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• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated February 7, 2019]

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  The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as Arctic territorial disputes; commercial shipping through the Arctic; Arctic oil, gas, and mineral exploration; endangered Arctic species; and increased military operations in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation or competition. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress makes on Arctic-related issues could significantly affect these interests. This report provides an overview of Arctic-related issues for Congress, and refers readers to more in-depth CRS reports on specific Arctic-related issues.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .

  2019-02-07
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 4, 2019]

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  From the Document: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as Arctic territorial disputes; commercial shipping through the Arctic; Arctic oil, gas, and mineral exploration; endangered Arctic species; and increased military operations in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation or competition. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress makes on Arctic-related issues could significantly affect these interests. This report provides an overview of Arctic-related issues for Congress, and refers readers to more in-depth CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports on specific Arctic-related issues. Congressional readers with questions about an issue discussed in this report should contact the author or authors of the section discussing that issue. The authors are identified by footnote at the start of each section."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .

  2019-03-04
• International Illegal Logging: Background and Issues [February 26, 2019]

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  "Illegal logging is a pervasive problem throughout the world and generally is defined as the harvest, transport, purchase, or sale of timber in violation of national laws. Illegal logging can lead to degraded forest ecosystems and loss of biodiversity, impede economic development, challenge local governance, and contribute to crime and corruption. In regions with large tropical forests, such as the Amazon and areas in Central Africa and Southeast Asia, illegal logging is estimated to account for 50%-90% of all forestry activities, according to the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Bermejo, Lucas F.; Procita, Kezee

  2019-02-26
• Management of the Colorado River: Water Allocations, Drought, and the Federal Role [March 1, 2019]

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  From the Document: "The Colorado River Basin covers more than 246,000 square miles in seven U.S. states (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California) and Mexico. Pursuant to federal law, the Bureau of Reclamation (part of the Department of the Interior) manages much of the basin's water supplies. Colorado River water is used primarily for agricultural irrigation and municipal and industrial (M&I) uses, but it also is important for power production, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses. In recent years, consumptive uses of Colorado River water have exceeded natural flows. This causes an imbalance in the basin's available supplies and competing demands. A drought in the basin dating to 2000 has raised the prospect of water delivery curtailments and decreased hydropower production, among other things. In the future, observers expect that increasing demand for supplies, coupled with the effects of climate change, will further increase the strain on the basin's limited water supplies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stern, Charles V.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.

  2019-03-01
• Management of the Colorado River: Water Allocations, Drought, and the Federal Role [Updated March 21, 2019]

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  From the Document: "The Colorado River Basin covers more than 246,000 square miles in seven U.S. states (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California) and Mexico. Pursuant to federal law, the Bureau of Reclamation (part of the Department of the Interior) manages much of the basin's water supplies. Colorado River water is used primarily for agricultural irrigation and municipal and industrial (M&I) uses, but it also is important for power production, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses. In recent years, consumptive uses of Colorado River water have exceeded natural flows. This causes an imbalance in the basin's available supplies and competing demands. A drought in the basin dating to 2000 has raised the prospect of water delivery curtailments and decreased hydropower production, among other things. In the future, observers expect that increasing demand for supplies, coupled with the effects of climate change, will further increase the strain on the basin's limited water supplies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stern, Charles V.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.

  2019-03-21
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 2, 2019]

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  From the Summary: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .

  2019-08-02
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated January 23, 2020]

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  From the Summary: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. The seven other Arctic states are Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark (by virtue of Greenland), and Russia. The Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 (Title I of P.L. 98-373 of July 31, 1984) 'provide[s] for a comprehensive national policy dealing with national research needs and objectives in the Arctic.' The National Science Foundation (NSF) is the lead federal agency for implementing Arctic research policy. Key U.S. policy documents relating to the Arctic include National Security Presidential Directive 66/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25 (NSPD 66/HSPD 25) of January 9, 2009; the 'National Strategy for the Arctic Region' of May 10, 2013; the January 30, 2014, implementation plan for the 2013 national strategy; and Executive Order 13689 of January 21, 2015, on enhancing coordination of national efforts in the Arctic. The office of the U.S. Special Representative for the Arctic has been vacant since January 20, 2017."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .

