
ess, especially in light of the special challenges posed in 2020 and
2021 during the pandemic. While there has been considerable
progress made in growing the workforce and approaching the FTE
ceiling, the Committee remains concerned about the potential ero-
sion of the Agency’s reserve of expertise as senior scientists are re-
placed with individuals who are at earlier stages in their career.
The Agency is directed to brief the Committee on its plans for man-
aging this transition, and is encouraged to work with the Com-
mittee to ensure the continued excellence of its scientific and tech-
nical capabilities.
Compliance and Enforcement Policy.—The Committee believes
that vigorous and credible enforcement of environmental laws is an
essential part of the Agency’s mission to protect public health, par-
ticularly in environmental justice communities. These efforts both
directly reduce pollution and also deter non-compliance by regu-
lated entities. While states with delegated programs carry out the
bulk of enforcement activities, the Agency must exercise its over-
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sight responsibilities over state programs to ensure that environ-
mental laws are being vigorously and equitably enforced. Addition-
ally, more complex cases generally require the leadership, exper-
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tise, and resources of the federal government. States and Tribes
cannot fill the void created by the absence of an active and capable
federal enforcement program.
The Committee remains deeply concerned by the impacts of the
previous Administration’s enforcement practices on the work of the
Agency. This includes documented cases of interference by political
appointees in compliance and enforcement activities, as well as re-
peated, blatant efforts to politicize enforcement actions and targets.
The Committee believes strongly in the need for additional guard-
rails to protect the integrity of the Office of Enforcement and Com-
pliance Assurance’s (OECA’s) work, and the Agency is directed to
work with Congress as it develops and implements policies to pre-
vent future abuses.
Restoring Agency Integrity Through Accountability.—There is a
substantial and growing body of work documenting abuses and
other wrongdoing by senior Agency officials in the previous Admin-
istration. The Committee believes strongly that one of the essential
guardrails against such abuses in the future is having in place a
robust Agency culture that cooperates with oversight bodies, identi-
fies and acknowledges previous wrongdoing when it has occurred,
and takes action to hold the individuals responsible accountable.
The Agency is directed to brief the Committee on actions taken
since January 2021, and to keep the Committee apprised of its on-
going efforts in this area.
Environmental Justice.—The Committee applauds the president’s
commitment to addressing environmental justice and is extremely
pleased to see this commitment reflected in the Agency’s budget re-
quest.
In prior years, Environmental Justice funding was included as
part of the Enforcement budget lines in Environmental Programs
and Management (EPM) and in Hazardous Substance Superfund
(HSS). However, given the significantly expanded role that environ-
mental justice is to play in all other programs and media offices,
the Committee is elevating Environmental Justice to its own Pro-
gram Area within EPM and HSS. Additionally, the Committee pro-
vides $100,000,000 in funds for six new grant programs within the
State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) account that address
specific and distinct needs within environmental justice commu-
nities. Across these three accounts, the Committee recommends
$247,814,000, an increase of $235,135,000 above the enacted level.
Additional details regarding allocations amongst the various pro-
grammatic and grant portions of the Environmental Justice pro-
gram are outlined within each of the respective accounts.
The Committee believes that adequately addressing environ-
mental justice will require leveraging the Agency’s expertise to pur-
sue whole-of-government solutions at the federal, state, and local
levels. The Committee expects the Agency to better integrate envi-
ronmental justice considerations into its existing rulemaking, per-
mitting, enforcement, and grant-making activities. Additionally,
through its participation and leadership within the White House
Environmental Justice Inter-Agency Council, the Committee ex-
pects the Agency to support coordinated federal efforts to pursue
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comprehensive solutions to environmental injustices, in partnership
with overburdened and frontline communities. In particular, solu-
tions must take into account the cumulative impacts of pollution
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exposure from multiple media and sources, the baseline health sta-
tus and vulnerabilities of residents, linguistic, socio-economic, and
other factors such as access to healthcare within the affected com-
munities.
Regulatory Standards for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
(PFAS) and Contaminants of Emerging Concern.—The Committee
remains concerned by the threat that PFAS and other emerging
contaminants pose to human health and the environment. The
Committee notes that the Agency finalized its determination to set
drinking water standards for two PFAS chemicals in March 2021,
and more recently has taken several regulatory actions under the
Toxic Substances Control Act and the Toxic Release Inventory.
However, the announced timeline for proposing a drinking water
standard is March 2023, and there is currently no publicly avail-
able timeline to designate any PFAS chemical as a hazardous sub-
stance under CERCLA.
The Committee urges the Agency to act expeditiously in setting
drinking water standards for PFAS and in designating PFAS as a
hazardous substance under CERCLA. Substantial additional re-
sources have been provided across accounts and program offices to
support these efforts.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The Science and Technology (S&T) account funds all Environ-
mental Protection Agency (EPA) research (including Superfund re-
search activities paid with funds transferred into this account from
the Hazardous Substance Superfund account). This account in-
cludes programs carried out through grants, contracts, and cooper-
ative agreements, cooperative research and development agree-
ments, 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 ad-
dresses a wide range of environmental and health concerns across
all environmental media and encompasses both long-term basic and
near-term applied research to provide the scientific knowledge and
technologies necessary for preventing, regulating, and abating pol-
lution, and to anticipate emerging environmental issues.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $729,329,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 829,972,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 807,262,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +77,933,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥22,710,000
The Committee recommends $807,262,000 for Science and Tech-
nology, $77,933,000 above the enacted level and $22,710,000 below
the budget request. The Committee recommends that $32,985,000
be paid to this account from the Hazardous Substance Superfund
account for ongoing research activities.
A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account
level is provided at the end of this report, and the Committee pro-
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vides the following additional detail by program area:
Clean Air.—The Committee recommends $139,188,000,
$20,563,000 above the enacted level and equal to the request.
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The Committee is dismayed that the Agency yet to take any ac-
tion on long-pending Electric Pathway II applications under the Re-
newable Fuels Standard. Within 10 days of enactment of this Act,
the Committee directs the Administrator to take final action on ap-
plications that have been pending for more than 12 months.
The Committee notes the Agency released its new Motor Vehicle
Emissions Simulator (MOVES) model, known as MOVES3, in No-
vember 2020, and looks forward to receiving the briefing the Agen-
cy was directed to provide. Within 60 days of enactment of this Act,
the Committee directs the Agency to provide a report outlining the
updates that were incorporated in MOVES3 regarding emissions
effects of ethanol-blended fuels in light-duty vehicles in comparison
to the MOVES2014 modeling tool. If no updates were incorporated
into MOVES3, the Committee directs the Agency to provide a sub-
sequent report within 90 days of enactment of this Act determining
if updates are necessary, and if warranted, a timeline detailing
planned Agency action to carry out the necessary emission studies
to integrate updated data for these vehicles.
Homeland Security.—The Committee recommends $40,388,000,
$4,655,000 above the enacted level and equal to the request. The
Committee is aware of reports of cyber intrusions into critical
water infrastructure and notes the continuing vulnerability of the
water sector to cyberthreats. The Agency is directed to periodically
brief the Committee on the actions it is taking to protect against
this and other threats.
Operations and Administration.—The Committee recommends
$68,533,000, $1,033,000 above the enacted level and equal to the
request. This increase is to support necessary facilities improve-
ments, equipment upgrades, and maintenance and operating costs.
None of these funds may be used to relocate, close, or consolidate
any office, laboratory, or facility.
Research: Air and Energy.—The Committee recommends
$125,000,000, $29,750,000 above the enacted level and $31,210,000
below the request. Within available funds, the Committee supports
the Agency’s plans to revitalize its climate change program and
supports additional research in the four focus areas outlined in the
request. The Committee also supports the Agency’s ongoing work
providing human exposure and environmental modeling of air pol-
lution, understanding of air pollution sources, fate, transport, and
effects, and the development and application of new approaches to
evaluate impacts of the transition to a low-carbon energy system,
including fuel standards. The Committee expects the Agency to
consult with and seek approval from the Committee prior to under-
taking any collaborative research with the Department of Energy
on climate adaptation or resilience work.
Additionally, the Committee provides $3,700,000 to continue sup-
porting year 5 of the Partnership Research as outlined in the ex-
planatory statement accompanying Public Law 115–141. This joint-
ly funded, multi-year government-industry research initiative
should be used to produce credible science of national scope on such
development, including periodic review and tracking of existing ex-
posure and health studies already underway, and continuation of
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research initiated under this section. The Agency is encouraged to
submit a report updating the Committees on the implementation of
this partnership within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
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Research: National Priorities.—The bill provides $8,500,000,
$1,000,000 above the enacted level and $8,500,000 above the re-
quest. The Committee directs that these funds be used for extra-
mural research grants, independent of the Science to Achieve Re-
sults (STAR) grant program, to fund high-priority water quality
and availability research by not-for-profit organizations who often
partner with the Agency. Because these grants are independent of
the STAR grant program, the Agency should strive to award grants
in as large an amount as is possible to achieve the most scientif-
ically significant research. 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 al-
locate funds to grantees within 180 days of enactment of this Act.
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources.—The Com-
mittee recommends $116,588,000, $4,338,000 above the enacted
level and equal to the request. The Committee directs that up to
$3,000,000 be used for grants under section 2007 of America’s
Water Infrastructure Act (P.L. 115–270).
The Committee notes the importance of maintaining the sustain-
ability of large alpine lakes, and monitoring and improving the
health of ecosystems across their basins. The Committee directs the
Agency to use existing tools and capabilities under the Clean Water
Act to address alpine lake water quality and resilient uplands man-
agement. The Committee provides up to $1,000,000 to support this
work and directs the Agency to provide a report, within 180 days
of enactment of this Act, outlining expanded research plans and fu-
ture funding needs to investigate adverse health effects that
threaten the clarity and water quality of large alpine lakes.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).—Of the funds pro-
vided to the Office of Research and Development, no less than
$32,000,000 shall be for priority actions under the PFAS Action
Plan, an increase of $12,000,000 above the enacted level. Of such
funds, not less than $15,000,000 shall be derived from a transfer
from the Hazardous Substance Superfund appropriation.
Additional Guidance.—The Committee includes the following ad-
ditional guidance with respect to funding provided under this ac-
count:
Coronavirus Health Outcomes and Links to Pollution.—The Com-
mittee notes the growing body of work linking pollution exposures
with vaccine efficacies and risks for adverse health outcomes from
infectious diseases. The Agency is directed to brief the Committee
on its ongoing work in this area, including efforts underway to co-
ordinate its research efforts with other federal agencies.
Additionally, the Committee directs that not less than $2,500,000
be used to conduct research on these potential linkages. As the
Agency formulates its research plan, the Committee urges the Of-
fice of Research and Development to coordinate its work with the
Office of Environmental Justice.
Enhanced Aquifer Use and Recharge.—The Committee urges the
Agency to coordinate with the U.S. Geological Survey to support re-
search efforts designed to establish a best practices approach for
Enhanced Aquifer Recharge (EAR). Further, from the funds pro-
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vided to Research: Safe and Sustainable Waters, $4,000,000, shall
be for research for Enhanced Aquifer Use and Recharge. The Agen-
cy shall distribute funds to appropriate Research Centers to carry
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out research activities that would directly support research on
aquifers and enhanced recharge, including support of sole source
aquifers; to work collaboratively with the U.S. Geological Survey to
carry out these activities; and to partner, through cooperative
agreements, contracts, or grants, with universities, Tribes, and
water related institutions for planning, research, monitoring, out-
reach, breach mapping, growth and demand forecasting, and imple-
mentation in furtherance of ensuring sustainable long-term re-
gional frameworks for ensuring potable water supplies.
Estimating Air Emissions from Animal Operations.—The Com-
mittee is aware of the Agency’s ongoing work developing emission
estimating methodologies for Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs),
with a timeline for the release of draft emission estimating meth-
odologies through 2021 and 2022. The Committee supports the
Agency’s efforts to develop accurate, robust, and accessible models
for estimating these emissions by livestock type and pollutant and
urges the Agency to prioritize these efforts so that these methodolo-
gies can be finalized as quickly as possible.
Additionally, the Committee notes new research establishing
AFOs as a significant sources of criteria air pollutants. The explan-
atory statement accompanying P.L. 116–260 directed the Agency to
study new and innovative lagoon and sprayfield waste manage-
ment systems that can help mitigate health and environmental im-
pacts on communities living near swine and dairy farms. The Com-
mittee looks forward to reviewing that report, and any rec-
ommendations that the Agency may include for further work to
better understand cumulative impacts of such pollution exposures,
or options to mitigate the risks of such exposures.
Framework for Cumulative Risk Assessment.—The Committee
notes the Agency’s Framework for Cumulative Risk Assessment,
which identifies the basic elements of the cumulative risk assess-
ment process, was developed nearly 20 years ago. The Agency is di-
rected to evaluate whether the Framework would benefit from up-
dating to better incorporate increased understanding of the risks of
cumulative pollution exposures, and to brief the Committee on the
results of its evaluation and any updates it plans to make to the
Framework as a result of its review.
