Caucus Western (R) RSS Articles

Legislation to Streamline Geothermal Energy Passes House of Representatives

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed H.R 5587, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act on a vote of 231-186. Congressional Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and the bill's sponsor, Representative Young Kim (CA-40), released the following statements after passage:

"Another step toward unlocking America's geothermal potential. Cutting red tape and unlocking geothermal energy right here at home. Cheaper, cleaner, American-made power," said Chair Celeste Maloy.

"Energy independence has always made America great. Geothermal development will help unleash America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and power America’s future,” said Representative Young Kim. “The HEATS Act cuts unnecessary red tape, strengthens our energy security and supply chains, and brings more affordable, reliable power online. I’m proud to see this vital legislation pass the House. For Californians facing some of the highest energy costs in the country, this relief can’t come soon enough.”

Legislative Digest

H.R. 5587, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act
Sponsor: Representative Young Kim (CA-40)
Co-sponsors: Executive Vice Chair Nick Begich (AK-AL), Gray (CA-13)
Summary: Eliminates the requirement for companies to acquire a Federal drilling permit when conducting geothermal exploration and production on non-Federal lands, if the Federal government owns less than 50% of the subsurface area. These activities will also be exempted from National Environmental Policy Act environmental reviews, and consultation requirements in the Endangered Species Act.

Resolution Supporting Rural America Passes House of Representatives

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the adoption of H. Res. 1182, Congressional Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) made this statement:

“The Western Caucus represents more than a region; it represents a way of life. This is just one example of what this Congress is doing to champion the communities that feed, fuel, and power our nation. We work tirelessly for rural America, and we’re not slowing down anytime soon,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

Legislative Digest

H.Res. 1182, the Supporting Rural America Resolution
Sponsor: Representative Clay Fuller (GA-14)
Summary: This resolution reasserts the importance of rural America to the economic success of the United States, and notes the Republican Majority's focus on supporting rural Americans throughout the 119th Congress.

Western Caucus Unanimously Supports Legislation to Encourage Prescribed Burns

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This afternoon, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6387, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act by a vote of 220-198. After the legislation earned the votes of every Member of the Congressional Western Caucus, Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and the bill's sponsor, Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08) released these statements:

“Wildfire prevention should be encouraged, not penalized. This bill modernizes the Clean Air Act so air quality standards reflect reality, not accounting errors. The results are clearer rules, smarter wildfire prevention, and fewer unfair regulatory hits on states and counties,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

“For years, Colorado's economy has been burdened by costly, poorly designed regulations that punish small businesses, employers, and families for emissions they can't control — raising costs, stifling job growth, and making it harder for communities to thrive. The FIRE Act is a commonsense solution that lowers costs, slashes red tape, restores fairness, incentivizes wildfire mitigation, and prioritizes practical preventative steps that protect public health while improving air quality,” said Representative Gabe Evans.

Legislative Digest

H.R. 6387, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act
Sponsor: Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08)
Co-sponsors: Gray (CA-13), Gosar (AZ-09), Crank (CO-05)
Summary: Expands the Clean Air Act's Exceptional Events Rule (EER) to allow for States to facilitate prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk, without having to worry that the smoke from those burns will cause them to violate National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

Natural Resources Committee Advances Three Western Caucus Bills

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources reported three of our Members' bills to the House:

H.R. 5911 – Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act – Vice Chair Jeff Hurd (CO-03)
H.R. 1687 – Committing Leases for Energy Access Now (CLEAN) Act – Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01)
H.R. 3756 – Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act of 2025 – Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02)

See what they have to say about these wins below.

“Momentum matters when fighting for American resources. Today ‘s progress moves us toward stronger infrastructure, dependable energy, and fair protections for American industries,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

"In Western Colorado, reliable water is essential to our communities, our agriculture, and our way of life. This legislation will allow the City of Ouray to take ownership of Crystal Reservoir, make needed repairs to the dam, and restore a critical water source that supports local needs, wildfire response, and recreation," said Vice Chair Jeff Hurd. “It is a practical, commonsense solution that puts this resource back in the hands of the people who rely on it every day. I appreciate Chairman Bruce Westerman’s support in advancing H.R. 5911 through markup, and I look forward to continuing to move this legislation forward to deliver real results for Western Colorado.”