  2020-01-23
• Fire and Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon [September 9, 2019]

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  From the Document: "Media coverage of fires in the Brazilian Amazon forest is widespread. According to stakeholders, this media coverage is largely due to an increase in fire events and deforestation rates in the region this year compared to the past years, as well as statements made by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro indicating his intent to pursue development in the region. [...] The Amazon is estimated to contain one-half of all global terrestrial carbon in tropical forests and consists of approximately 40% of all remaining tropical rainforests, according to scientific studies. The fate of the Amazon is a concern for many because of the biodiversity it hosts, its role in the global carbon cycle, and its effect on regional climate. Some scientists claim that 20%-25% deforestation in the Amazon can cause it to shift to a nonforest ecosystem, exacerbating the concerns above."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Meyer, Peter J.; Procita, Kezee . . .

  2019-09-09
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated November 27, 2019]

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  From the Introduction: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as Arctic territorial disputes; commercial shipping through the Arctic; Arctic oil, gas, and mineral exploration; endangered Arctic species; and increased military operations in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation, tension, or competition. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress makes on Arctic-related issues could significantly affect these interests. This report provides an overview of Arctic-related issues for Congress, and refers readers to more in-depth CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports on specific Arctic-related issues. Congressional readers with questions about an issue discussed in this report should contact the author or authors of the section discussing that issue. The authors are identified by footnote at the start of each section."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .

  2019-11-27
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 20, 2019]

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  From the Summary: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security. Although there is significant international cooperation on Arctic issues, the Arctic is increasingly being viewed by some observers as a potential emerging security issue. Some of the Arctic coastal states, particularly Russia, have taken actions to enhance their military presences in the high north. U.S. military forces, particularly the Navy and Coast Guard, have begun to pay more attention to the region in their planning and operations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .

  2019-12-20
• Central Valley Project: Issues and Legislation [Updated November 8, 2019]

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  From the Document: "The Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), is one of the world's largest water supply projects. The CVP covers approximately 400 miles in California, from Redding to Bakersfield, and draws from two large river basins: the Sacramento and the San Joaquin. It is composed of 20 dams and reservoirs and numerous pieces of water storage and conveyance infrastructure. [...] In the 116th Congress, legislators may consider bills and conduct oversight on efforts to increase CVP water exports compared to current baselines. Congress is considering whether to approve funding for new water storage projects, and it also may consider legislation to extend or amend previously enacted CVP authorities (e.g., WIIN [Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation] Act authorities that are expiring or have exceeded their appropriations ceiling)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stern, Charles V.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.

  2019-11-08
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated September 23, 2019]

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  From the Summary: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; Leggett, Jane A.; Comay, Laura B. . . .

  2019-09-23
• Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act: Bureau of Reclamation and California Water Provisions [Updated December 14, 2018]

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  "Most of the provisions in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act; P.L. 114-322), enacted on December 16, 2016, relate to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. However, the WIIN Act also includes a subtitle (Title II, Subtitle J, §§4001-4013) with the potential to affect western water infrastructure owned by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation; part of the Department of the Interior). Three sections in Subtitle J (§4007, §4009, and §4011) made alterations that would apply throughout Reclamation's service area, the 17 states to the west of the Mississippi River. Most of the remaining sections of this subtitle include provisions specific to the Central Valley Project (CVP), a multipurpose water-conveyance system in California operated by Reclamation. Most of Subtitle J's provisions were derived from bills that received consideration in the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congresses."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stern, Charles V.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Carter, Nicole T.