Harmful Algal Blooms.—The Committee recognizes the increas-
ing threats many communities face from harmful algal blooms
(HABs), both in freshwater and coastal ecosystems. The Committee
encourages the Agency to conduct and support research that pro-
motes scientific progress towards preventing and controlling HABs,
including research to: (1) develop methods to monitor, characterize,
and predict HABs for early action; (2) identify and evaluate exist-
ing excess nutrient prevention and treatment technologies; (3) iden-
tify emerging nutrient treatment technologies capable of being
scaled up and to evolve those technologies; and (4) develop best
management practices to help both rural and urban communities
reduce excess nutrients in their watersheds. Additionally,
$6,000,000 is made available to investigate adverse health effects
from exposure to HABs and cyanobacteria toxins and to develop
methods to monitor, predict, and characterize blooms to allow for
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early action.
Maintaining IRIS Program Integrity.—The Committee directs
the Agency to continue the IRIS program within the Office of Re-
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search and Development. Additionally, to ensure a neutral, system-
atic, and independent evaluation of the science underlying its deci-
sions, the Agency is directed to utilize the Office of Research and
Development to develop the hazard identification and dose-re-
sponse portions of all Agency risk assessments.
Pathways for Renewable Fuel.—The Committee notes the Agency
received a petition to include pathways for renewable diesel pro-
duced from canola oil as advanced biofuel. Within 90 days of enact-
ment of this Act, the Committee directs the Agency to report on the
status of the petition. As part of this report to the Committee, the
Agency is expected to report on the status of and actions to process
existing corn kernel fiber pathway applications.
Public Access to Agency Research.—The Committee commends
the Agency on issuing its ‘‘Plan to Increase Access to Results of
EPA-Funded Scientific Research’’ on November 29, 2016. The Com-
mittee urges the Agency to continue its efforts towards full imple-
mentation of the plan and encourages the Agency to include up-
dates on progress in future budget requests.
Slash and Precommercial Thinnings.—The Committee remains
interested in understanding opportunities to use low-grade and
low-value forest biomass as a feedstock for development of alter-
native fuels. The Committee looks forward to receiving the briefing
directed in the explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 116–260,
on the progress made to engage with other Federal agencies,
states, private landowners, and stakeholders on efforts to create
markets for low-grade and low-value wood.
Slurry Injection of Complex Waste Pilot Projects.—The Committee
recognizes the potential of new, technological innovations to lower
costs and environmental impacts of complex waste management,
including biosolids, per-and- polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) re-
mediation sites, and superfund sites. The Committee directs the
Agency, through the challenge and prize program or the Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, to consider sup-
porting pilot projects to test and evaluate the feasibility of safely
and permanently disposing of complex waste materials using slurry
injection technology. Within 90 days of enactment of this Act, the
Agency is directed to report to the Committee on plans and associ-
ated costs to support such pilot technologies and how these tech-
nologies may reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
STAR Grants.—The Committee provides funds to continue the
Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program and directs that not
less than $30,000,000 be allocated for this program, a $1,400,000
increase above the fiscal year 2021 enacted level of $28,600,000.
The Committee remains interested in the feasibility of reestab-
lishing the Graduate Fellowship program and of implementing a
mechanism to allow for submission of unsolicited, principal investi-
gator-initiated proposals to STAR in order to capture innovative re-
search ideas that may exist outside of the Agency and that advance
its mission. The Committee looks forward to receiving the briefing
directed in the explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 116–260.
The Committee encourages the STAR program to continue re-
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search on how green stormwater infrastructure can be used to re-
duce water-borne pollution entering large estuaries in which
stormwater is a large source of pollution.
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Testing Alternatives.—The Committee notes that the Frank R.
Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (P.L. 114–
182) directed the Agency to report to Congress on efforts to ad-
vance non-animal testing and goals for future alternative test
methods and strategies implementation. Once finalized, the Agency
is directed to brief the Committee on the findings of this report, as
well as the Agency’s efforts to assist submitters as they develop in-
formation by means of an alternative test method or strategy be-
fore conducting new vertebrate animal testing, consistent with Sec-
tion 4(h)(3)(A) of the Act. The Committee also notes that new ap-
proach methodologies (NAMs), including in vitro tests, in chemico
assays and in silico models, represent the cutting edge of toxicity
testing that can be prioritized for use in testing the safety of pes-
ticides and chemicals instead of the use of animals in testing. The
Committee encourages the Agency to continue supporting and per-
forming research on the development and evaluation of NAMs
through the Chemical Safety for Sustainability National Research
Program, and is urged to consider expediting its timeline to end the
use of mammals in testing.
Vehicle Emissions Lifecycle Analysis.—The Committee believes it
is essential that when setting future standards for reducing green-
house gas emissions, the Agency fully evaluate emission impacts of
vehicle technologies and transportation fuels (including electricity
used as a fuel) from well to wheel, and the vehicle cycle through
material recovery and vehicle disposal in order to capture the full
impacts of greenhouse gas emissions as accurately as possible. The
Committee encourages the Agency to develop standardized mod-
eling to evaluate the full lifecycle of vehicle technologies and trans-
portation fuels, as new standards to reduce pollutants are being de-
veloped, and to coordinate as necessary, with other federal agencies
that are conducting similar models for vehicles in an effort to accu-
rately determine the full impact of reducing greenhouse gas emis-
sions when conducting cost-benefit analyses of regulatory and other
actions.
Water Distribution Systems.—The Agency is encouraged to
prioritize deployment of smart infrastructure solutions such as dis-
tribution network leak detection, pressure monitoring, and sanitary
and combined sewer monitoring technologies during upgrades to
water and wastewater systems to optimize water delivery perform-
ance, reduce energy usage, limit water waste in distribution sys-
tems, and enhance modeling of sewer collection networks. These so-
lutions will help improve operations, maintenance, and capital ex-
penditure in planning and budgeting, and increase spatial and tem-
poral monitoring data available on U.S. water quality and quantity.
Water Information Centers.—The Committee notes the Agency’s
Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center works in co-
ordination with Environmental Finance Centers across the country
to provide information and assistance to communities as they make
informed decisions for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater
infrastructure. To enhance these efforts and better understand the
health effects related to water infrastructure, the Committee urges
the Agency to consider partnering with research universities to es-
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tablish and support water health infrastructure and policy centers.
Within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the Committee encour-
ages the Agency to provide a briefing outlining any gaps in the
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Agency’s existing research programs and how such center(s) may
benefit the Agency, the estimated costs of such center(s), and how
the center(s) might establish a capability to oversee water quality
metrics, standards, and delivery.
Water Security Test Bed.—In fiscal year 2022, the Committee di-
rects the Agency to include up to $1,000,000 for advancing full
scale applied research and testing capabilities to address threats to
drinking water and drinking water infrastructure, including weath-
erization equipment, SCADA control systems, and water tanks for
full year operating capabilities at Water Security Test Bed facili-
ties.
Wildfire smoke health impacts research, outreach and edu-
cation.—The Committee strongly supports the Agency’s ongoing re-
search activities on wildfire’s effects on air quality and associated
health impacts. As part of those efforts, the Committee urges the
Agency to systematically track public health impacts from wildfire
smoke to understand the scale of public health exposure to wildfire
smoke, focusing on cost-effective prevention, mitigation and resil-
ience strategies to equitably reduce public health impacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT
The Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) 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 Under-
ground 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 assist-
ance toward enforcement, compliance, and oversight. For many en-
vironmental programs, States and Tribes are directly responsible
for actual operation of the various environmental programs, and
the Agency’s activities include providing support and assistance
and conducting oversight.
In addition to program costs, this account funds administrative
costs associated with the Agency’s operating programs, including
support for executive direction, policy oversight, grants and re-
sources management, general office and building services for pro-
gram operations, and direct implementation of Agency environ-
mental programs for headquarters, the ten EPA regional offices,
and all non-research field operations.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $2,761,550,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 3,427,494,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 3,364,206,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +602,656,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥63,288,000
The Committee recommends $3,364,206,000 for Environmental
Programs and Management, $602,656,000 above the enacted level
and $63,288,000 below the budget request.
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A detailed table of funding recommendations below the account
level is provided at the end of this report, and the Committee pro-
vides the following additional detail by program area:
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Clean Air.—The Committee recommends $435,154,000,
$152,904,000 above the enacted level and equal to the request. The
recommendation includes $103,689,000 for the Atmospheric Protec-
tion program project and increases funding for Federal Stationary
Source Regulation to $26,618,000. The Committee notes the new
responsibilities required of the Agency to implement the recently
enacted American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM
Act), which phases out use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The rec-
ommendation includes the requested increases for both Strato-
spheric Ozone program projects to carry out this work. As the
Agency works to implement the AIM Act, the Committee directs
the Agency to make reasonable accommodations to mitigate eco-
nomic impacts on affected stakeholders, including industrial manu-
facturers.
Despite continued progress under the Clean Air Act to improve
air quality and curb the effects of acid rain, forests and watersheds
throughout the Northeast are still experiencing long-term impacts
from acid rain, smog, and mercury. To better protect these eco-
systems, enhance data collection, and improve long-term moni-
toring of these threats on the Northwoods Region, the Committee
provides increased funding, consistent with the request, within
EPM and S&T for the Clean Air Allowance Trading Program to
support such efforts. The Committee directs the Agency to provide
a briefing on its critical loads approach for climate and acid rain
damage documentation not later than 180 days of enactment of this
Act. As part of this briefing, the Agency should discuss opportuni-
ties to partner with research institutions and scientists in the Re-
gion to improve its critical loads approach, to collaborate on water
body and ecosystem restoration projects, and to advance acid rain
mitigation and monitoring in the Northeast.
Compliance.—The Committee recommends $132,350,000 for com-
pliance activities, $29,850,000 above the enacted level and equal to
the request.
The Committee is aware of concerns from communities across the
country about the potential health risks associated with prolonged
exposure to ethylene oxide. The Committee has provided the Agen-
cy additional resources for monitoring and compliance activities,
and urges the Agency to engage with communities concerned about
ethylene oxide exposure in a manner that adequately addresses
their concerns. The Committee further urges the Agency to incor-
porate validated monitoring data provided to the Agency into rel-
evant rulemakings.
Enforcement.—The Committee recommends $272,710,000 for en-
forcement activities, $24,313,000 above the enacted level and
$293,862,000 below the request. In prior years and in the budget
request, the Environmental Justice program project was funded
within the Enforcement program area. As noted above, in fiscal
year 2022, the Committee recommends funding Environmental
Justice as a separate program area. After accounting for these
changes, the Committee recommendation increases Enforcement
program area funding by $36,151,000 above the enacted level and
is equal to the request.
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Environmental Justice.—The Committee recommends
$141,973,000 for a new Environmental Justice program area. Com-
pared to the enacted level within EPM, the Committee rec-
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ommendation for fiscal year 2022 is an increase of $130,135,000.
Additional resources for Environmental Justice are also provided
within the Hazardous Substance Superfund and State and Tribal
Assistance Grants accounts, and include new grantmaking authori-
ties and funds.
The Committee is aware there are front-line communities that
are overly-burdened by corporate pollution and environmental deg-
radation, leading to a disproportionate negative impact on the
health of community members. The Committee directs the Agency
to develop a definition for disproportionately exposed communities.
The definition should include: communities in which climate
change, pollution, or environmental destruction have exacerbated
systemic racial, regional, social, environmental, and economic injus-
tices by disproportionately affecting indigenous peoples, commu-
nities of color, migrant communities, deindustrialized communities,
depopulated rural communities, the poor, low-income workers,
women, the elderly, the unhoused, people with disabilities, or
youth. The Agency is expected to incorporate this definition into its
ongoing environmental justice work.
With these substantial increases in resources, the Committee ex-
pects the Agency to make significant progress implementing tasks
outlined in the ‘‘EJ 2020 Action Agenda,’’ including working in one
hundred overburdened communities and on cumulative risk assess-
ments. Within 60 days of enactment of this Act, the Committee ex-
pects the Agency to submit implementation plans with anticipated
milestones that will be achieved over the course of the year, and
provide periodic reports on progress achieved to date.
Environmental Protection: National Priorities.—The bill provides
$23,700,000, $2,000,000 above the enacted level and $23,700,000
above the request. The Committee directs that funds be used for
a competitive grant program for qualified non-profit organizations,
to provide technical assistance for improved water quality or safe
drinking water, adequate wastewater to small systems or indi-
vidual private well owners. The Agency shall provide $20,700,000
for Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assist-
ance Act, for activities specified under Section 1442(e) of the Safe
Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j–1(e)(8)). The Agency is also di-
rected to provide $2,000,000 for grants to qualified not-for-profit or-
ganizations for technical assistance for individual private well own-
ers, with priority given to organizations that currently provide
technical and educational assistance to individual private well own-
ers. The Agency is directed to provide on a national and multi-
State regional basis, $1,000,000 for grants to qualified organiza-
tions, for the sole purpose of providing on-site training and tech-
nical assistance for wastewater systems. 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 $642,747,000,
$100,775,000 above the enacted level and $64,411,000 above the re-
quest. The Committee believes that protecting these important
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water bodies is a national priority and provides funding for pro-
grams that support their restoration and protection. From within
the amount provided, the Committee directs the following:
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Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.—The Committee recommends
$375,000,000 for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI),
$45,000,000 above the enacted level and $35,000,000 above the
budget request. The Committee directs the Agency and other fed-
eral partners to continue to work together in coordination with the
Great Lakes States, Tribes, local authorities, and nonfederal stake-
holders to prioritize action-oriented projects across the five focus
areas in lieu of additional studies, monitoring, and evaluations.
