1) Week in Review
2) President's Budget Request for FY 2008
3) Appropriations
4) Committee Assignments
5) Congressional Calendar
6) Internships
7) Jobs
1) Week in Review
On Wednesday, January 31 the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a meeting to mark up a number of bills, which were then reported out of committee. Included in the mark-up were the following pieces of legislation which concern water or dam safety legislation:
S. 200 Alaska Water Resources Act of 2007
S. 220 Southern Idaho Bureau of Reclamation Repayment Act of 2007
S. 232 Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements Act of 2007
S. 235 Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District Conveyance Act of 2007
S. 255 New Mexico Water Planning Assistance Act
S. 263 Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2007
S. 264 Wallowa Lake Dam Rehabilitation and Water Management Act of 2007
S. 265 Little Butte/Bear Creek Subbasins Water Feasibility Act
S. 266 North Unit Irrigation District Act of 2007
The Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met on Wednesday, January 31, and marked up three pieces of legislation addressing water infrastructure. H.R. 720, The Water Quality Financing Act of 2007, which was introduced Tuesday by Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), would reauthorize the State Revolving Fund (SRF) that supports infrastructure financing under the Clean Water Act. The authorization for the SRF expired at the end of 1992; although the SRF has continued to receive annual appropriations without an official authorization, the level of funding has dropped dramatically over the last five years.
H.R. 569, the Healthy Communities Water Supply Act, was also marked up by the subcommittee. The bill would amend the Clean Water Act to authorize grants for the repair and replacement of combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows and would extend the pilot program for alternative water source projects. The third bill, H.R. 569, The Water Quality Investment Act of 2007, would reauthorize appropriations to municipalities to control combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). All three were approved by voice vote and were referred to the full committee.
2) President's Budget Request for FY 2008
On Monday, February 5, the Bush administration released its Fiscal Year 2008 budget request to Congress. An initial review reveals a request of $12 million for the Open Rivers Initiative, a Presidential initiative which will provide grants to communities and local dam owners to remove their dams that no longer make sense. The funding is divided evenly between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service. Other river funding requests include $10 million for the purchase three of dams on the Penobscot River to be removed or bypassed, and $5 million for the National Fish Habitat Initiative, a public/private partnership between federal agencies, state and local governments, and conservation groups with the goal of a coordinated approach to improving fishery habitat.
Additionally, under the USGS in the Department of the Interior the water resource programs saw increases in the National Water Quality Assessment program, the Toxic Substances Hydrology program and the National Streamflow Information Program. The Environmental Protection Agency's budget continues to lull about in the doldrums with minimal changes to the request that came out of the Administration for FY 07; the request for clean water funding was back at $688 million, far lower than the needed federal investment in clean water. Meanwhile, the Targeted Watersheds Program was zeroed out and the water efficiency program, WaterSense, continues to dwell in the anonymity of general agency funding, without dedicated funding to see the program fully launched.
American Rivers is currently analyzing the President's Budget Request for all river related funding. For more information on our recommended funding priorities for rivers, please see the River Budget: National Priorities for Local River Conservation.
3) Appropriations
On Wednesday, January 31, with a vote of 286-140, the House of Representatives approved a $463.5 billion joint resolution to fund the remaining eight months of fiscal 2007. The measure now goes to the Senate, which is expected to vote on it this week. The majority of the federal government is currently operating under a continuing resolution which will expire on February 15. The joint resolution provides the federal natural resource agencies (DOI, NOAA, EPA, and USACE) with broad discretion on how they use the funding and includes no earmarks. However, it did specify that the EPA's Clean Water State Revolving Fund should be increased to $1.083 billion, a significant bump over the $688 million that had been requested by the administration and approved by both Appropriations committees in Congress.
