US Energy and Natural Resouces Maze

Scan the more than 250 bills introduced this term in to the US House Natural Resources Committee and the 49 members of the committee and you begin to understand how difficult it is to enact large strategic changes in policy and why Congress might spend time building target shooting facilities on public lands or in wilderness sites. Consider what states have representatives on the committee and those that do not. Earmarking or "pork" then starts to become clear: "Give you a new energy policy? Sure - give me a new pier for Santa Monica." grin/groan.

clipped from www.govtrack.us House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee on Water and Power H.R. 21: Ocean Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act H.R. 3781: Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act H.R. 3697: To amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes. H.R. 3448: Streamline America's Future Energy Nuclear Act H.R. 2091: Plastic Bag Reduction Act of 2009 H.R. 1841: Acid Rain and Mercury Control Act H.R. 1810: Fast Track Shale Act