"Geothermal has the potential to be a powerhouse for America. This clean, abundant resource can provide families with affordable, reliable electricity while diversifying our nation’s power portfolio and strengthening American energy independence. I am very pleased to see my bipartisan legislation, the CLEAN Act, H.R. 1687, clear committee, and I look forward to getting it on the House floor for passage," said Congressman Russ Fulcher.

Legislative Digest

H.R. 5911, the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act
Sponsor: Vice Chair Jeff Hurd (CO-03)
Summary: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Crystal Reservoir to the city of Ouray, Colorado. The conveyance will include the Full Moon Dam, Full Moon Ditch, a related lake, all infrastructure associated with the reservoir, 45 acres of U.S. Forest Service land considered necessary for the management of the Crystal Reservoir, and all of the federal water rights associated with it. After completion of the conveyance, the city of Ouray would become responsible for management of the land and infrastructure, and would be required to maintain the Federal Land in perpetuity for public access and recreation.

H.R. 1687, the Committing Leases for Energy Action Now (CLEAN) Act
Sponsor: Representative Russ Fulcher (ID-01)
Co-sponsors: Chair Maloy (UT-02), Executive Vice Chair Begich (AK-AL), Boebert (CO-04), Lee (NV-03)
Summary: Requires the Secretary of the Interior to hold annual lease sales for geothermal energy, including annual replacement sales for any geothermal lease that is canceled or delayed. Geothermal drilling permit applications must be responded to within 30 days of receipt, and any deferral must be accompanied by a list with specific reasons and steps to be taken by either the applicant or the agency before a final decision can be made.

H.R. 3756, the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act of 2025
Sponsor: Representative Dan Crenshaw (TX-02)
Co-sponsors: Executive Vice Chair Begich (AK-AL), Mace (SC-01), Magaziner (RI-02), Vindman (VA-07)
Summary: Establishes a blacklist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for foreign vessels that have been involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This list would be made public and used to impose sanctions on listed vessels and entities that support them, thereby barring them from using American ports and imposing financial penalties.

Second Day in a Row: Three Western Caucus Bills Pass through Suspension

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed three pieces of legislation sponsored by Members of the Congressional Western Caucus. Following passage, Chair Celeste Maloy and the bill sponsors issued the following statements.

H.R. 2493 – Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025 – Representative Buddy Carter (GA-01)
H.R. 3419 – Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act – Representative David Valadao (CA-22)
S.1020/H.R. 2072 – Build More Hydro Act – Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Chairman Emeritus Dan Newhouse (WA-04)

“A strong win for access, innovation, and communities that deserve more, not less. Expanding telehealth and supporting critical energy projects help bridge longstanding gaps in rural America, and bring high-quality resources closer to home,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

"Our Nation desperately needs more energy, and I am delighted to see the House advance legislation to the President’s desk that will build more hydroelectric dams. Once signed into law, this legislation will allow for the construction of nearly 40 projects totaling over 2.5 gigawatts of baseload power, improving grid reliability and lowering energy prices. I want to thank Senator Daines for his tireless work in moving this legislation unanimously through the Senate and for his continued efforts to build more hydropower," said Chairman Emeritus Dan Newhouse.

“In the Central Valley, access to telehealth can mean the difference between early treatment and a serious medical emergency,” said Representative David G. Valadao. “With a shortage of doctors, long wait times, and clinics often miles away, too many families are struggling to get the care they need. This bipartisan bill ensures continued funding to expand telehealth services and is a practical way to improve access, reduce delays, and bring care closer to home. I’m thankful to Chairman Guthrie for helping move this bill through the House and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it signed into law.”

Legislative Digest

H.R. 2493, the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025
Sponsor: Representative Buddy Carter (GA-01)
Co-sponsors: Rulli (OH-06), Figures (AL-02), Shrier (WA-08), Tokuda (HI-02), Vindman (CA-07)
Summary: Reauthorizes the Rural Health Services Outreach programs through Fiscal Year (FY) 2030. This program awards funds to consortiums of at least three health care providers to improve or expand health care services in rural areas.