4) Committee Assignments
The House Natural Resources Committee finalized the subcommittee lineup for the 110th Congress:
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
Democrats
Jim Costa (CA), Chairman
Eni F. H. Faleomavaega (AS)
Solomon P. Ortiz (TX)
Rush D. Holt (NJ)
Dan Boren (OK)
Maurice D. Hinchey (NY)
Patrick J. Kennedy (RI)
Hilda L. Solis (CA)
Republicans
Stevan Pearce (NM), Ranking Member
Bobby Jindal (LA)
Louie Gohmert (TX)
Bill Shuster (PA)
Dean Heller (NV)
Bill Sali (ID)
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans
Democrats
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (GU), Chairwoman
Dale E. Kildee (MI)
Eni F. H. Faleomavaega (AS)
Neil Abercrombie (HI)
Solomon P. Ortiz (TX)
Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ)
Patrick J. Kennedy (RI)
Ron Kind (WI)
Lois Capps (CA)
Republicans
Henry E. Brown, Jr. (SC), Ranking Member
Jim Saxton (NJ)
Wayne Gilchrest (MD)
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA)
Bobby Jindal (LA)
Tom Cole (OK)
Bill Sali (ID)
Subcommittee on Insular Affairs
Democrats
Donna M. Christensen (VI), Chairwoman
Eni F. H. Faleomavaega (AS)
Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ)
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (GU)
Republicans
Luis G. Fortuño (PR), Ranking Member
Elton Gallegly (CA)
Jeff Flake (AZ)
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands
Democrats
Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ), Chairman
Dale E. Kildee (MI)
Neil Abercrombie (HI)
Donna M. Christensen (VI)
Rush D. Holt (NJ)
Dan Boren (OK)
John P. Sarbanes (MD)
Peter A. DeFazio (OR)
Maurice D. Hinchey (NY)
Ron Kind (WI)
Lois Capps (CA)
Jay Inslee (WA)
Mark Udall (CO)
Stephanie Herseth (SD)
Heath Shuler (NC)
Republican:
Rob Bishop (UT) Ranking Member
John J. Duncan, Jr. (TN)
Chris Cannon (UT)
Thomas G. Tancredo (CO)
Jeff Flake (AZ)
Rick Renzi (AZ)
Stevan Pearce (NM)
Henry E. Brown, Jr. (SC)
Louie Gohmert (TX)
Tom Cole (OK)
Dean Heller (NV)
Bill Sali (ID)
Doug Lamborn (CO)
Subcommittee on Water and Power
Democrats
Grace F. Napolitano (CA), Chairwoman
Jim Costa (CA)
George Miller (CA)
Mark Udall (CO)
Joe Baca (CA)
Hilda L. Solis (CA)
Republicans
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), Ranking Member
Ken Calvert (CA)
Dean Heller (NV)
Doug Lamborn (CO)
Chairman Rahall and Ranking Member Young will serve as ex officio members of each subcommittee.
5) Congressional Calendar
Tuesday
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Full Committee
Hearing: Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change The purpose of this hearing is to receive testimony on the Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change, examining the economic impacts of climate change and stabilizing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007 10:00 AM
106 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Wednesday
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Hearing: Proposed Budget for FY 2008 for the Department of Energy Wednesday, Hearing to consider the President's Proposed Budget for FY 2008 for the Department of Energy.
February 7, 2007 9:30 AM
366 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Hearing to examine the United States Department of Agriculture farm bill proposal
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 9:45 AM
106 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Hearing on Climate Change Research and Scientific Integrity
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 10:00 AM
253 Russell Senate Office Building
Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Private Sector and Consumer Solutions to Global Warming and Wildlife Protection Hearing on Global Warming and Wildlife
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 10:00 AM
406 Dirksen Senate Office Building
House Natural Resources Committee
Full Committee Organizational Meeting
February 7, 2007 11:00 AM
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Thursday
House Science and Technology Committee
Hearing: The State of Climate Change Science 2007 The Findings of the Fourth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Working Group I Report
February 8, 2007 10:00 AM
2318 Rayburn House Office Building
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Hearing on FY 2008 President's Budget Request for the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency
Thursday, February 08, 2007 2:00 PM
2167 Rayburn House Office Building
6) Internships
Do you love rivers? Does interning in the nation's capital in a fun and friendly environment sound like a great way to spend a semester or the summer? If you've answered yes, then click here to learn more about American Rivers' Internship Program and how you can gain valuable experience working at a national conservation organization.
Go Wild Campaign Internship
American Rivers is seeking an intern for our Go Wild Campaign to assist in research, writing and Congressional outreach. We need someone who is a motivated go-getter able to collect and analyze data and is not afraid to cold-call strangers. This position will provide vital research for a national campaign to protect rivers. Some work will include outreach and education to members of Congress and their staff. Familiarity with environmental issues is a plus, but not required. The position is based in Washington, DC, and the hours are flexible.
This position is full or part time, and an unpaid internship. Please send a writing sample and your resume to qmckew@amrivers.org
7) Job Listings
Jobs at American Rivers:
For a complete listing of jobs at American Rivers, click here.
Vice President of Finance and Administration/CFO
(Washington, DC)
Deadline: Until filled
Accountant
Washington, DC Office
Deadline: Until filled
Jobs Protecting Watersheds around the Country:
For jobs protecting watersheds around the country, visit http://www.rivernetwork.org/jobs.php.
(List taken from River Network’s Job list)
Mid-Atlantic Program Manager - Full Time
River Network
Portland, Oregon
Alabama
Executive Director - Full Time
Alabama Rivers Alliance
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posted on: 12/29/06, closes 02/09/07
Waterway Stewardship Interns - Internship
Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Location: , Alabama
Posted on: 01/26/07, closes 02/15/07
California
Fisheries Biologist / Aquatic Ecologist (2) - Full Time
Entrix Inc.
Location: Ventura, California
Posted on: 01/11/07
Fisheries Biologist / Aquatic Ecologist (1) - Full Time
Entrix, Inc.
Location: Ventura, California
Posted on: 01/11/07
Aquatic Biologist / Aquatic Ecologist - Full Time
Entrix Inc.
Location: Sacramento, California
Posted on: 01/11/07
Contract Manager - Full Time
Mattole Restoration Council
Location: Petrolia, California
Posted on: 01/09/07
Senior Water Resource Practice Leader - Full Time
ENTRIX, Inc.