Such projects include, but are not limited to, remediating and
delisting Areas of Concern, reducing nutrient runoff, preventing
and controlling invasive species, improve water quality, and in-
crease coastal resiliency through restoration and protection of
streambanks, natural coastlines and shorelines. As the Agency dis-
tributes funds across the five focus areas, tribal related activities
should be maintained at not less than $15,000,000.
The Committee remains concerned by the rise in harmful algal
blooms (HABs) due to an increase in extreme weather events and
climate variability throughout the Great Lakes, and believes that
investing GLRI funding in innovative projects including wetland
and other natural infrastructure project designs, technologies, or
approaches), both nutrient and HAB reduction benefits can be
achieved at landscape scales. The Agency is directed to brief the
Committee on its current and historical allocation of funds among
the five focus areas, with a focus on Area 3 (nutrients) and Area
4 (habitat) in fiscal year 2021 level. Additionally, the Committee
urges the Agency to focus on HAB reduction efforts in Great Lakes
regions where nutrient loading contributes the most to HABs. The
Committee strongly supports projects that have cross-cutting bene-
fits across focus areas and directs the Agency to use GLRI funding
to support efforts that yield benefits to more than one focus area
by combining resources from multiple focus areas and to develop a
more flexible and responsive allocation process which ensures that
States and local communities have the capacity and tools to re-
spond to the growing threat that HABs and other environmental
challenges pose to the Great Lakes. The Committee also encour-
ages Agency funds to be made available to expand breakwaters and
advance local shoreline mitigation measures that protect water
quality and provide much needed protection for Great Lakes shore-
lines threatened by rising lake levels. The Committee directs the
Agency, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to submit a re-
port outlining the funding that has been provided for these pur-
poses over the last five fiscal years. The Committee also recognizes
that environment-based mitigation measures such as the creation
of wetlands, conservation easements, and natural flood plains to
slow the flow rate of rivers, creeks, and streams, are innovative
tools to mitigate the severity of future floods in the Great Lakes
Bay region. The Committee urges the Agency to work in coordina-
tion with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis-
tration, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as state, local,
and tribal governments, and business and non-profit stakeholders,
on developing conservation and environment-based flood mitigation
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measures to reduce the impact of floods on communities within the
Great Lakes Bay region, including the Tittabawassee River Water-
shed.
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The Committee is aware of interest in utilizing GLRI funds in
the Chicago River Watershed and encourages the Agency to brief
the Committee on any benefits that might accrue to the Great
Lakes from restoration work in the Chicago River.
Chesapeake Bay.—The Committee recommends $90,500,000 for
the Chesapeake Bay program, $3,000,000 above the enacted level
and equal to the request. From within the amount provided,
$10,375,000 is for nutrient and sediment removal grants and
$10,375,000 is for small watershed grants to control polluted runoff
from urban, suburban and agricultural lands, and $8,750,000 is for
state-based implementation in the most effective basins.
San Francisco Bay.—The Committee recommends $25,000,000
for the San Francisco Bay program, $16,078,000 above the enacted
level and $13,000,000 above the request. The Committee directs
the Agency to undertake priority activities within the San Fran-
cisco Bay estuary Comprehensive Conservation and Management
Plan approved under section 320 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).
Puget Sound.—The Committee recommends $50,000,000 for
Puget Sound, $16,250,000 above the enacted level and $15,000,000
above the budget request. Funds shall be allocated in the same
manner as directed in House Report 112–331. The Committee di-
rects the Agency to expeditiously obligate funds, in a manner con-
sistent with the authority and responsibilities under section 320 of
the CWA and the National Estuary Program.
Long Island Sound.—The Committee recommends $40,000,000
for the Long Island Sound program, $9,600,000 above the enacted
level and equal to the budget request. The Agency shall operate the
program as specified in section 119 of the CWA.
Lake Champlain.—The Committee recommends $20,000,000 for
the Lake Champlain program, $5,000,000 above the enacted level
and equal to the request. To restore and protect Lake Champlain
and its surrounding watershed, funds should be allocated through
the Lake Champlain Basin Program Process to support implemen-
tation of section 120 of the CWA, and by partnering with states,
local organizations, and other stakeholders working to address
challenges in the area, including phosphorous pollution, toxic sub-
stances, biodiversity, aquatic invasive species, and to make the
lake and surrounding communities and ecosystems more resilient
to climate change.
Southern New England Estuaries.—The bill provides $7,500,000,
$2,000,000 above the enacted level and $1,248,000 above the re-
quest. The Committee directs the Agency to use the increase to
spur investments in regionally significant and landscape-scale res-
toration projects through technical assistance, grants, and con-
tracts.
Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Invasive Species Program.—
The Committee notes that it has yet to receive the plans directed
in P.L. 116–94 and P.L. 116–260 on the Agency’s previous and
planned actions to implement the Great Lakes and Lake Cham-
plain Invasive Species Program as authorized by the Vessel Inci-
dent Discharge Act (P.L. 115–282). In fiscal year 2022, the Com-
mittee expects the Agency to finalize its plan expeditiously, and di-
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rects the Agency to use not less than the fiscal year 2021 level of
funds from the appropriate Geographic Programs to use sound
science and technological advancements to monitor for the intro-
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duction and spread of aquatic nuisance species into or within the
Great Lakes and Lake Champlain systems. The Agency is directed
to include details of these relevant funding levels as part of the
Agency’s operating plan.
Indoor Air and Radiation.—The Committee recommends
$30,254,000, $5,303,000 above the enacted level and equal to the
request. The Agency is directed to continue to operate the Radon
program as in fiscal year 2021. Additionally, the Committee notes
the need to maintain the U.S. source standard for radon gas for use
by states and industry as the national benchmark for radon meas-
urement devices, and encourages the Agency to collect available
radon test data to update the national U.S. EPA Radon Map and
develop locality-specific classifications of radon risks.
Information Exchange/Outreach.—The Committee recommends
$131,117,000, $12,142,000 above the enacted level and equal to the
request. This includes a $3,069,000 increase for Tribal Capacity
Building to $15,971,000, an additional $1,027,000 to support imple-
mentation of the Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, and
the requested $5,376,000 increase to support engagement with
state and local partners, reduce children’s exposure to lead, and
strengthen the Agency’s ability to carry out effective risk commu-
nication.
IT/Data Management/Security.—The Committee recommends
$100,860,000, $9,860,000 above the enacted level and equal to the
request. The Committee applauds the Agency for its efforts to sup-
port teleworking during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and
where appropriate, is supportive of continuing flexibility for the
Agency’s workforce.
Pesticide Licensing.—The Committee recommends $110,219,000,
$1,219,000 above the enacted level and equal to the request.
The Committee is aware of proposals to establish a Vector Expe-
dited Review Voucher (VERV) program within the Office of Pes-
ticides, modeled after a similar expedited review program at the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to incentivize the development
of disease vector control agents to control insecticide resistant mos-
quitos or other disease vectors. The Agency is directed to brief the
Committee on the merits of establishing a VERV pilot program.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).—The Com-
mittee recommends $123,120,000, $4,220,000 above the enacted
level and $3,000,000 above the request.
Of the funds provided under this program area, $9,000,000 is for
implementation of a federal permit program for coal combustion re-
siduals in non-participating states, as authorized under section
4005(d)(2)(B) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C.
6945(d)(2)(B)), or to provide technical assistance to states estab-
lishing their own permitting program under section 4005(d) of the
Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6945(d)).
Recycling provides significant contributions to American pros-
perity and protection of the environment, and the Committee sup-
ports efforts to strengthen the U.S. recycling system and increase
outreach, awareness, and education on recycling. The Committee
provides $13,202,000 for Waste Minimization and Recycling,
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$3,220,000 above the enacted level. The Committee notes that the
recently enacted Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (P.L. 116–224) includes
new authorities and responsibilities for the Agency. The Committee
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urges the Agency to utilize these authorities to improve domestic
waste management and bolster U.S. recycling rates. Within fund-
ing provided for Waste Minimization and Recycling, the Committee
includes no less than $1,000,000 for the Agency to work with
states, local governments, nonprofits, and public-private partner-
ships to educate and inform consumers and households about their
residential and community recycling programs. The Committee also
provides an additional $1,000,000 for the Agency to assist local
communities in studying, designing, and constructing recycling in-
frastructure in order to recapture valuable materials for the U.S.
economy and divert biodegradable materials from landfilling to re-
duce the generation of methane gas. In addition to resources pro-
vided here, the Committee provides new funding for recycling infra-
structure grants within STAG.
The Committee looks forward to receiving the Recycling Needs
Survey and Assessment report described in House Report 116–448.
Reducing Plastic Waste in Commerce.—The Committee believes
that efforts to reduce production and use of virgin plastics, espe-
cially single-use plastics, must be part of any overall strategy to re-
duce the landfilling of waste materials and a transition to a cir-
cular economy. The Committee directs the Agency to contract with
the National Academy of Sciences to prepare a report on single use
plastics. The report should analyze plastics by plastic type, and
should evaluate the recyclability of each type of plastic, the average
recycled content of each type of plastic, and national and regional
estimates for the rates at which each plastic type is generated and
recycled. To the extent such information is available, the report
should include estimates for the contribution of state and local poli-
cies intended to reduce the use of single-use plastics (including
bans, fees, and other mandatory and voluntary policies designed to
reduce or discourage the use of single-use plastics) in any observed
regional variability seen in rates of plastic waste generation or re-
cycling. The Agency shall submit this report to the Committee
within one year of enactment of this Act.
Water: Ecosystems.—The Committee recommends $59,899,000,
$8,777,000 above the enacted level and $3,037,000 above the re-
quest. From within the amount provided, the Committee provides
$750,000 per estuary for National Estuary Program (NEP) grants
funded under Section 320 of the CWA, an increase of $50,000 per
estuary above the enacted level. An additional $2,000,000 is pro-
vided for competitive grants. The Committee encourages the Agen-
cy to work in consultation with the NEP directors to identify wor-
thy projects and activities.
The Committee recognizes the value of leveraging existing Agen-
cy programs and expertise to improve water quality in the Mis-
sissippi River Basin and to mitigate and control hypoxia in the
Gulf of Mexico. The Committee expects the Agency, through the
Hypoxia Task Force, to provide executive level direction and assist-
ance to state and tribal partners as they implement comprehensive
water quality solutions designed to reduce nutrient loads in water-
ways throughout the greater Mississippi River Basin, consistent
with the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan. The Committee directs the
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Agency to utilize available funding from the Gulf of Mexico Geo-
graphic Program, National Estuary Program/Coastal Waterways,
and Sec. 319 Non-point Source grants, as appropriate, to support
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the implementation of State Nutrient Reduction Strategies and to
develop modeling tools to understand the collaborative effects and
impacts of these strategies on mitigating hypoxia. Not later than
90 days after enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the
Agency to provide a spend plan to support these efforts and a re-
port noting any additional authorities the Agency needs to carry
out this work. Of the increase provided to the National Estuary
Program/Coastal Waterways program project, $1,000,000 shall be
used to support the Task Force’s work.
Water: Human Health Protection.—The Committee recommends
$118,804,000, $10,317,000 above the enacted level and $1,265,000
below the request. The Committee commends the decision to review
and, as necessary, to revise the Lead and Copper Rule, to better
protect children and communities from the risks of lead exposure
through drinking water, including in schools and childcare facili-
ties.
The Committee understands there is strong interest in carbon
capture and storage projects that permanently sequester carbon di-
oxide in geologic formations instead of releasing this pollutant into
the air. The Committee provides not less than $4,000,000 for the
Agency’s work within the Underground Injection Control program
related to Class VI wells for geologic sequestration to help develop
expertise and capacity at the Agency. These funds should be used
by the Agency to expeditiously review and process Class VI pri-
macy applications from States and Tribes and to directly imple-
ment the regulation as quickly as possible, where States have not
yet obtained primacy by working directly with permit applicants.
The Committee also directs the Agency, in consultation with the
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, to provide an assessment
within 180 days of enactment of this Act of Class VI program’s rel-
evance to Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) carbon capture projects.
The Agency is encouraged to continue coordinating with the Food
and Drug Administration in light of the directive included in Sec-
tion 773 of Division B of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019
(P.L. 116–6).
Water Quality Protection.—The Committee recommends
$228,072,000, $11,722,000 above the enacted level and $2,582,000
below the request. The Committee supports the WaterSENSE,
Urban Waters, and Trash Free Waters programs at the proposed
levels. The Committee urges the Agency to develop Effluent Limit
Guidelines (ELGs) and biosolids regulations with respect to PFAS
chemicals.
The Committee supports the Agency’s ongoing activities related
to integrated planning, which will be increasingly necessary as
States and communities work to meet their myriad clean water ob-
ligations while keeping rates affordable for water ratepayers. The
Committee directs that funding for the Office of Municipal Om-
budsman, as authorized by Congress, be funded at not less than
the enacted level.
The Agency is directed to continue and expand its work coordi-
nating with Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies to monitor
and reduce transboundary hazardous contaminants in U.S.-British
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Columbia transboundary watersheds, including the Kootenai wa-
tershed. These efforts should be funded at no less than the enacted
level.