H.R. 3419, the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act
Sponsor: Representative David G. Valadao (CA-22)
Co-sponsors: Gray (CA-13)
Summary: Reauthorizes grants for telehealth network and telehealth resource centers, in rural areas, through FY2030. These programs continue investment and recruitment of healthcare professionals in rural communities where access to health care is often limited - closing the geographic gaps that keep rural Americans from seeking preventative and life-saving care.

S. 1020, the Build More Hydro Act
Sponsor: Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)
Co-sponsors: Fetterman (D-PA), Cassidy (R-LA), Kennedy (R-LA), Murkowski (R-AK), Sheehy (R-MT), Sullivan (R-AK), McCormick (R-PA)
Summary: Allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend construction licenses for key hydroelectric dam repair projects delayed due to supply chain shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Repair project licenses issued before the pandemic would be authorized to extend up to six years beyond their initial timelines.

The House companion for this legislation is H.R.2072, sponsored by Chairman Emeritus Dan Newhouse (WA-04).

Three Western Caucus Bills Pass through Suspension Today

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed three pieces of legislation tracked by the Congressional Western Caucus and its Members. See below for statements from Chair Celeste Maloy and the bill sponsors about these wins.

H.R. 1681 – Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act - Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08)
H.R. 1343 – Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act - Representative August Pfluger (TX-11)
S. 98/H.R. 2399 – Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 - Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Representative Erin Houchin (IN-09)

“Real progress on closing the digital divide and bringing reliable connectivity to every corner of the country. With faster approvals, greater transparency, and a strong commitment to rural America, we’re working to make sure no community is left behind in the digital age,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

“It is time to close the digital divide and create a more connected future for all Americans, and the passage of my legislation today is a critical step to accomplishing this goal,” said Congressman August Pfluger. “By enhancing government accountability and accelerating broadband deployment, we're not just improving a process – we're investing in the future of our nation. The Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act will help ensure that investments in broadband expansion reach Americans more quickly and effectively.”

"Far too often, overburdensome federal regulations delay critical infrastructure projects—leaving rural communities behind. The Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act cuts through that red tape, speeds up approvals on federal lands, and helps ensure families and small businesses can access reliable, high-speed internet. I am proud to lead on this commonsense, bipartisan permitting reform legislation, and am thrilled to deliver this win for rural communities across Colorado and the country," said Congressman Gabe Evans.

Legislative Digest

H.R. 1681, the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act
Sponsor: Rep. Gabe Evans (CO-08)
Co-sponsors: Craig (MN-02), Vindman (VA-07)
Summary: Establishes an interagency strike force to assist in processing reviews for communication facilities projects on public lands by prioritizing such those reviews, and monitoring their progress when multiple agencies are involved. This strike force will be comprised of the head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the head of each Federal land management agency, and two additional individuals from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior.

H.R. 1343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act
Sponsor: Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11)
Co-sponsors: Soto (FL-09), Landsman (OH-01)
Summary: Requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to submit to Congress a plan for the creation of a system to track applications for communication facility projects as they are worked through the review process.

S. 98, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025
Sponsor: Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Co-sponsors: Klobuchar (D-MN), Curtis (R-UT), Peters (D-MI), Warnock (D-GA)
Summary: The FCC will be required to establish a vetting process for entities seeking to deploy and provide broadband services under the high-cost universal service program. This process must require the FCC to take into account an applicant's capabilities for deployment and broadband service, including their history of compliance with other government broadband funding programs.

The House companion for this legislation is H.R. 2399, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025, sponsored by Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09). H.R. 2399 was unanimously passed out of the House of Representatives on April 28, 2025.