  2018-12-14
• Origins of the COVID-19 Pandemic [May 3, 2021]

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  From the Document: "In late 2019, a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2], was identified in Wuhan, China. The virus, which causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has contributed to significant morbidity (illness) and mortality (death), as well as severe public health and economic effects, among other impacts. Several Members of Congress have made public statements and introduced legislation calling for an investigation into the origin of SARS-CoV-2. Determining the origin and pathway by which a zoonotic disease (i.e., one that originated in animals) emerges and is transmitted to humans can help scientists prevent further outbreaks, inform the public health response, and aid in the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Further, such knowledge may guide the development of policies and practices that reduce the potential for the emergence of other zoonotic diseases. Scientists note that determining the origin of zoonotic diseases could take years, and in some cases, an origin may never be conclusively identified. [...] From January 14 through February 10, 2021, a team of 34 experts--17 from China and 17 from other countries and organizations--traveled to Wuhan to collect and analyze existing and additional data. On March 30, 2021, WHO [World Health Organization] released its report on the mission, which summarized findings from site visits and discussions with Chinese local and national experts. The report presented four hypotheses on the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and assessed their likelihood of being the cause."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji; Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Tharakan, Sara M. . . .

  2021-05-03
• Water Resource Issues in the 113th Congress [January 29, 2013]

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  "The 113th Congress may face many issues related to water resource development, management, and protection. Such issues include how to make investment decisions in the context of federal fiscal constraints; how to distribute investments between activities to meet new demands for water supplies and aquatic ecosystem restoration and protection; how to maintain and reinvest in an aging portfolio of federal infrastructure (e.g., locks, dams, and levees); and how to effectively respond to and prepare for flood and drought emergencies. These issues often arise at the regional level, but have a federal nexus. For example, Congress may continue to be faced with issues associated with flooding (e.g., Hurricane Sandy response and recovery), navigation and water supply challenges due to drought-induced low river flows, and balancing water supply needs of farm and urban communities with protection of threatened and endangered species. […] This report discusses recent congressional activity and possible topics for the 113th Congress. It provides an overview of the federal role in water resources development, management, and protection, including a discussion of the two major federal water resources agencies and related legislation. It also discusses overarching policy issues, such as flood and drought management and response; project funding and authorization priorities; and aquatic ecosystem restoration."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cody, Betsy A.; Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T. . . .

  2013-01-29
• Water Resource Issues in the 114th Congress [February 11, 2015]

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  "The 114th Congress faces many water resource development, management, and protection issues. Congressional actions shape reinvestment in aging federal infrastructure (e.g., dams, locks, and levees) and federal and nonfederal investment in new infrastructure, such as water supply augmentation, hydropower projects, navigation improvements, and efforts to restore aquatic ecosystems. These issues often arise at the regional or local levels but frequently have a federal connection. Ongoing issues include competition over water, drought and flood responses and policies, competitiveness and efficiency of U.S. harbors and waterways, and innovative and alternative financing approaches. The 114th Congress also may continue oversight of operations of federal infrastructure during drought and low-flow conditions, past large-scale flooding issues (e.g., Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, Missouri and Mississippi River floods), and balancing hydropower generation, recreational use, and protection of threatened and endangered species. In addition to oversight, each Congress also provides appropriations for major federal water resource agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). […] This report discusses recent congressional activity and possible topics for the 114th Congress. It provides an overview of the federal role in water resources development, management, and protection, with a focus on projects of the two major federal water resources agencies-- Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps--and related legislation. It also discusses overarching policy issues, such as drought and flood management and response, project funding and authorization priorities, and aquatic ecosystem restoration."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cody, Betsy A.; Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T. . . .

  2015-02-11
• Water Resource Issues in the 114th Congress [January 23, 2015]