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Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).—Of the funds pro-
vided under this account, no less than $10,500,000 shall be for pri-
ority actions under the PFAS Action Plan, an increase of
$4,989,000. Of such funds, the Committee directs that not less than
$800,000 shall be from the Toxics Release Inventory program
project, not less than $1,100,000 shall be from Toxics Review and
Risk Prevention, not less than $4,000,000 shall be from Water:
Human Health, and not less than $4,400,000 shall be from Water
Quality Protection.
Additional Guidance.—The Committee includes the following ad-
ditional guidance with respect to funding provided under this ac-
count:
Administrator Priorities.—The Agency is directed to submit a re-
port within 90 days of enactment of this Act that identifies how
any fiscal year 2020 and 2021 funding was used, by account, pro-
gram area, and program project. Each activity funded should in-
clude a justification for the effort and any anticipated results.
Asbestos.—The Committee supports Agency action to eliminate
the future use of asbestos in a variety of applications. The Agency
is directed to periodically report to the Committee on its efforts to
monitor, remove, and eliminate the use of asbestos.
Buy Clean Procurement Pilot.—The Committee urges the Agency
to develop policies that can leverage the federal government’s pur-
chasing power to help reduce carbon pollution and other forms of
pollution. The Administrator is encouraged to development a Buy
Clean procurement preference pilot program, working in collabora-
tion with the Secretary of the Department of Energy, and in con-
sultation with the Administrators of the General Services Adminis-
tration and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, that places
preference on the purchase or acquisition of goods, products, or ma-
terials that help reduce pollution, especially carbon pollution.
Chlorpyrifos.—The Committee notes the recent 9th Circuit deci-
sion directing the Agency to reevaluate existing and future reg-
istrations of chlorpyrifos in light of the risks that residual residues
on food can pose. The Committee accepts the findings from numer-
ous studies establishing the link between the use of chlorpyrifos
and brain damage in children. The Agency is expected to meet its
obligations to protect human health and the environment.
Great Lakes Algal Blooms.—The Committee recognizes that ef-
forts to control runoff, manage Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and
better manage nutrient flows into the Great Lakes in general, and
Lake Erie in particular, require a shared interagency agenda. The
Agency is directed to brief the Committee on its efforts to collabo-
rate with federal partners, including the Natural Resources Con-
servation Service, in this region, and to include as part of the brief-
ing how funds made available to the Agency are being utilized to
build new habitat and natural infrastructure to decrease nutrient
outflows and reduce HABs.
Lead and Copper Rule.—The Committee directs the Agency to
study the merits of issuing a separate national drinking water reg-
ulation for schools that establishes a lead action level not more
than the current federal action level to ensure children, who are at
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greatest risk from lead poisoning, are protected from contaminants
in their water. The Committee urges the Administrator to publish
a report following completion of the study with findings and conclu-
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sions related towards the feasibility and potential life-saving im-
pacts of establishing a separate lead action level for schools.
Mississippi River Restoration and Resiliency Strategy.—The Com-
mittee continues to recognize the need for the Agency to establish
a Mississippi River Restoration and Resiliency Strategy, as de-
scribed by House Report 116–448 and in coordination with identi-
fied stakeholders. The Committee directs the Agency to report the
findings, strategy, and recommendations not later than 90 days
after enactment of this Act. The Agency is also directed to engage
with the U.S. Geological Survey as they host the Mississippi River
Science Forum and to contribute to the proceedings as a federal
agency with relevant scientific expertise.
Outreach to Farm Workers.—The Committee directs the Agency
to extend its Spanish-language outreach program educating farm-
workers and pesticide handlers about improving worker safety
when applying pesticides in agriculture operations through radio
and other media. The Committee notes support from outside par-
ties of the radio outreach effort as having materially improved farm
workers’ knowledge and ability to reduce exposure risks for them-
selves and their families, and that research indicates the impor-
tance of message repetition over an extended period. The Com-
mittee urges the Agency to continue this Spanish-language radio
outreach program beyond the final year of the current effort.
Restrictions on Certain Communications.—The Committee re-
minds EPA that funding may not be used in a manner contrary to
Section 401 of this bill.
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 ac-
count funds personnel compensation and benefits, travel, and ex-
penses (excluding rent, utilities, and security costs) for the OIG. In
addition to the funds provided under this heading, this account re-
ceives funds from the Hazardous Substance Superfund account.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $43,500,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 54,347,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 54,347,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +10,847,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $54,347,000 for the Office of Inspec-
tor General, $10,847,000 above the enacted level and equal to the
budget request. In addition, the Committee recommends
$11,800,000 as a payment to this account from the Hazardous Sub-
stance Superfund account.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
The Buildings and Facilities account provides for the design and
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construction of EPA-owned facilities as well as for the repair, ex-
tension, alteration, and improvement of facilities used by the Agen-
cy. The funds are used to correct unsafe conditions, protect health
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and safety of employees and Agency visitors, and prevent deteriora-
tion of structures and equipment.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $33,752,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 62,752,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 62,752,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +29,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $62,752,000 for Buildings and Fa-
cilities, $29,000,000 above the enacted level and equal to the re-
quest.
The Committee continues to have reservations about laboratory
and office relocations and closures initiated outside of the Commit-
tee’s reprogramming requirements in the previous four years. The
Committee expects the Agency to immediately seek approval before
undertaking any additional actions to effect such moves.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SUPERFUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
The Hazardous Substance Superfund (Superfund) program was
established in 1980 by the Comprehensive Environmental Re-
sponse, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to
clean up hazardous materials, spills, and dangerous, uncontrolled,
and/or abandoned hazardous waste sites. The Superfund Amend-
ments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) expanded the program sub-
stantially in 1986, authorizing approximately $8,500,000,000 in
revenues over five years. In 1990, the Omnibus Budget Reconcili-
ation 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 ap-
propriations from a dedicated trust fund and from general reve-
nues. Enforcement activities are used to identify and induce parties
responsible for hazardous waste problems to undertake cleanup ac-
tions and pay for EPA oversight of those actions. These enforce-
ment actions are an essential element to the success of the pro-
gram. 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. At sites
where no viable responsible party can be identified, EPA may use
monies from the Trust Fund to remediate contaminated sites.
Funds are transferred from this account to the Office of Inspector
General and Science and Technology accounts for Superfund re-
lated activities.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $1,205,811,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 1,533,814,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 1,536,308,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +330,497,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +2,494,000
The Committee recommends $1,536,308,000 for the Hazardous
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Substance Superfund program, $330,497,000 above the enacted
level and $2,494,000 above the request. The Committee rec-
ommends that $11,800,000 be transferred to the Office of Inspector
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General, and $32,985,000 be transferred to the Science and Tech-
nology account.
Enforcement.—The Committee recommends $176,066,000,
$2,251,000 above the enacted level and $5,841,000 below the re-
quest. In prior years and in the budget request, the Enforcement
program area included funding for the Environmental Justice pro-
gram project. Consistent with Enforcement funding within EPM, in
fiscal year 2022, the Committee recommends funding Environ-
mental Justice as a separate program area. After accounting for
these changes, the Committee recommendation increases Enforce-
ment program area funding by $8,092,000 above the enacted level
for enforcement activities and is equal to the request.
Environmental Justice.—The Committee recommends $5,841,000
for a new Environmental Justice program area. Compared to the
enacted level within HSS, the Committee recommendation for fiscal
year 2022 is an increase of $5,015,000.
Homeland Security.—The Committee recommends $34,294,000,
$244,000 above the enacted level and equal to the request. Of the
funds provided, $1,475,000 should be included as part of the trans-
fer to the Science and Technology account.
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability.—The Committee
recommends $13,576,000, $752,000 above the enacted level and
$700,000 above the request. There remain significant research
needs with respect to the human health and ecological impacts of
PFAS exposure, and methods for treatment and remediation. The
Committee continues its support for research in support of desig-
nating PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances under Section 102
of CERCLA. Additionally, the Committee provides an increase of
$700,000 to develop new and more cost-effective methods for reme-
diating lead contamination in soils. The Agency is directed to in-
clude these funds as part of the transfer to the Science and Tech-
nology account.
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities.—The Com-
mittee recommends $17,934,000, $1,471,000 above the enacted
level and $1,300,000 above the request. The Committee continues
its support for research in support of designating PFAS chemicals
as hazardous substances under Section 102 of CERCLA. Addition-
ally, the Committee provides an increase of $1,300,000 to develop
new and more cost-effective methods for remediating lead contami-
nation in soils. The Agency is directed to include these funds as
part of the transfer to the Science and Technology account.
Superfund Cleanup.—The Committee recommends
$1,107,917,000, $299,417,000 above the enacted level and equal to
the request. The Committee urges the Agency to prioritize work at
sites where activities will result in reduced human exposure to
toxic substances. The Committee provides an additional $2,500,000
within the Superfund: Remedial program, to support regulatory
work needed to designate PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances
under section 102 of CERCLA.
The Committee also directs the Agency, within 180 days of enact-
ment of this Act, to submit a report on the status of each time-crit-
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ical removal action for which Federal funds greater than
$1,000,000 have been expended since January 1, 2017, along with
the Federal cost of clean-up efforts, whether responsible parties
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have faced criminal charges, and the amount of recovered Federal
dollars.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).—Of the funds pro-
vided under this account, not less than $24,000,000 shall be for pri-
ority actions under the PFAS Action Plan, an increase of not less
than $3,800,000. Of such funds, not less than $10,000,000 shall be
from Research: Chemical Safety, not less than $5,000,000 shall be
from Research: Sustainable Communities, not less than $5,500,000
shall be for overseeing cleanups at federal facilities, and not less
than $2,500,000 shall be for designating PFAS chemicals as haz-
ardous substances under CERCLA. The amounts provided for re-
search purposes should be included in the transfer to the Science
and Technology account.
Additional Guidance.—The Committee includes the following ad-
ditional guidance with respect to funding provided under this ac-
count:
New and Emerging Technologies.—To increase the rate of clean-
ups of Superfund sites around the country, the Agency is encour-
aged to collaborate with the private sector to utilize the best avail-
able technologies and in situ remediation products to restore these
sites as expeditiously as possible to return them to productive use.
Lead Contamination at Superfund Sites.—The Committee notes
that lead contamination is pervasive at Superfund sites, and that
remediation efforts are hampered by the high costs of current re-
moval options. The Committee has provided additional funds for re-
search to help address this challenge. The Agency is urged to brief
the Committee on additional research or remediation needs to ad-
dress this problem.
LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK TRUST FUND PROGRAM
Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), author-
ized the establishment of a response program for cleanup of re-
leases from leaking underground storage tanks. Owners and opera-
tors of facilities with underground tanks must demonstrate finan-
cial responsibility and bear initial responsibility for cleanup. The
Federal trust fund is funded through the imposition of a motor fuel
tax of one-tenth of a cent per gallon.
In addition to State resources, the Leaking Underground Storage
Tank (LUST) Trust Fund provides funding to clean up sites, en-
forces 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 co-
operative 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 in-
clude 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 ac-
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tivities.
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Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $92,203,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 92,376,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 92,376,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +173,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $92,376,000 for the Leaking Under-
ground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund Program, $173,000 above
the enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Regular inspections of Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) are a
key part of an overall strategy to prevent and minimize impacts of
releases of fuels or other hazardous substances from USTs. The
Committee provides $25,369,000 to support state inspection pro-
grams.
The Committee supports the Agency’s ongoing efforts to study
and mitigate corrosion issues at USTs as the nation employs in-
creasing quantities of emerging fuels.
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 petro-
leum products in navigable waterways. In addition, EPA is reim-
bursed for incident specific response costs through the Oil Spill Li-
ability Trust Fund managed by the United States Coast Guard.
EPA is responsible for directing all cleanup and removal activi-
ties posing a threat to public health and the environment; con-
ducting site inspections; providing a means to achieve cleanup ac-
tivities by private parties; reviewing containment plans at facili-
ties; 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 collec-
tions 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.
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $20,098,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 22,409,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 22,409,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +2,311,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $22,409,000 for the Inland Oil Spill
program, $2,311,000 above the enacted level and equal to the budg-
et request.
Preventing Oil Spills.—The Committee is aware of the high non-
compliance rate among facilities that are required to submit Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plans or Facility Re-
sponse Plans, and provides the requested increase to facilitate com-
pliance assurance efforts.
Research on Dispersants.—The Committee expects the agency to
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continue its work studying the performance and behavior of oil
dispersants in deep water and arctic spills, as well as developing
protocols for testing oil spill control agents.
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STATE AND TRIBAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
The State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) account provides
grant funds for programs operated primarily by State, Tribal, local,
and other governmental partners. The account includes three broad
types of funds: (1) Infrastructure Assistance, which is used pri-
marily by state, local, and tribal partners for projects that directly
improve air quality, water quality, or clean up contaminated sites;
supporting environmental protection; (2) Categorical Grants, which
assist State and Tribal governments and other environmental part-
ners with the operation of environmental programs, and (3) envi-
ronmental justice implementation grants for state, local, and tribal
governments and community stakeholders.