Maloy, Pfluger Release Statement on House Passage of FENCES Act

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6409, the Foreign Emissions and Nonattainment Clarification for Economic Stability (FENCES) Act on a vote of 220-208. Following passage, Congressional Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Representative August Pfluger (TX-11), the sponsor of the legislation, released the following statements:

“American communities and manufacturers should not be penalized for pollution they didn't create. This bill fixes a broken system by excluding foreign emissions we can't control. It's common sense and real accountability,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

“The passage of my FENCES Act is a win for American businesses and workers who have been unfairly penalized for pollution beyond their control. By ensuring that foreign emissions and natural events, such as wildfires, are not counted against air monitoring data, this bill brings long-overdue fairness and certainty to the permitting process. This means fewer delays, lower costs for consumers, and more confidence for businesses looking to invest and create jobs. It is a practical, commonsense fix that protects our economy and the integrity of our air quality standards,” said Representative August Pfluger.

Legislative Digest

H.R. 6409, the Foreign Emissions and Nonattainment Clarification for Economic Stability (FENCES) Act
Sponsor: Representative August Pfluger (TX-11)
Co-sponsors: Crenshaw (TX-02), Crank (CO-05)
Summary: The Clean Air Act (CAA) currently contains a provision, Section 179B, allowing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve a State Implementation Plan (SIP) with a nonattainment area that a State can demonstrate is caused by emissions emanating from outside of the United States. This legislation would expand the Clean Air Act to allow a State to make such a demonstration at any point after the EPA has designated a nonattainment area, rather than requiring the development of a State Implementation Plan.

Vice Chair Stauber's CRA Resolution to Nullify Biden's Mining Ban Passes Senate

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate adopted H. J. Res. 140, a Congressional Review Act resolution sponsored by Congressional Western Caucus Vice Chair Pete Stauber (MN-08), on a vote of 50-49. Following passage, Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) made this statement:

“With the Senate's action today, the Republican Majority has sent twenty-three resolutions to President Trump's desk to peel back Biden regulations. Vice Chair Stauber's bill to re-open responsible energy and critical mineral production in Minnesota is exactly what America needs right now,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

Legislative Digest

H.J. Res. 140, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN
Sponsor: Vice Chair Pete Stauber (MN-08)
Co-sponsors: Finstad (MN-01), Chair Maloy (UT-02), Executive Vice Chair Begich (AK-AL), Luna (FL-13)
Summary: By using the Congressional Review Act, this joint resolution would reverse a 2023 order from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which withdrew 225,504 acres from mineral and geothermal leasing within the Superior National Forest in Minnesota.

Chair Maloy Applauds Release of EPA Water Reuse Action Plan

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the release of the Water Reuse Action Plan 2.0 earlier today. This initiative will focus on water reuse within domestic industries, especially advanced technologies and manufacturing. Following the Administrator's announcement, Congressional Western Caucus Chair Celeste Maloy (UT-02) released this statement:

“Big move by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today. WRAP 2.0 turns wastewater into opportunity: powering AI, boosting American industry, and protecting our water future. This is how you turn sustainability into American prosperity,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

Today's announcement can be found here. Additional information about the EPA's Water Reuse Action Plan 2.0 can be found here.

U.S. Forest Service Announces $248 Million in Secure Rural Schools Payments for 2025

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. Forest Service announced it will be issuing $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025. These payments contribute to the support of public schools, the maintenance of local roads, the enhancement of wildfire preparedness, and the provision of other essential services in rural communities. Below are our Members statements on the announcement.

“Secure Rural Schools is a lifeline for rural America. Today, the federal government is recognizing its obligation to serve the communities that are surrounded by the land it manages,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

“The Forest Service’s announcement of $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025 is welcome news for rural communities across the West. These funds will help to ensure counties can fund schools, maintain roads, and provide public safety services despite the challenges of managing untaxable federal lands,” said Executive Vice Chair Nick Begich. “Secure Rural Schools has been a critical bridge for timber-dependent communities, and the Western Caucus will continue advocating for a long-term reauthorization that provides certainty and stability for our rural communities.”

“The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act isn’t just an education issue; it’s about investing in the future of rural America and supporting communities surrounded by federal forests,” said Vice Chair Bruce Westerman. “Many of my constituents in the Fourth District share my belief that our rural schools must be supported in a way that allows them to play a role as a community hub while also supporting our timber industry – the lifeblood for many of our communities across the Natural State. Today’s news is certainly a victory for rural schools across Arkansas and the nation.”