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  "The 114th Congress faces many water resource development, management, and protection issues. Congressional actions shape reinvestment in aging federal infrastructure (e.g., dams, locks, and levees) and federal and nonfederal investment in new infrastructure, such as water supply augmentation, hydropower projects, navigation improvements, and efforts to restore aquatic ecosystems. These issues often arise at the regional or local levels, but often have a federal connection. Ongoing issues include competition over water, drought and flood responses and policies, competitiveness and efficiency of U.S. harbors and waterways, and innovative and alternative financing approaches. The 114th Congress also may continue oversight of operations of federal infrastructure during drought and low-flow conditions, past large-scale flooding issues (e.g., Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, Missouri and Mississippi River floods), and balancing hydropower generation, recreational use, and protection of threatened and endangered species. In addition to oversight, each Congress also provides appropriations for major federal water resource agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). The issues before the 114th Congress are in part shaped by what earlier Congresses chose to enact and consider. Measures considered but not enacted by the 113th Congress include California drought legislation, various drought policy and water efficiency and conservation measures, regional restoration legislation (e.g., Klamath Basin, Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay), actions to expedite water storage projects and permits, settlement of Indian water rights claims, and a lifting of restrictions on firearms at Army Corps projects."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cody, Betsy A.; Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T. . . .

  2015-01-23
• Water Resource Issues in the 113th Congress [January 31, 2013]

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  "The 113th Congress may face many issues related to water resource development, management, and protection. Such issues include how to make investment decisions in the context of federal fiscal constraints; how to distribute investments between activities to meet new demands for water supplies and aquatic ecosystem restoration and protection; how to maintain and reinvest in an aging portfolio of federal infrastructure (e.g., locks, dams, and levees); and how to effectively respond to and prepare for flood and drought emergencies. These issues often arise at the regional level, but have a federal nexus. For example, Congress may continue to be faced with issues associated with flooding (e.g., Hurricane Sandy response and recovery), navigation and water supply challenges due to drought-induced low river flows, and balancing water supply needs of farm and urban communities with protection of threatened and endangered species. […] This report discusses recent congressional activity and possible topics for the 113th Congress. It provides an overview of the federal role in water resources development, management, and protection, including a discussion of the two major federal water resources agencies and related legislation. It also discusses overarching policy issues, such as flood and drought management and response; project funding and authorization priorities; and aquatic ecosystem restoration."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cody, Betsy A.; Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T. . . .

  2013-01-31
• Water Resource Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated February 7, 2019]

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  "The 116th Congress may conduct oversight and deliberate on authorization and funding of water resource development, management, and protection. Congress engages in authorization and appropriations for water resource projects and activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). USACE constructs projects nationwide, primarily to improve navigation, reduce flood damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. Reclamation constructs projects in the 17 arid states west of the Mississippi River; these projects primarily provide water supply benefits, often to agricultural irrigation users. The 116th Congress, like earlier Congresses, also may consider Indian water rights settlements and may evaluate the focus of and funding for the water resource science activities of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Stern, Charles V.; Sheikh, Pervaze A. . . .

  2019-02-07
• Water Resources Development Act (WRDA): Corps of Engineers Authorization Issues [Updated July 14, 2006]

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  "Congress authorizes Army Corps of Engineers water resources studies and projects before appropriating funds to them. The 109th Congress is considering authorizing Corps activities through a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)- H.R. 2864 and S. 728. The House passed H.R. 2864 in July 2005; S. 728 was placed on the Senate calendar in April 2005. Reportedly some Senators are pushing for a vote by the August recess. Hurricane Katrina increased support for hurricane protection and flood control, and Louisiana and other Gulf Coast projects, while increasing interest in streamlining federal spending. The pending WRDA bills have not been acted on since before Hurricane Katrina. The Administration has expressed concerns both about the level of authorizations in WRDA bills creating false expectations for federal appropriations, and about WRDA bills not addressing the backlog of authorized Corps projects. The Administration's position has been one factor shaping the debate on the pending bills; authorization of a few controversial projects (e.g., Everglades restoration projects) and possible changes to Corps policies and practices have also been factors. A Manager's amendment to S. 728 and other amendments are anticipated during consideration on the Senate floor. Amendments may address water resources policy issues and projects receiving attention in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Some observers also anticipate amendments to provisions on Corps policy and procedures (e.g., amendments to provisions on the independent review of Corps projects) and amendments on authorizations of controversial projects."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Hughes, H. Steven

  2006-07-14
• International Joint Commission (IJC) [Updated August 30, 2019]

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  From the Document: "The International Joint Commission (IJC) was established under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty between the United States and Canada. The treaty directs the IJC to aid in the resolution and prevention of disputes concerning the waters that cross (transboundary) or form (boundary) the international border between the two countries, known collectively as 'boundary waters'. The watersheds of these boundary waters are illustrated in Figure 1. The IJC may be asked to consider issues related to drinking water, commercial shipping, hydroelectric power generation, agriculture, industry, recreational boating, and shoreline property, among others. Congressional interest in the IJC often has focused on the IJC's scope of authority, its role in specific disputes, and funding for the U.S. portion of IJC activities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva; Sheikh, Pervaze A.