In the STAG account, the agency provides funding for infrastruc-
ture projects through two State Revolving Funds (Clean Water and
Drinking Water), geographic specific projects in Alaska Native Vil-
lages and on the United States-Mexico Border, Brownfields revital-
ization projects, diesel emission reduction grants, and other tar-
geted infrastructure projects. Additionally, the Water Infrastruc-
ture Improvements for the Nation Act (P.L. 114–322)(WIIN Act)
and America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (P.L. 115–
270)(AWIA) authorized a number of clean water and drinking
water grant programs designed to address specific water-related
health and environmental concerns in communities.
The State Revolving Funds (SRFs) provide Federal financial as-
sistance to protect the Nation’s water resources. The Clean Water
SRF helps eliminate municipal discharge of untreated or inad-
equately 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-munic-
ipal, State, and interstate agencies and Tribal governments to plan,
design, and construct wastewater facilities and other projects, in-
cluding 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 pro-
tect public health.
Many Federal environmental statutes include provisions allowing
delegation of day-to-day management of environmental programs to
approved State and Tribal environmental programs. The Federal
statutes were designed to recognize States and Tribes as partners
and co-regulators, allowing States and Tribes to assist with the
execution and implementation of environmental safeguards. For
delegated environmental programs, State and Tribal governments
issue and enforce permits, carry out inspections and monitoring,
and collect data. To assist States and Tribes in this task, the stat-
utes also authorized the agency to provide funding to States and
Tribes. These grants, which cover every major aspect of environ-
mental protection, include those programs authorized by sections
319 and 106 of the Clean Water Act (Federal Water Pollution Con-
trol Act, as amended, for non-point source pollution and water
quality permits programs), sections 103 and 105 of the Clean Air
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Act (for State and Local air quality management programs), section
128 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) (for State and Tribal response
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100
programs), section 1443(a) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (for pub-
lic water system supervision), and section 3011 of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (for the implementation of State
hazardous waste programs).
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $4,313,901,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 5,130,007,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 5,324,303,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +1,010,402,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +194,296,000
The Committee recommends $5,324,303,000 for the State and
Tribal Assistance Grants account, $1,010,402,000 above the en-
acted level and $194,296,000 above the budget request. The Com-
mittee provides the following additional detail by program area:
Infrastructure Assistance.—The Committee recommends
$3,961,797,000 for infrastructure assistance.
Community Project Funding Grants.—From within funds pro-
vided for capitalization grants for the Drinking Water State Re-
volving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Com-
mittee recommends $222,431,651 from the Clean Water SRF and
$206,146,044 from the Drinking Water SRF be for Community
Project Funding (CPF) grants for the construction of drinking
water, waste water, and storm water infrastructure and for water
quality protection. Each project shall provide not less than 20 per-
cent matching funds from non-federal sources, unless approved for
a waiver. Applicable federal requirements that would apply to a
Clean Water State Revolving Fund or Drinking Water State Re-
volving Fund project grant recipient shall apply to a grantee receiv-
ing a CPF grant under this section. The Committee notes that the
following funding sources are to be treated as non-federal funds
and can be used to meet the non-federal matching fund require-
ment: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Com-
munity Development Block Grant program; U.S. Department of Ag-
riculture, Rural Development Program; and Appalachian Regional
Commission grants. As per U.S. Department of the Treasury guid-
ance, funding made available to jurisdictions through the American
Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117–2) are considered federal funds
and may not be applied towards the non-federal cost share require-
ment. A detailed list of projects is located in the table titled ‘‘Incor-
poration of Community Project Funding’’ located at the end of this
report.
Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).—The Committee
recommends $1,870,680,000 for the Clean Water SRF, requires at
least 10 percent of funds to be used for green infrastructure or en-
ergy efficiency projects, reserves $2,000,000 for technical assistance
and training grants, and requires that 10 percent of grant funds be
used for additional subsidization. The Committee urges the Agency
to utilize funding for the Clean Water SRF to protect freshwater
sources. Additionally, to the extent there are sufficient eligible
project applications, up to 20 percent of the funds made available
through the CWSRF to each state may be used for projects that
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seek to minimize the impacts of nonpoint source pollution and
stormwater runoff through the use of nature-based and other low
impact development techniques.
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The Committee notes that wastewater treatment facilities are
some of the largest industrial users of electricity in the nation and
provides Green Project Reserve (GPR) funds as part of the CWSRF
to encourage states to improve energy and water efficiency at treat-
ment facilities. The Committee reminds the Agency of prior direc-
tives to develop a uniform reporting framework which states may
use to report their GPR spending, and directs the Agency to de-
velop and make available to states tools and metrics that allow
states to quantify estimated energy and water savings benefits of
these investments. The Agency is also reminded of the prior re-
quirement to provide entities that provide technical assistance to
wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities clear guidance
on metrics for how to utilize GPR set asides. Finally, the Agency
is directed to increase its cooperation on GPR technical assistance
with the Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Pro-
gram.
The Committee is aware that in many parts of the country, un-
treated wastewater from failing septic systems contaminates sur-
face waters and ground water. Section 4107 of AWIA authorizes
use of Clean Water SRF funds to address septic systems. The Com-
mittee encourages the Agency to avail itself of all tools and authori-
ties to address sources of water contamination. The Committee
looks forward to receiving the report on the prevalence of low- and
moderate-income households without access to wastewater treat-
ment works described in House Report 116–448.
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.—The Committee rec-
ommends $1,357,934,000 for the Drinking Water SRF, allows funds
to be used to finance green infrastructure or energy efficiency
projects, and requires that 14 percent be used for additional sub-
sidization.
US-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Grant Program.—The
Committee recommends $35,000,000 for drinking water and waste-
water infrastructure projects along the US-Mexico border that ben-
efit U.S. citizens by reducing the flow of transnational pollution
flows into the United States.
Alaska Native Villages.—The Committee recommends
$36,186,000 in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure
projects in Alaska Native Villages and other rural communities
that face significant health challenges due to lack of adequate sani-
tation.
Brownfields Program.—The Committee recommends
$130,982,000 for brownfields grants and directs that at least 10
percent of such grants be provided to areas in which at least 20
percent of the population has lived under the poverty level over the
past 30 years as determined by censuses and the most recent Small
Area Income and Poverty Estimates.
The Committee notes the value of multipurpose Brownfields
grant awards, especially in communities that have clusters of
Brownfield sites distributed over a larger geographic area. Many
communities find that these larger awards allow for more rapid,
cost-effective remediation and redevelopment planning, which in
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turn produce greater leveraging of Brownfields funding and offer
more substantial returns on federal investment. The Committee
urges the Agency to tailor the size and frequency of multi-purpose
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awards to the needs of each region, in order to make grant funding
consistently available to communities with Brownfields sites.
Diesel Emissions Reductions Grants (DERA).—The Committee
recommends $150,000,000 for DERA grants. The Committee notes
that the DERA program was recently reauthorized through 2024.
The Committee strongly supports the use of DERA funding in
transportation electrification projects.
Targeted Airshed Grants.—The Committee recommends
$70,000,000, and 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 particu-
late matter 2.5 standards, as well as the top five areas based on
the 24-hour particulate matter 2.5 standard where the design val-
ues exceed the 35 mg/m3 standard. 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 in-
cluded in a State Implementation Plan submitted to EPA.
The Committee urges the Agency to pursue projects near port fa-
cilities and that advance the deployment of electrification tech-
nologies within the transportation sector.
Water Quality Monitoring Grants.—The Committee recommends
$4,000,000 for water monitoring authorized under section 5004 of
the WIIN Act (P.L. 114–322).
Small and Disadvantaged Communities Grants.—The Committee
recommends $40,000,000 for grants to assist small and disadvan-
taged communities meet Safe Drinking Water Act requirements,
authorized in section 2104 of the WIIN Act and section 2005 of
AWIA.
Lead Testing in Schools Grants.—The Committee recommends
$36,500,000 for voluntary testing of drinking water for lead con-
tamination at schools and childcare facilities, as authorized in sec-
tion 2107 of the WIIN Act and section 2006 of AWIA.
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grants.—The Committee rec-
ommends $81,515,000 for grants to reduce the concentration of lead
in drinking water, as authorized in section 2105 of the WIIN Act.
Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Pro-
gram Grants.—The Committee recommends $9,000,000 for grants
to increase resilience of drinking water infrastructure to natural
hazards, as authorized in section 2005 of AWIA.
Technical Assistance for Treatment Works Grants.—The Com-
mittee recommends $20,000,000 for grants to provide technical as-
sistance to small, rural, and disadvantaged communities for the
planning, design, financing, operation, and maintenance of water
treatment infrastructure, as authorized by section 4103 as AWIA.
Sewer Overflow Control Grants.—The Committee recommends
$60,000,000 for grants to control and treat sewer overflows, as au-
thorized in section 4106 of AWIA. The Committee directs the Agen-
cy to award no less than 20 percent of grants for green infrastruc-
ture projects.
Water Infrastructure Workforce Development.—The Committee
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recommends $5,000,000 for grants to support workforce develop-
ment for drinking water and wastewater system workers, as au-
thorized by section 4304 of AWIA.
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Recycling Infrastructure.—The Committee recommends
$55,000,000 for recycling infrastructure grants as authorized under
section 302(a) of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act.
Categorical Grants.—For categorical grants to States and other
environmental partners for the implementation of delegated pro-
grams, the bill provides $1,262,506,000, an increase of
$163,106,000 above the enacted level and $20,709,000 above the re-
quest. Funding levels for each grant program within the Categor-
ical Grants program are specified in the table at the end of this re-
port.
The Committee notes that states are essential partners that
work to support the Agency’s mission to protect public health and
the environment. Ensuring that state agencies have sufficient ca-
pacity and expertise to effectively implement their delegated re-
sponsibilities is essential to ensuring that every community equi-
tably benefits from our environmental laws.
Categorical Grant: Beaches Protection.—The Committee provides
$11,500,000, $1,881,000 above enacted level and $1,689,000 above
the request. These grants should be used to assist eligible states,
territories, and Tribes as they implement programs to monitor
their beaches and notify the public when they are unsafe to use.
The Committee notes that beaches are used year-round in commu-
nities across the country, and that BEACH Act grants are espe-
cially critical in these states and communities that must continu-
ously track bacteria levels to protect public health.
Categorical Grant: Hazardous Waste Financial Assistance.—The
Committee recommends $111,500,000. The bill includes a provision
to spend categorical grant funds for the purpose of providing grants
to assist States in the development and implementation of state
programs for the control of coal combustion residuals under section
2301 of the Water and Waste Act of 2016 (Public Law 114—322),
and the Agency is directed to allocate $4,500,000 from the Haz-
ardous Waste Financial Assistance categorical grants program
project for this purpose. The Committees note that funds awarded
under the authority provided by this Act are not subject to section
3011 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (Public Law 89–272).
Categorical Grant: Nonpoint Source (Sec. 319).—The Committee
recommends $180,000,000. The Committee notes that anthropo-
genic sources of nutrients, including non-point sources, are a pri-
mary factor in the occurrence and prevalence of Harmful Algal
Blooms (HABs), and that reducing non-point pollution should sig-
nificantly reduce both the frequency and severity of HABs. There-
fore, the Committee directs the Agency to work with recipients to
utilize these additional resources to prioritize these efforts. The
Committee also supports ongoing efforts through non-point source
programs and other mechanisms to reduce the amounts of plastic
and other trash from entering waterways.
Categorical Grant: Radon.—The Committee continues to support
state radon program efforts that raise awareness about the associ-
ated risks of radon exposure. The Committee recommends
$11,000,000 and the Agency shall prioritize radon grants to states
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that have adopted or are seeking to adopt statewide radon building
codes, conduct awareness and education programs for homebuyers
and renters, and that have in place adequate certification or
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credentialing requirements for radon measurement and mitigation
workers.
Categorical Grant: State and Local Air Quality Management.—
The Committee recommends $320,000,000, an increase of
$90,500,000 above the enacted level. The Committee is providing
substantial increases of resources to accelerate the deployment of
air monitoring equipment, especially in overburdened communities,
and to enhance ongoing efforts at the state level to address emis-
sions of carbon pollution.
Environmental Justice Program Implementation Grants.—The
Committee recommends $100,000,000 for six new grant programs
to assist communities members, states, Tribes, local governments,
and community organizations by building capacity at all levels of
civil society to assess environmental justice needs and implement
solutions tailored to individual communities.
The Committee intends these grants to complement the Agency’s
existing small grants and cooperative agreement work, and to focus
on implementing solutions that have been identified through col-
laborative engagement among all affected stakeholders. The Com-
mittee recognizes the need for flexibility in tailoring solutions to
the individualized needs of environmental justice communities.
Where appropriate, the Committee encourages the Agency to solicit
consolidated community grant applications for grants that combine
these new grant authorities to deliver solutions tailored to the spe-
cific needs of the applicant communities.
The Committee notes that there are wide disparities between
states in their capacities to implement environmental justice prac-
tices, and the Agency is directed to prioritize resources to reduce
those disparities.
Additional Guidance.—The Committee includes the following ad-
ditional guidance with respect to funding provided under this ac-
count:
National Water System Consolidation Assessment.—The Com-
mittee recognizes the importance of water systems around the
country being able to meet federal water quality standards while
also being affordable for consumers. Many small urban and rural
water systems struggle with the financial and technical capacity to
meet these standards while providing affordable water and may
need to consolidate or be absorbed by larger water systems. The
Committee directs the Agency, as part of its Drinking Water Needs
Survey, to assess water systems’ capability of meeting water qual-
ity and affordability standards, their debt levels, and to develop
guidance that provides recommendations to state and local govern-
ments to facilitate consolidations of small, urban, and disadvan-
taged water systems when they struggle to meet water quality and
affordability standards.