“This is important for rural communities across Colorado’s Third District that depend on Secure Rural Schools funding to support core services, including schools, roads, and public safety. Counties with large amounts of federal land have been operating at a disadvantage for too long, and these payments help close that gap so they can meet the needs of their residents. I will keep working to bring long term certainty to SRS and make sure rural Colorado is not overlooked,” said Vice Chair Jeff Hurd.

“This law, and the funding it provides, was designed to partially offset the massive decline in federal timber revenue. It provides a modest amount of funding for critical services including infrastructure maintenance (roads), wildfire mitigation, conservation projects, search and rescue operations, fire prevention initiatives, and most importantly, money for children’s education,” said Vice Chair Cliff Bentz.

"As a longtime supporter of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, I was pleased to support the SRS Reauthorization Act of 2025. This program has provided vital funding to build and fortify schools, roads, and other municipal services to more than seven hundred counties across the country and to Washington's Fourth District, including Klickitat, Okanogan, and Yakima counties," said Chairman Emeritus Dan Newhouse. "When funding for this program lapsed in 2023, schools closed, road and bridge maintenance was delayed, and public safety was jeopardized. I am thankful that now we have bipartisan support for our rural communities to ensure a lapse in funding does not happen again."

“Secure Rural Schools has been a vital program for communities and school districts in and around National Forest System land since its inception over two decades ago. Since payments were halted in 2023, communities across the country, including many throughout Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District, have faced deep uncertainty while waiting for the federal government to fulfill this obligation. I am pleased to see this release of funding finally underway and remain committed to working with my colleagues to ensure the federal government continues to deliver these essential wins for rural America,” said Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson.

“As someone who voted to reauthorize the ‘Secure Rural Schools’ program, I am glad to see these funds flow to Ninth District communities. It is not right for rural communities to miss out on property tax revenue from public lands that could be used for local schools and roads. I am glad that the ‘Secure Rural Schools’ program provides some relief to localities that contain tracts of federally owned national forest,” said Representative H. Morgan Griffith.

“Rural counties across Idaho depend on the Secure Rural Schools program. I'm pleased to see these funds allocated to help Idaho schools, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. As a longtime supporter of the SRS program, I have been proud to advocate for critical funding alongside my Idaho colleagues, and we will continue to fight for a long-term solution,” said Representative Mike Simpson.

"Wisconsin is home to more than 1.5 million acres of federal forest land, and the Secure Rural Schools program helps ensure rural students and families aren’t left behind because of where they live. With this support, more rural communities can keep their schools open, maintain their roads, and keep emergency services running,” said Representative Tom Tiffany.

"Federal programs like SRS are vital to rural communities across America–including my home state of Idaho–where a significant portion of land is owned by the federal government. However, this funding has grown increasingly difficult to garner support for in the U.S. Congress, as states without vast federal landholdings often view this program as a subsidy. I am grateful to Speaker Johnson and House Republican Leadership for their collaborative efforts with my office to get legislation to provide payments through Fiscal Year 2026—in addition to lapsed payments for 2024 and 2025—on the House floor and passed. While I am very pleased to see these funds released, I will continue to advocate for a long-term solution in Congress," said Representative Russ Fulcher.

Policy Overview

The Secure Rural Schools program was signed into law in 2000 to provide payments to States and counties, especially in the Western United States, who had previously received substantial revenues from timber sales, grazing permits, recreation, and other Federal land uses. These revenues, especially those generated from timber sales, declined substantially in the 1990s, creating significant budgetary issues for local governments which SRS sought to counteract. Both the payments from this program and the revenues they are intended to replace were primarily designated for public schools and roads.

This program has been continuously reauthorized by Congress since its original passage, although not always on time. Most recently, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 was introduced by the late Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO), Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). It was signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18, 2025. This legislation reauthorized SRS for FY2024 through FY2026, including necessary retroactive payments because the program had expired.

Read more about the U.S. Forest Service announcement here. If you want to know more about the Secure Rural School program, please visit the information page, here.