  2019-08-30
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated August 23, 2019]

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  From the Introduction: "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. Issues such as Arctic territorial disputes; commercial shipping through the Arctic; Arctic oil, gas, and mineral exploration; endangered Arctic species; and increased military operations in the Arctic could cause the region in coming years to become an arena of international cooperation, tension, or competition. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial political, economic, energy, environmental, and other interests in the region. Decisions that Congress makes on Arctic-related issues could significantly affect these interests. This report provides an overview of Arctic-related issues for Congress, and refers readers to more in-depth CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports on specific Arctic-related issues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .

  2019-08-23
• Description of Proposed Changes to Implementation of the Endangered Species Act [August 8, 2018]

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  "On July 25, 2018, the Trump Administration proposed three rules that would change implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq.). The proposed rules are open for public comment until September 24, 2018. The federal agencies that implement ESA include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). FWS and NMFS are referred to as action agencies in this In Focus, and the term Secretary refers to the Secretary of the Interior unless otherwise stated. The proposed rules are summarized below without an analytical discussion, although some Administration explanations of the changes are included."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Crafton, R. Eliot; Tsang, Linda

  2018-08-08
• Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated December 13, 2018]

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  "The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security. The five Arctic coastal states--the United States, Canada, Russia, Norway, and Denmark (of which Greenland is a territory)--have made or are in the process of preparing submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf regarding the outer limits of their extended continental shelves. The Russian submission includes the underwater Lomonosov Ridge, a feature that spans a considerable distance across the center of the Arctic Ocean."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .

  2018-12-13
• International Trophy Hunting [March 20, 2019]

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  From the Document: "International trophy hunting is a multinational, multimillion-dollar industry practiced throughout the world. 'Trophy hunting' is broadly defined as the killing of animals for recreation with the purpose of collecting trophies such as horns, antlers, skulls, skins, tusks, or teeth for display. The United States imports the most trophies of any country in the world. Congressional interest in trophy hunting is related to the recreational and ethical considerations of hunting and the potential consequences of hunting for conservation. For some, interest in trophy hunting centers on particular charismatic species, such as African lions, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Congress's role in addressing international trophy hunting is limited, because hunting is regulated by laws of the range country (i.e., the country where the hunted species resides). However, Congress could address trophy hunting through actions such as regulating trophy imports into the United States or providing funding and technical expertise to conserve hunted species in range countries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Bermejo, Lucas F.

  2019-03-20
• Central Valley Project: Issues and Legislation [Updated 23, 2019]

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  From the Document: "The Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), is one of the world's largest water supply projects. The CVP covers approximately 400 miles in California, from Redding to Bakersfield, and draws from two large river basins: the Sacramento and the San Joaquin. It is composed of 20 dams and reservoirs and numerous pieces of water storage and conveyance infrastructure. In an average year, the CVP delivers more than 7 million acre-feet of water to support irrigated agriculture, municipalities, and fish and wildlife needs, among other purposes. About 75% of CVP water is used for agricultural irrigation, including 7 of California's top 10 agricultural counties. The CVP is operated jointly with the State Water Project (SWP), which provides much of its water to municipal users in Southern California."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stern, Charles V.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.