Location: Walnut Creek, California
Posted on: 12/11/06
District of Columbia
Watershed Finance Team Member - Full Time
EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Posted on: 10/09/06
Internships - Full Time
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Posted on: 01/01/06
Internships - Full Time
American Rivers
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Posted on: 01/01/06
Georgia
Altamaha Coastkeeper - Full Time
Altamaha Riverkeeper
Location: Darien, Georgia
Posted on: 10/09/06
Illinois
Executive Director - Full Time
Prairie Rivers Network
Location: Champaign, Illinois
Posted on: 01/24/07
Executive Director - Full Time
Prairie Rivers Network
Location: Champaign, Illinois
Posted on: 11/28/06
Kentucky
Outreach Director - Full Time
Kentucky Waterways Alliance
Location: Greensburg, Kentucky
Posted on: 12/15/06
Maine
Executive Coordinator/Organizer - Full Time
Friends of Merrymeeting Bay
Location: Richmond, Maine
Posted on: 02/01/07, closes 02/27/07
Marine Education Internships (3) - Full Time
Marine Environmental Research Institute
Location: Blue Hill, Maine
Posted on: 01/24/07
Development Director - Full Time
Penobscot River Restoration Trust
Location: Augusta, Maine
Posted on: 01/04/07, closes 02/28/07
Maryland
President and CEO - Full Time
Potomac Conservancy
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Posted on: 11/13/06
Massachusetts
Monitoring Network Manager - Full Time
Mystic River Watershed Association
Location: Arlington, Massachusetts
Posted on: 01/16/07, closes 02/05/07
Land Protection Planner - Office of Natural Resources - Full Time
Massachusetts Department Of Conservation And Recreation
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Posted on: 11/26/06
Montana
Education & Outreach Coordinator - Full Time
Blackfoot Challenge
Location: Blackfoot River Watershed, Montana
Posted on: 01/02/07
Executive Director - Full Time
Blackfoot Challenge
Location: Blackfoot River Watershed, Montana
Posted on: 01/02/07, closes 02/28/07
Director - Full Time
Bitter Root Water Forum
Location: Hamilton, Montana
Posted on: 12/10/06, closes 01/02/07
New Jersey
Development Coordinator - Full Time
NY/NJ Baykeeper
Location: Keyport, New Jersey
Posted on: 01/17/07
New York
Program Manager - Full Time
Save The River
Location: Clayton, New York
Posted on: 01/16/07
North Carolina
Senior Water Resource Practice Leader - Full Time
Entrix, Inc.
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Posted on: 02/01/07
Executive Director - Full Time
Pamlico-Tar River Foundation
Location: Washington, North Carolina
Posted on: 01/25/07, closes 02/15/07
Executive Director - Full Time
Dogwood Alliance,
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Posted on: 12/11/06
Oregon
Executive Director - Full Time
Umpqua Watersheds
Location: Rosebury, Oregon
Posted on: 02/01/07, closes 02/13/07
Communications Director - Full Time
Oregon Environmental Partnership
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posted on: 01/23/07
Conservation Program Director - Full Time
Zoo & Aquarium Alliance
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posted on: 01/19/07
Senior Program Manager for Land Transactions - Full Time
Western Rivers Conservancy
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posted on: 12/07/06
Development Coordinator - Part Time
Willamette Riverkeeper
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posted on: 02/01/07, closes 02/20/07
Tennessee
Business Manager - Full Time
Harpeth River Watershed Association
Location: Franklin, Tennessee
Posted on: 11/15/06
Director of Science and Restoration Programs - Full Time
Harpeth River Watershed Association
Location: Franklin, Tennessee
Posted on: 10/10/06
Executive Director - Full Time
Little River Watershed Association
Location: Louisville, Tennessee
Posted on: 10/02/06
Utah
Membership and Outreach Coordinator - Full Time
Utah Rivers Council
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posted on: 11/03/06
Virginia
Wetland Scientist / Project Manager - Full Time
Environmental Services and Consulting
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Posted on: 01/25/07
Washington
Watershed Coordinator - Full Time
Skagit Watershed Council
Location: Mount Vernon, Washington
Posted on: 01/29/07, closes 02/28/07
Communications Director - Full Time
Climate Solutions
Location: Olympia, Washington
Posted on: 01/23/07
Fisheries Biologist/Aquatic Ecologist - Full Time
ENTRIX, Inc.
Location: Olympia, Washington
Posted on: 12/11/06
West Virginia
Coordinator position - Full Time
Eastern Coal Regional Roundtable
Location: Kingwood, West Virginia
Posted on: 02/01/07, closes 02/18/07
Wyoming
Cutthroat Trout Conservation Intern Yellowstone - Internship
National Park Service
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Posted on: 12/19/06, closes 02/15/07
Questions? Eileen Fretz at (202) 347-7550..
Legislative information is obtained from sources including: Environment and Energy Daily, Greenwire, Roll Call, and members of the American Rivers conservation staff. To read the bills mentioned in the River Policy Update, you may visit http://thomas.loc.gov/ and enter the bill number.
No comments:
Post a Comment