First, some updates from last week as we got bill descriptions for:

S.2335 : A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to beach monitoring, and for other purposes.
–Basically reauthorizes the “Beach Act”, or section related to the Act related to beaches, with specific focus on pathogens.

H.R.4149 : To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to citizen suits and the specification of disposal sites, and for other purposes.
-Otherwise known as the “Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act”, this bill makes it more difficult to sue on the basis of the Act.

H.R.4151 : To amend chapter 2003 of title 54, United States Code, to fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and provide for the use of such funds, and for other purposes.
–As the fight over the LWCF and Rep. Bishop’s “Protecting America’s Recreation and Conservation (PARC) Act” continues, this bill illustrates the support for the original LWCF. 

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As for new legislation, “say no” to drilling off the west coast, let’s provide STEM opportunities for Vets, oh, and we must stop the EPA at all costs.

H.R.3880 : Stopping EPA Overreach Act of 2015
–This is the bill that the Republicans introduced at the same time as the Paris Climate Conference to push back on the EPA’s recent Clean Power Plan and ground-level ozone rule. Convenient timing, yes?

H.R.3927 : West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2015
–Would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to permanently prohibit offshore drilling on the outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington.

H.R.3939 : EPA Maximum Achievable Contraction of Technocrats Act of 2015
–This bill would reduce the workforce of the EPA by 15%. Because the EPA is doing such a great job already and their employees aren’t overworked at all.

H.R.3949 : Veterans’ STEM Education Program
–Bright spot: would provide additional educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill for veterans pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math. 

S.2238 : Keep It in the Ground Act of 2015
–Somewhat of a companion bill to H.R. 3927, this bill would prohibit drilling in the outer Continental Shelf, as well as prohibiting coal leases on Federal land.

S.2240 : Federal Land Invasive Species Control, Prevention, and Management Act
–Invasive species are a real issue. This bill would improve the control and management of invasive species that threaten and harm Federal lands. 

S.2257 : National Park Service Centennial Act
-The companion bill to H.R. 3556, this is the master outline for the NPS in 2016 and moving forward.