Use of Iron and Steel.—The bill includes language in title IV gen-
eral provisions that stipulates requirements for the use of iron and
steel in State Revolving Fund projects. The Committee acknowl-
edges that the Agency may issue a waiver of said requirements for
de minimis amounts of iron and steel building materials. The Com-
mittees emphasize that any coating processes that are applied to
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the external surface of iron and steel components that otherwise
qualify under the procurement preference shall not render such
products ineligible for the procurement preference regardless of
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where the coating processes occur, provided that final assembly of
the products occurs in the United States.
Circuit Rider.—The Committee believes that dedicating full-time
circuit rider-type positions in each state under both drinking water
and wastewater authorizations presents a significant opportunity
to make progress on the most important water policy issues and
improve compliance in rural and small communities. The Agency
should ensure that assistance is used in a manner that is most
beneficial to small and rural communities. The Agency is urged to
adopt the circuit rider model and allocate funding for full-time cir-
cuit rider positions in each state to support technical assistance
programs in small and rural communities in each state.
WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE AND INNOVATION PROGRAM
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $65,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 80,108,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 80,108,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +15,108,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $80,108,000 for the Water Infra-
structure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program,
$15,108,000 above the enacted level and equal to the request.
The fiscal year 2020 appropriation for the WIFIA program re-
quired the Agency, in conjunction with the Office of Management
and Budget, and the Department of Treasury, to publish project eli-
gibility criteria and to certify prior to publishing any Requests for
Applications that any projects receiving support from the program
shall meet the requirements of the Federal Credit Reform Act of
1990 (FCRA) with regards to the budgetary treatment of federal
participation in such projects. The Agency published these criteria
in June 2020.
The Committee reminds the Agency of its legal obligations under
FCRA with regards to making credit subsidy funds available for
federal projects. The Agency must adhere to these requirements to
sustain the continued operation of this program.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
The bill authorizes the Administrator to assist Tribes with their
environmental program implementation and to enter into coopera-
tive agreements.
The bill authorizes the Administrator to collect and obligate cer-
tain pesticide fees in accordance with the Pesticide Registration
Improvement Extension Act of 2018.
The bill authorizes the Administrator to assess certain fees
under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
The bill authorizes the Administrator to collect and obligate cer-
tain hazardous waste electronic manifest fees in accordance with
the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
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The bill authorizes the Administrator to collect and obligate cer-
tain chemical review fees in accordance with the Toxic Substances
Control Act.
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The bill authorizes the Administrator to transfer funds appro-
priated for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to other federal
agencies in support of restoration activities.
The bill authorizes the use of certain accounts for construction,
alteration, repair, rehabilitation, and restoration of facilities, up to
$150,000 per project.
The bill authorizes the Administrator to make certain Clean
Water Act grants to tribes.
The bill authorizes the Administrator to provide grants to imple-
ment the Southeastern New England Watershed Restoration Pro-
gram.
The bill directs the availability of not less than $2,000,000 of
funds for the National Estuary program as competitive grants.
The bill clarifies that the Agency may utilize aircraft in its super-
vision of Superfund site cleanups financed through Special Ac-
counts.
The bill makes Agency’s Working Capital Fund available for cer-
tain information technology expenses.
The bill authorizes the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution
Prevention and the Office of Water in fiscal year 2022 to use up
to $2,000,000 to hire students and recent graduates as contractors
on a temporary or intermittent basis.
The bill authorizes the Administrator to employ up to 75 persons
within the Office of Research and Development and up to 25 per-
sons within the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention
under special hiring authority under section 209 of Title 42.
TITLE III—RELATED AGENCIES
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND
ENVIRONMENT
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $875,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 1,396,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 1,396,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +521,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $1,396,000 for the Office of the
Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, $521,000
above the enacted level and equal to the budget request.
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 National Forest
System (NFS) includes 154 national forests, 20 national grasslands,
23 national recreation areas, a national Tallgrass prairie, 13 na-
tional monuments, and seven land utilization projects. The Forest
Service administers a wide variety of programs and activities that
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sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of forests and grass-
lands to include forest and rangeland research, State and private
forestry assistance, cooperative forest health management, inter-
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national operations, NFS management, and wildland fire manage-
ment.
Climate Hubs.—The Committee provides not less than
$6,360,000 to support the work of Department of Agriculture Cli-
mate Hubs, which link research, authoritative tools, and informa-
tion to agricultural producers and professionals.
Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovations Program.—The
Committee directs the Forest Service to support the Community
Wood Energy Systems and Innovative Wood Products Facilities
grant program at not less than $25,000,000.
Carbon Accounting.—The Committee recognizes our National
Forests as an essential asset in reducing carbon emissions and in
the fight against climate change. Healthy forests provide an impor-
tant carbon sink and the Committee recognizes the Forest Service’s
efforts to factor carbon accounting into its land management deci-
sions. The Committee directs the Forest Service to submit a yearly
estimate of carbon accounting on Forest Service lands broken down
by region in its annual budget materials. The Committee expects
the increases given to numerous programs throughout the Forest
Service to combat wildfires, invasive species and diseases, rehabili-
tate burned areas, among others, will help contribute to an in-
creased amount of carbon stored in our National Forests.
Forest Collaboratives.—The Committee recognizes the proven
success of forest collaboratives which have helped the Forest Serv-
ice to achieve increased harvest levels while also improving eco-
system health. The Committee directs the Forest Service to provide
increased funding to support established forest collaboratives
where there is an existing relationship with the Forest Service to
fill identified gaps in Forest Service capacity and expedite project
development and approval of forest treatments developed by those
collaboratives in order to meet harvest targets on federal forests
that have failed to meet harvest targets in at least three of the
past five years.
Indian Trust Lands.—The Service is encouraged to promote and
expand the use of agreements with Indian Tribes to protect Indian
trust resources from catastrophic wildfire, insect and disease infes-
tation or other threats from adjacent Federal lands, as authorized
by law.
National Agroforestry Center.—The Committee provides not less
than $1,114,000 to support the work of the National Agroforestry
Center which advances the health, diversity, and productivity of
working lands, waters, and communities through agroforestry.
Northeastern States Research Cooperative.—The Committee ap-
plauds the Forest Service partnership with the Northeastern States
Research Cooperative and provides not less than $5,000,000 for
continuation of this work to sustain the health of the northern for-
est ecosystem.
Reforestation Methods.—The Committee encourages the Forest
Service to explore the viability and cost-effectiveness of a two-phase
planting project that uses traditional planting methods and drone-
delivered seed vessels for reforestation efforts, including replanting
post-fire landscapes.
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Removal of Dead and Dying Trees.—The Forest Service is urged
to consider the use of all existing authorities to remove dead and
dying trees in California and the western United States. Further,
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the Committee encourages the Service, within 180 days of enact-
ment of this Act, to submit a report outlining strategies that could
be implemented to remove dead and dying trees on forested lands,
including in California.
Resource Advisory Committees.—While the Committee recognizes
the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to improve the timeliness of
Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) appointee nominations, nearly
sixty percent of RACs currently lack a quorum and consequently
lack the ability to distribute millions of dollars in Title II Secure
Rural Schools funds for projects and investments in local commu-
nities. The Committee directs the Secretary of Agriculture to accel-
erate processing and approving of these nominations as soon as
possible and to report to the Committee within 90 days of enact-
ment of this Act on the status of these nominations.
Wood Innovation Grant Program.—The program works to expand
wood products and wood energy markets that support forest man-
agement and deliver economic and environmental benefits to com-
munities. The Committee directs the Forest Service to support the
Wood Innovation Grant Program at not less than $8,450,000,
$685,000 above the enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Remote Wildfire Detection Equipment.—The Committee rec-
ommends not less than $10,000,000 for remote wildfire detection
equipment. This funding will enhance wildfire surveillance, moni-
toring, and forecasting capacity.
Firefighter Pay.—The Forest Service is directed to report to the
Committee within 90 days of enactment of this Act on any barriers,
including pay limitations for premium pay, and potential solutions
that exist to increasing firefighter pay for firefighters paid through
Wildland Fire Management or other Forest Service sources. The
Service should focus on pay discrepancy between federal and state
firefighter pay and barriers to parity.
FOREST SERVICE OPERATIONS
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $1,026,163,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 1,074,086,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 1,074,086,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +47,923,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $1,074,086,000 for Forest Service
Operations, $47,923,000 above the enacted level and equal to the
budget request.
Facilities Maintenance and Leases.—The Committee recommends
$160,900,000 for Facilities Maintenance and Leases, $2,000,000
above the enacted level and equal to the budget request. The Com-
mittee directs the Forest Service to adequately plan and budget for
staffing, operations, and maintenance costs of new facilities as they
come online, including, but not limited to, new visitor centers re-
sulting from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects.
Wildland Fire Readiness and Response.—The Committee notes
that the Forest Service relies heavily on the Remote Automated
Weather Station (RAWS) network primarily for weather informa-
tion and it is increasingly using fire surveillance cameras. Due to
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the increasing incidence of destructive wildfires throughout the
western United States, to potentially improve wildland fire detec-
tion on Federal lands, the Committee directs the Service to assess
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fire prone areas that are not adequately observed by fire surveil-
lance cameras and to consider acquiring additional camera systems
and RAWs networks and deploying them, where possible and ap-
propriate, on existing radio communications towers.
Smokejumper Base.—The Committee is aware that the North
Cascades Smokejumper Base in Winthrop, Washington, has been in
need of facility upgrades, improvements, and renovations to meet
Federal Aviation Administration compliance standards and require-
ments. The Committee understands the Forest Service has com-
pleted a Preliminary Project Analysis recommending maintaining
the base and notes the site’s historical significance and value to the
local community. The Committee urges the Forest Service to devote
the necessary resources to ensure the base can maintain oper-
ational excellence.
FOREST AND RANGELAND RESEARCH
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $258,760,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 313,560,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 363,797,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +105,037,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +50,237,000
The Committee recommends $363,797,000 for Forest and Range-
land Research, $105,037,000 above the enacted level and
$50,237,000 above the budget request.
Forest Inventory and Analysis.—The recommendation includes
$22,197,000 for Forest Inventory and Analysis, $4,576,000 above
the enacted level and the budget request.
Digital Forestry Technologies.—The Committee encourages the
Forest Service to continue investing in new digital approaches to
Forest Inventory and Analysis activities. Such technologies include,
but are not limited to, LiDAR, unmanned aircraft systems, terres-
trial laser scanning, or hyperspectral information; adopting these
technologies as they become ready for operational use. The Com-
mittee further encourages the Forest Service to, using competitive
grants, cooperative agreements, or other award mechanisms, work
closely with university partners with capabilities in this area to
test and adopt existing digital tools and develop new tools and al-
gorithms for precision forest management and for public health im-
provement and mitigation.
Research and Development.—The recommendation includes
$84,000,000 for research and development activities, $43,280,000
above the enacted level and $4,720,000 below the budget request.
The Forest Service is directed to provide $8,000,000 to the Joint
Fire Science program for fiscal year 2022.
Joint Fire Science.—The Committee urges the program to ensure
that a broad network of academic researchers is considered for
funding and that the program addresses the range of research
needs to enhance wildland fire resiliency and to address barriers
to wildfire management. The Committee encourages the Joint Fire
Science Program to enhance its attention to understanding how
invasive species affect fuels, fire behavior, and fire regimes and ex-
ploring how indigenous practices may be beneficial to wildfire pre-
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vention, response, and resilience.
The Committee notes the interest of Members of Congress,
States, and stakeholders in funding specific research laboratories,
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programs, and projects, including those noted below. This report
emphasizes some of the research activities of importance to the
Committee and expects the Forest Service to develop a research
program that reflects these priorities as well as the other activities
and programs most critical to forest health, particularly with re-
spect to climate change adaption, preventing the spread of disease
and invasive species, and watershed improvement.
Bighorn Sheep Research.—The Committee directs the Service to
continue the quantitative, science-based analysis of the risk of dis-
ease transmission between domestic and bighorn sheep required in
the explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appro-
priations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114–113).
Fire Plan Research and Development.—The Committee supports
continued research that significantly contributes to the under-
standing of wildfire regimes, and the development of new fire-
fighting technologies and decision support tools.
Fire and Smoke Modeling.—The Committee supports and pro-
vides not less than enacted levels for the Fire and Smoke Model
Evaluation Experiment (FASMEE), a multi-region fire experiment
involving universities to understand wildfire behavior, mitigate im-
pacts of smoke on public and first responder health, and predict
and manage fire effects on ecosystem health. The Committee en-
courages the Forest Service to focus interest on ecosystems and
communities in the western United States and then apply the work
across the country and to the national community of first respond-
ers and agencies tasked with the increasingly difficult challenge of
wildland fire.
