Topic: U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources

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Grand Canyon ban on new mining riles Republicans

US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced a 20-year ban on new mining claims near the Grand Canyon in Arizona on Monday.
Fracking: Pollution finding could hurt gas drilling

Fracking – a modern method to extract oil and gas – may be contaminating drinking supplies in Wyoming. But EPA report on the impact of fracking is not conclusive.
Gulf oil spill: Transocean report continues the circular finger-pointing

Transocean Ltd., the Swiss company that owned and operated the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, says the Gulf of Mexico oil spill that occurred last year is the result of successive decisions made by well owner BP. BP calls it "an advocacy piece" to support Transocean's "litigation strategy."
Deepwater Horizon: Report sparks push for tougher laws

Deepwater Horizon oil spill report recommends tougher offshore drilling rules, more financial consequences for oil companies.
Congress turns to task of preventing another Gulf oil spill

Members of a House committee on Wednesday began shaping a bill that targets the problems laid bare by the Gulf oil spill, from lax regulation to inadequate accident-response plans.
BP oil spill: MMS shortcomings include 'dearth of regulations'

MMS (Minerals Management Service) was ill-prepared to oversee the oil and gas industry because it lacked inspectors and regulations, the Interior Department's inspector general testified Thursday.
Gulf oil spill: Is MMS so corrupt it must be abolished?

Lawmakers are looking at how to reform the Minerals Management Service (MMS), which oversees offshore drilling. Reports before and after the Gulf oil spill show it is deeply intertwined with Big Oil.
How to watch BP live video feed of 'top kill' maneuver

The BP live video feed of the underwater leak will continue to stream during the 'top kill' maneuver, after pressure from Washington. But what you see in the moment may not mean much, BP warns.
Bright Green
White House removes protections for endangered species

With just over a month remaining in office, the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction.
Bush’s parting moves on the environment

Last-minute rule changes would weaken environmental protections, critics say.
Do uranium mines belong near Grand Canyon?

Mining companies stake claims on federal land adjoining the park, while opponents say drinking water will be at risk.
Follow-up: News about world fisheries

Congress hits shark ‘finning’ practice; fleet subsidies cut would be ‘historic’; whales don’t compete with humans for fish, studies show.
Congress moves closer to preserving Western beauty

It is considering designating millions of US-owned acres as a permanent conservation system.