  2019-05-23
• Central Valley Project: Issues and Legislation [Updated June 21, 2019]

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  From the Introduction: "The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), part of the Department of the Interior (DOI), operates the multipurpose federal Central Valley Project (CVP) in California, one of the world's largest water storage and conveyance systems. The CVP runs approximately 400 miles in California, from Redding to Bakersfield [...]. It supplies water to hundreds of thousands of acres of irrigated agriculture throughout the state, including some of the most valuable cropland in the country. It also provides water to selected state and federal wildlife refuges, as well as to some municipal and industrial (M&I) water users. This report provides information on hydrologic conditions in California and their impact on state and federal water management, with a focus on deliveries related to the federal CVP. It also summarizes selected issues for Congress related to the CVP."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stern, Charles V.; Sheikh, Pervaze A.

  2019-06-21
• Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Biological Resources [Updated February 22, 2006]

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  "Winds, storm surge, and associated flooding from Hurricane Katrina had substantial impacts on the biological resources of the affected region. Some impacts caused by this hurricane included wetland and timber loss, and declines in fisheries and wildlife populations. This report discusses the reported and potential impacts of Hurricane Katrina on the biological resources in the affected region. Most of the impacts reported are anecdotal and estimated; some biological surveys have been completed and little quantitative information on the status of most biological resources is available. Several state and federal science agencies were initially involved in humanitarian efforts before investigating damage to biological resources. Currently, studies are underway to provide information on the short and long-term impacts of Katrina on biological resources. This report will summarize the known and estimated impacts of Hurricane Katrina on coastal ecosystems, forests, freshwater and marine bodies, fisheries, and wildlife. Questions for specifying the impacts on biological resources are listed and possible restoration activities are discussed. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sheikh, Pervaze A.

  2006-02-22
• National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System Legislation in the 115th Congress [May 9, 2018]

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  "In the 115th Congress, two bills authorizing a National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System (NVEWS) have been reported out of committee (H.R. 4475, reported out of the House Natural Resources Committee and S. 346, reported out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee). Legislation nearly identical to S. 346 is included as Title X, Subtitle A, of S. 1460, the Energy and Natural Resources Act of 2017. (A hearing has been held on this bill.) The activities authorized in these bills include directing the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to establish a nationwide volcano early warning and monitoring system to lower the impacts of volcanic eruptions on U.S. citizens. USGS is a bureau within the Department of the Interior. USGS has indicated that progressively implementing an NVEWS to address a monitoring gap within its Volcano Hazards Program has been a priority since 2005. These bills would provide an explicit authorization for an NVEWS, with an objective to monitor U.S. volcanoes at a level commensurate with the volcanic threat. Assessing the volcanic threat involves combining the volcano hazards--the destructive phenomena produced by a volcano, such as lava flows, ash clouds, volcanic landslides--and the exposure to the hazard, such as the people and property at risk from a volcanic eruption (Figure 1). The bills state that the NVEWS would have two purposes: (1) to organize, modernize, standardize, and stabilize the monitoring systems of the five U.S. volcano observatories (the Alaska Volcano Observatory, California Volcano Observatory, Cascades Volcano Observatory, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and Yellowstone Volcano Observatory) and (2) to unify the monitoring systems of these observatories into a single interoperative system."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin); Sheikh, Pervaze A.

  2018-05-09
• National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System Legislation in the 116th Congress [Updated February 20, 2019]

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  "In 2018, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS, a bureau within the Department of the Interior) published a volcanic threat assessment that assigned five threat levels (very high, high, moderate, low, and very low) to 161 volcanoes in 14 states and U.S. territories (Figure 1). The assessment ranked 18 volcanoes as very high and 39 as high. Eleven of the 18 very high-threat volcanoes are in Washington, Oregon, or California; five are in Alaska; and two are in Hawaii. The study notes that the high- and moderate-threat volcanoes are mostly in Alaska and that the more explosive Alaskan volcanoes can affect national and international aviation. The volcano ranked as the highest threat is Kilauea, the Hawaiian volcano whose 2018 eruptions were accompanied by destructive lava flows and frequent earthquakes, including one of magnitude 6.9. Kilauea is the youngest and southeastern-most volcano on the island of Hawaii."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin); Sheikh, Pervaze A.

  2019-02-20