Forest Products Laboratory.—The Committee provides not less
than the enacted level for the Forest Products Laboratory to con-
tinue research to advance wood markets, including research on
wood-based nanotechnology; advanced wood products that incor-
porate carbon fiber; and wood use in building construction includ-
ing research on the life cycle impacts of wood as a building mate-
rial. The Committee also supports public/private partnerships that
provide project assistance, education, and resources related to the
design of non-residential and multi-family wood buildings, and that
leverage research and technology investments to create new and
expanded wood product markets.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems.—The Committee recognizes the po-
tential for unmanned aircraft systems to provide near real-time,
supervised classification imagery of active wildfires. Such informa-
tion is critical to managing and fighting wildfires. The Committee
encourages the Forest Service to explore and research further use
of unmanned systems for imagery purposes, including in a variety
of terrain and atmospheric conditions.
Carbon Uptake in Trees Research.—The Committee supports re-
search optimizing and improving understanding of carbon uptake
in trees in a manner consistent with advancing traditional food and
fiber mission objectives. The USFS forest monitoring system should
include carbon and add remote monitoring, modeling the technical,
economic, and social impacts on land use from afforestation and
forest management changes, demonstration projects for best prac-
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tices to improve disposal of wood products after use and design and
demonstration of landfills for woody biomass disposal, and carbon
sequestration.
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Cellulose Nanomaterials.—The Committee directs the US Forest
Service to support research on Forest-based cellulose nanomate-
rials, including material forms, manufacturing processes, and tech-
nology transfer. The recommendation includes not less than
$2,000,000 to further this research.
Forest Carbon Sequestration.—The Committee recognizes that ef-
forts to improve carbon monitoring require investments across the
Service including in FIA, Forest and Rangeland Research S&E, and
FS Operations IT. Therefore, the Committee has included substan-
tial investments in these budget line items to allow for significantly
increased resources for the Forest Service to carry out research
projects, in collaboration with universities and non-governmental
organizations with expertise in this field, to study the quantity and
distribution of forest biomass and carbon at multiple spatial scales.
The Committee urges the Forest Service to focus on projects that
enhance the use of forests to sequester carbon, and to improve the
economics to family forest owners.
Mt. Graham Red Squirrel Research Program.—The Committee
recognizes the multi-agency collaboration on research regarding the
Mt. Graham Red Squirrel including between Coronado National
Forest, Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Phoenix Zoo, and University of Arizona. The Committee
encourages continued support for the Mt. Graham Red Squirrel Re-
search Program.
STATE AND PRIVATE FORESTRY
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $267,180,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 304,614,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 324,876,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +57,696,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +20,262,000
The Committee recommends $324,876,000 for State and Private
Forestry. The recommendation is $57,696,000 above the enacted
level and $20,262,000 above the budget request.
Community Project Funding.—A detailed list of projects can be
found at the back of this report. Section 433 provides direction for
funding of these projects and is in reference to the table at the
back of this report.
Landscape Scale Restoration.—The Committee recommends
$20,000,000 for Landscape Scale Restoration, $6,000,000 above the
enacted level and $1,000,000 below the budget request.
Forest Health Management.—The Committee recommends
$59,232,000 for Forest Health Management, $13,000,000 above the
enacted level and equal to the budget request. The Committee en-
courages the Service to address high priority invasive species,
pests, and diseases, including the Emerald Ash Borer and bark
beetle infestations.
Lake Tahoe Basin.—The Committee urges the Forest Service to
support the implementation of P.L. 106–506 at no less than the fis-
cal year 2021 enacted levels.
Cooperative Fire Assistance.—The Committee recognizes Forest
Service efforts to create fire-resilient communities through active
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fuel reduction treatments and collaboration with State and local
fire agencies. The Committee recommends $75,000,000 for State
Fire Assistance, $1,567,000 above the enacted level and the budget
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request. The Committee recommends $20,000,000 for Volunteer
Fire Assistance, $1,000,000 above the enacted level and $1,000,000
above the budget request.
Lake Tahoe Basin State Fire Assistance.—The Committee is en-
couraged by the work to create fire-resilient communities conducted
in the Lake Tahoe Basin and urges the Forest Service to support
the implementation of P.L. 106–506. The Committee urges the For-
est Service to consider the needs of disadvantaged communities,
which have great vulnerability to wildfires, when prioritizing
projects. To support these implementation efforts, within funding
available, the Committee provides up to $7,000,000 for projects to
improve critical infrastructure and expand wildfire response capa-
bilities in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Forest Stewardship Program.—The Committee recommends
$17,902,000 for the Forest Stewardship Program, $6,000,000 above
the enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Great Lakes Forests.—The recommendation includes $900,000 for
the Forest Service to work with partners to educate natural re-
source professionals and private woodland owners on the effective
land stewardship practices of lower Great Lakes native forests such
as woodlot management and agroforestry.
Community Forest and Open Space Conservation.—The Com-
mittee recommends $5,000,000 for Community Forest and Open
Space Conservation, $1,000,000 above the enacted level and the
budget request.
Community Forest Program.—The Committee maintains support
for the community forest program.
Urban and Community Forestry.—The Committee recommends
$45,000,000 for Urban and Community Forestry, $13,090,000 above
the enacted level and the budget request.
Environmental Justice.—The Committee directs the Service to
consider minority and underserved communities which also have
relatively little tree cover as a top priority when considering which
projects to fund, utilizing best available science and analytical
tools. The Service is urged to ensure that such projects are being
undertaken in partnership with affected communities.
Extreme Heat Mitigation.—The Committee recognizes the impact
of extreme heat in communities with low tree coverage, which
uniquely impacts communities in urban settings. The Committee
further recognizes that there has been an increase in consecutive
days of high heat that requires the proactive attention of the Fed-
eral government during fiscal year 2022.
Urban Reforestation.—The Committee continues to urge the
Service to address the catastrophic losses to urban forests from
Emerald Ash Borer while building resiliency through tree diversity
and the protection of existing trees. Nearly eighty-one percent of
Americans live in urban areas where trees are critical to human
health and to reducing the impact of climate change. Of the funds
provided within Urban and Community Forestry, the Committee
directs an additional $4,000,000 to be used for reforestation, to in-
clude tree planting, in urban communities most severely impacted
by the Emerald Ash Borer. This funding is to be in addition to
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funds otherwise provided to regions for the Urban and Community
Forestry program. The Committee encourages the Forest Service to
prioritize regional, multi-organizational collaborations in urban
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communities most severely impacted by invasive species like the
Emerald Ash Borer.
The Committee notes that the urban canopy is critical to miti-
gating impacts of climate change and improving human health.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Service to coordinate with the
Department of the Interior to place members of the newly created
Civilian Climate Corps within the Urban and Community Forestry
program to foster the resilience, restoration, and sustainability of
urban forests.
International Programs and Trade Compliance.—The Committee
recommends $20,000,000, $4,605,000 above the enacted level and
the budget request. The Committee encourages the Forest Service
to continue working with partner organizations in Guatemala on
sustainable forest management, forest health, forest landscape res-
toration and reforestation, community forestry, urban forestry, and
youth conservation corps, that support sustainable natural resource
management for human and habitat well-being, and economic de-
velopment to provide viable job opportunities.
To support efforts that could help expand international forests as
a solution for climate mitigation and human and habitat well-
being, the Committee directs the Service to provide a report, within
60 days of enactment of this Act, examining how the Service could
work in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Devel-
opment (USAID), the U.S. Department of State, other land man-
agement agencies, and a potential non-profit partner, to select and
deploy volunteers internationally in concert with existing U.S. pro-
grams for forest management, reforestation, and other related con-
servation efforts. As part of this report, the Service should assess
how it could leverage the skills of professionals with extensive rel-
evant experience in the management of natural resources and pro-
tected areas, including individuals working for or retired from the
Service and other federal land management agencies, and how lo-
cations for volunteer assignments will be identified that fit within
larger USAID goals and strategies.
Illegal Harvesting of Timber.—The Committee commends the
Forest Service’s work to combat the illegal harvesting of timber. As
an example of Forest Service efforts, the Direct Analysis in Real
Time—Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry is a chemical analysis
technique trusted by U.S. enforcement agencies to confirm the spe-
cies of wood products in suspected violations.
NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $1,786,870,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 2,369,634,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 2,232,344,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +445,474,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... ¥137,290,000
The Committee recommends $2,232,344,000 for the National For-
est System, $445,474,000 above the enacted level and $137,290,000
below the budget request.
Urban Connections.—The Committee continues to strongly sup-
port the Forest Service Urban Connections Program as a model for
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building strong relationships with diverse youth, interested citi-
zens, urban leaders, interagency partners, and non-governmental
organizations. The Committee provides not less than the enacted
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level for this program. Further, the Committee directs the Service
to report back within 90 days of the enactment of this Act, on a
strategy to expand the program nationwide and the budgetary re-
quirements necessary, assuming matching support from the private
sector.
Land Management.—The Committee recommends $24,500,000
for Land Management, Planning, Assessment, and Monitoring,
$7,956,000 above the enacted level and $2,956,000 below the budg-
et request.
Lake Tahoe Basin.—The Committee directs the Forest Service to
support the implementation and oversight of P.L. 106–506 at no
less than the enacted level.
Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness.—The Committee rec-
ommends $71,241,000 for Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness,
$36,000,000 above the enacted level and $20,000,000 below the
budget request. Within the funds provided, $2,000,000 is made
available to support infrastructure and trails development and to
build the capacity of local user groups and partnership organiza-
tions for all National Recreation Areas administered by the Service
established after 1997. The Service is directed to issue general
guidance on rock climbing management for National Forest System
lands, including the application of the Wilderness Act (Public Law
88–577) for rock climbing and appropriate use of equipment in wil-
derness areas, within 180 days of enactment of this Act.
Grazing Management.—The Committee recommends $23,410,000
for Grazing Management, $18,000,000 above the enacted level and
equal to the budget request. The increase includes $3,000,000 for
targeted grazing for hazardous fuels reduction and $15,000,000 for
wild horse and burro appropriate management level range restora-
tion.
Vacant Grazing Allotments.—The Service is directed, to the
greatest extent practicable, to make vacant grazing allotments
available to a holder of a grazing permit or lease when lands cov-
ered by the holder of the permit or lease are unusable because of
drought or wildfire.
Hazardous Fuels.—The Committee recommends $321,388,000 for
Hazardous Fuels, $141,000,000 above the enacted level and equal
to the budget request.
The Committee directs the Forest Service to engage with stake-
holders and use the best science available on historical fire data,
landscape characteristics, and forest composition; the effects of past
and current human influences, such as development and land-use
patterns; and climatic conditions to identify ecologically-based for-
est health projects that reduce risks of catastrophic wildland fires.
The Committee, recognizing the great importance of fire risk re-
duction to increased forest and community resilience, is providing
a substantial funding increase to the hazardous fuels reduction
program. Within the amount provided, the Committee directs the
Forest Service to increase funding above the enacted level for eco-
logically-based forest health projects that reduce risks of cata-
strophic wildland fires and involve significant non-Federal (state,
private, and NGO) investment and stakeholder engagement.
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Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes.—The Committee di-
rects the Forest Service to continue support to the Southwest Eco-
logical Restoration Institutes at not less than the $6,000,000.
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Forest Products.—The Committee recommends $39,017,000 for
Forest Products, $2,000,000 above the enacted level and $8,000,000
below the budget request.
Vegetation and Watershed Management.—The Committee rec-
ommends $98,470,000 for Vegetation and Watershed Management,
$69,787,000 above the enacted level and equal to the budget re-
quest. To help limit the increasing intensity of wildfires, rate of
spread, and annual number of acres burned in the nation’s forests,
the Committee urges the Service to engage and work with State
and local partners on vegetation management to increase the an-
nual number of forest acres improved. Furthermore, the Committee
continues its support for the Wild and Scenic Rivers System and
similar programs.
Lake Tahoe Basin.—The EPA has identified Lake Tahoe as a pri-
ority watershed. The Committee directs the Forest Service to sup-
port the implementation of P.L. 106–506 at not less than enacted
levels and provides an additional $500,000 above the enacted level
to carry out this work.
Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat Management.—The Committee
recommends $29,000,000 for Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat Man-
agement, $8,273,000 above the enacted level and $7,727,000 below
the budget request.
Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund.—The Com-
mittee provides $60,000,000 for the Collaborative Forest Landscape
Restoration Fund, $46,213,000 above the enacted level and
$20,000,000 below the budget request.
Collaborative Partnering.—The Committee supports efforts to
proactively mitigate the threat of uncharacteristic wildfires
through preventative and restorative measures and recommends
new and increased direct investment in landscape forest restoration
efforts deriving from public-private partnerships, specifically 20-
year stewardship contracts and agreements for ecological restora-
tive projects such as Collaborative Landscape Restoration Program
and other collaborative restoration efforts. The Committee appre-
ciates the value of these long-term stewardship contracts and urges
the Forest Service entering into such agreements with organiza-
tions that have adopted healthy forest goals. Therefore, the Com-
mittee urges prioritized Forest Service funding where there is op-
portunity for long term strategic improvements and successful en-
gagement of collaborative partners.
Minerals and Geology Management.—The Committee rec-
ommends $48,282,000 for Minerals and Geology Management,
$35,000,000 above the enacted level and $35,000,000 below the
budget request. The increase provided includes $35,000,000 to-
wards the Department’s orphaned oil and gas well remediation ini-
tiative.
Landownership Management.—The Committee recommends
$12,934,000 for Landownership Management, $6,000,000 above the
enacted level and $16,000,000 below the budget request.
Communications Sites.—Federal agencies are charged with en-
suring that federal lands are made available to support the commu-
nications networks this nation relies on while also protecting the
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natural beauty, habitats, and environment of these lands. Through
the Forest Planning process and site-specific project analysis, the
Forest Service provides multiple locations to expand the national
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broadband network. The Committee calls upon the Forest Service
to continue to work with the National Telecommunications and In-
formation Administration to simplify and standardize permitting
regulations and requirements to ensure both timely action and re-
sponsible stewardship. The bill includes language to permit the
Forest Service to collect funds to cover the costs of administering
the communications site program.
Agency Timber Target.—The Service is directed to provide infor-
mation to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this Act
detailing the resources necessary to increase the agency’s timber
target to four billion board feet, annually, including the geographic
regions most likely to contribute to the increase in forest product
production should a new timber target be implemented, as well as
any barriers to achieving the higher target level.
Law Enforcement Operations.—The Committee recommends
$19,505,000 for Law Enforcement Operations, equal to the enacted
level and the budget request.
Reforestation Backlog.—The Committee notes the reforestation
needs across the country, specifically those needs related to the
2020 wildfire season. The Committee directs the Forest Service,
within 90 days of enactment of this Act, to provide a briefing on
reforestation needs across the National Forest System and state
and private forest lands, with an emphasis on the challenges of
meeting these goals including availability of seedlings and nursery
capacity.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.—The Com-
mittee recognizes the important role that the Land Between the
Lakes National Recreation Area plays in protecting natural re-
sources and wildlife, promoting environmental conservation edu-
cation, and preserving over 170,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and
open lands on the peninsula between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes
in Kentucky and Tennessee. Land Between the Lakes National
Recreation Area encompasses 300 miles of natural shoreline pro-
viding individuals vast recreation and economic opportunities. The
Committee notes that although there was a budget restructure oc-
curring last year, the Forest Service Recreation, Heritage and Wil-
derness fiscal year 2021 funding was an increase in funding when
accounting for the programmatic expenses and salaries and ex-
penses. The Committee is aware there has been reporting on infor-
mation regarding the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation
Area, implying cuts in funding to that Recreation Area. However,
the Committee stresses that cuts were not made to the Forest Serv-
ice Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness budget in fiscal year 2021
nor in fiscal year 2022 for programmatic reasons nor as a result of
the budget restructure. Additionally, The Committee directs the
Forest Service to work with local stakeholders to ensure that fund-
ing provided through the Land Between the Lakes Management
Fund is used to address priority maintenance and recreation
projects within the National Recreation Area.
Shared Stewardship.—The 2020 wildfire year in California was
the largest in California history. The US Forest Service is a model
for shared stewardship principles working with States and local au-
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thorities to target strategic acres for vegetation management. U.S.
Forest Service Stewardship contracts focus on removing vegetation
or other activities to promote healthy forests, reduce fire hazards,
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117
or achieve other land management objectives. The Committee is
concerned about the increasing intensity of wildfires in our nation’s
forests. Vegetation management includes controlling unwanted
vegetation such as invasive weed species that, when left
unmanaged, have the effect of increasing intensity, rate of spread
and the number of annual acres of forests burned. The Committee
urges the USFS to engage State and local partners on increasing
the annual amount of forest acres improved through vegetation
management.
Shared Stewardship Strategy.—The Committee notes the bene-
fits of the Forest Service working with States through Shared
Stewardship to identify priorities for landscape-scale treatments
that increase the scope and scale of critical forest treatments, in-
cluding wildfire mitigation and restoration, to support communities
and improve ecosystem function. The Committee directs the Forest
Service to continue engaging with states under the Shared Stew-
ardship Strategy and supports the use of National Forest System
funding to implement projects jointly developed by States and the
Forest Service under this framework.
Northwest Forest Plan.—The Committee urges the Forest Service
to consider prioritizing forests where there are no matrix manage-
ment areas designated for ongoing, active management and timber
production when revising individual forest plans under the North-
west Forest Plan. The Forest Service, in updating these plans, is
encouraged to use the best available science to evaluate how new
matrix designations and revised restrictions on harvestable timber
would improve forest health, promote habitat complexity in second-
growth forests for threatened and endangered wildlife, and increase
timber production to support rural economies.
Twin Lakes Recreation Area.—The Committee notes that the
Twin Lakes Recreation Area in the Alleghany National Forest in
Pennsylvania serves thousands of visitors each year. As the Forest
Service works with local partners to consider future plans for im-
provements to the recreation area’s drinking water and wastewater
systems to enhance visitor experiences, the Committee encourages
the Service to provide updates on management plan developments
and other related actions.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $140,371,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 148,371,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 153,302,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +12,931,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... +4,931,000
The Committee recommends $153,302,000 for Capital Improve-
ment and Maintenance, $12,931,000 above the enacted level and
$4,931,000 above the budget request.
Rural Airstrips.—Within the funds provided, the Committee di-
rects not less than the enacted level to support rural airstrips.
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Facilities Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee rec-
ommends $54,037,000 for Facilities Maintenance and Construction,
equal to the enacted level and the budget request. The Committee
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118
urges the Service to support air tanker base repairs to support an
increasing wildfire response fleet.
Southern California Fire Cache.— The Forest Service is strongly
encouraged to expeditiously determine a new location for the
Southern California Fire Cache and to consider a transfer of any
excess land near the March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County,
California.
Road Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee rec-
ommends $68,895,000 for Road Maintenance and Construction,
equal to the enacted level and the budget request.
Uwharrie National Forest.—The Committee strongly urges the
Forest Service to finish the ongoing planning, survey, design work,
and any further requirements necessary for 5.3 miles of road in the
Uwharrie National Forest that provide a lifeline for the residents
who depend upon these roads. After the necessary analysis has
been completed, the Committee directs the Forest Service to con-
sider paving residential access roads within the Uwharrie National
Forest, working with the State and surrounding communities to
identify priority projects.
Cleveland National Forest.—To better understand whether Los
Alamos Road in the Cleveland National Forest could provide emer-
gency egress to the south in a fire situation, the Committee directs
the Forest Service to scope a study and provide a report, within one
year of enactment of this Act, on the costs to develop an engineer-
ing plan that could address the maintenance and drainage chal-
lenges of a paved Los Alamos Road.
Trail Maintenance and Construction.—The Committee rec-
ommends $22,370,000 for Trail Maintenance and Construction,
$4,931,000 above the enacted level and the budget request.
National Scenic and Historic Trails.—The Committee directs the
Forest Service to continue to provide specific trail operation, main-
tenance, and construction funding and accomplishment data for the
national scenic and historic trails in future budget justifications.
The Committee recommends no less than $11,500,000 for national
scenic and historic trails funding.
Pacific Crest Trail.—The Committee strongly urges the Service to
make needed safety updates to the Pacific Crest Trail, a historic
scenic trail, that stretches over 2,600 miles from the border with
Mexico to the border with Canada, allowing constituents to safely
enjoy nature and history.
Public Access.—The Committee recommends not less than
$2,500,000 for the U.S. Forest Service Region 5 CMTL account.
Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation.—The Committee con-
tinues to recognize the need to remediate legacy roads and trails
and directs the Service to address these projects as they rank in
priority along with all other infrastructure. To emphasize the im-
portance of this work, the committee has created a separate line
item for Legacy Roads and Trail Remediation. The Committee rec-
ommends $8,000,000 for this new line item, equal to the budget re-
quest.
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ACQUISITION OF LANDS FOR NATIONAL FORESTS SPECIAL ACTS
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $664,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 664,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 664,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ 0
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $664,000 for Acquisition of Lands
for National Forests Special Acts, equal to the enacted level and
the budget request.
ACQUISITION OF LANDS TO COMPLETE LAND EXCHANGES
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $150,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 150,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 150,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ 0
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $150,000 for Acquisition of Lands to
Complete Land Exchanges under the Act of December 4, 1967 (16
U.S.C. 484a), equal to the enacted level and the budget request.
RANGE BETTERMENT FUND
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $1,719,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 1,719,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 1,719,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ 0
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $1,719,000 for the Range Better-
ment Fund, to be derived from grazing receipts from national for-
ests (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 wild-
life habitat enhancement in 16 western States.
GIFTS, DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS FOR FOREST AND RANGELAND
RESEARCH
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $45,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 45,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 45,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ 0
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $45,000 for Gifts, Donations and Be-
quests for Forest and Rangeland Research, the enacted level and
the budget request.
MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST LANDS FOR SUBSISTENCE USES
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $1,099,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 1,099,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 1,099,000
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Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ 0
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
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The Committee recommends $1,099,000 for the Management of
National Forest Lands for Subsistence Uses in Alaska, the enacted
level and equal to the request.
WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $1,927,241,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 2,097,622,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 2,097,622,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +170,381,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The Committee recommends $2,097,622,000 for Wildland Fire
Management, $170,381,000 above the enacted level and equal to
the budget request.
Wildland Fire Preparedness.—The Committee recommends
$192,000,000 for Wildland Fire Preparedness, $40,000,000 above
the enacted level and equal to the budget request.
Wildland Fire Suppression Operations.—The Committee rec-
ommends $1,011,000,000 for Wildland Fire Suppression Oper-
ations, the enacted level and the budget request. The recommended
amount is the fiscal year 2015 10-year average cost for wildland
fire suppression.
Full-time Federal Wildland Firefighters.—The fire season in the
West, including in California, is no longer restricted to one season,
but is nearly year-round. To reflect this change, the U.S. Forest
Service should transition its part-time seasonal wildland fire-
fighters to year-round federal employees to ensure the agency has
the workforce, flexibility and resources they need to combat
wildfires and meet additional agency objectives during periods of
low wildfire activity. The Committee directs the U.S. Forest Service
to create a report within 60 days of enactment of this Act on the
resources, policies, personnel or structural changes, and other in-
vestments necessary to support an expanded full time, year-round
firefighting workforce.
Reciprocal Fire Protection Agreements.—Throughout the country,
many local cooperative fire agreements have evolved in how they
are used. In some instances, it would be preferable to utilize sub-
geographic/local operating plans to send resources to support oper-
ations in areas not adjacent to a fire organization’s respective juris-
diction. The Committee encourages the Forest Service to work with
local fire organizations/emergency management agencies to develop
and utilize sub-geographic/local operating plans that would be
tiered to statewide cooperative agreements, including signatures of
all applicable federal entities, the State, and local fire organiza-
tions/emergency management agencies. The sub-geographic/local
operating plans should also support and allow for direct reimburse-
ment to the local fire organization/emergency management agen-
cies by the appropriate jurisdictional agency, including direct reim-
bursement to the local government by one of the Federal agencies
for mobilization out of state, in accordance with the Farm Bill of
2014, codified in 42 U.S.C. 1865e.
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Prescribed Fire Technologies.—The Committee also directs the
Forest Service to consider exploring a technology development pro-
gram aimed at maturing scientific knowledge, technology imple-
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mentation, and field-proven practices for leveraging acoustic
diagnostics to significantly enhance the mitigation of wildfires
through prescribed fire management.
Detection of Unauthorized Drones.—The Committee notes that
aircraft making air drops of fire suppressant are sometimes ex-
posed to risks when unauthorized drones are present near the fire.
Drones are often difficult to detect with personnel on the ground,
particularly when heavy smoke is present, which can result in the
aircraft having to potentially abort and dump its payload else-
where. The Committee encourages the Forest Service to consider
the use of technology to enhance detection of unauthorized drones
near forest fires to provide pilots and ground personnel with nec-
essary situational awareness.
WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATIONS RESERVE FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriation enacted, 2021 .............................................................. $2,040,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 ....................................................................... 2,120,000,000
Recommended, 2022 ........................................................................... 2,120,000,000
Comparison:
Appropriation, 2021 ........................................................................ +80,000,000
Budget estimate, 2022 .................................................................... 0
The bill includes $2,120,000,000 for the Wildfire Suppression Op-
erations Reserve Fund, $80,000,000 above the enacted level and
equal to the budget request. Section 1(h) of H. Res. 467 of the
117th Congress as engrossed in the House of Representatives on
June 14, 2021 included a budget cap adjustment for wildfire sup-
pression costs and this additional funding is included for fiscal year
2022. Of the additional $2,450,000,000 available for fire suppres-
sion operations, $2,120,000,000 is provided to the Forest Service
and the remaining $330,000,000 is available through a transfer
from the Department of the Interior. The Committee provides these
additional funds and authorities to ensure that sufficient funds are
available to protect American homes, lands, and wildlife from cata-
strophic fires without requiring a transfer of funds from the very
activities that advance forest health and prevent wildland fires.
The Committee expects the Forest Service to use suppression funds
judiciously and continue to work closely with the Office of Manage-
ment and Budget and the Department of the Interior to accurately
account for expenditures and recover costs.
COMMUNICATIONS SITE ADMINISTRATION
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The bill includes language permitting amounts collected in fiscal
year 2022 for Communications Site Administration to be deposited
and subsequently transferred to the ‘‘National Forest System’’ ac-
count.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS, FOREST SERVICE
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
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The Committee has included administrative provisions that pro-
vide further direction on the use and transfer of appropriated funds
provided to the Forest Service.
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