CHAPTER 51—ALASKA NATIONAL INTEREST LANDS CONSERVATION

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER II—SUBSISTENCE MANAGEMENT AND USE

        

SUBCHAPTER III—FEDERAL NORTH SLOPE LANDS STUDIES, OIL AND GAS LEASING PROGRAM AND MINERAL ASSESSMENTS

        

SUBCHAPTER IV—TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITY SYSTEMS IN AND ACROSS, AND ACCESS INTO, CONSERVATION SYSTEM UNITS

        

SUBCHAPTER V—FEDERAL-STATE COOPERATION

        

SUBCHAPTER VI—ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER VII—NATIONAL NEED MINERAL ACTIVITY RECOMMENDATION PROCESS

        

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 13580. Interagency Working Group on Coordination of Domestic Energy Development and Permitting in Alaska

Ex. Ord. No. 13580, July 12, 2011, 76 F.R. 41989, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to establish an interagency working group to coordinate the efforts of Federal agencies responsible for overseeing the safe and responsible development of onshore and offshore energy resources and associated infrastructure in Alaska and to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. Interagency coordination is important for the safe, responsible, and efficient development of oil and natural gas resources in Alaska, both onshore and on the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), while protecting human health and the environment, as well as indigenous populations. A number of executive departments and agencies (agencies) are charged with ensuring that resource development projects in Alaska comply with health, safety, and environmental protection standards. To formalize and promote ongoing interagency coordination, this order establishes a high-level, interagency working group that will facilitate coordinated and efficient domestic energy development and permitting in Alaska while ensuring that all applicable standards are fully met.

Sec. 2. Establishment. There is established an Interagency Working Group on Coordination of Domestic Energy Development and Permitting in Alaska (Working Group), led by the Department of the Interior.

Sec. 3. Membership. (a) The Deputy Secretary of the Interior shall serve as Chair of the Working Group and coordinate its work. The Working Group shall also include deputy-level representatives or officials at the equivalent level, designated by the head of the respective agency, from:

(i) the Department of Defense;

(ii) the Department of Commerce;

(iii) the Department of Agriculture;

(iv) the Department of Energy;

(v) the Department of Homeland Security;

(vi) the Environmental Protection Agency; and

(vii) the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.

(b) The Domestic Policy Council shall work closely with the Chair of the Working Group and assist in the interagency coordination functions described in section 4 of this order. To maximize coordination with National Security Policy Directive-66 (NSPD-66), "Arctic Region Policy;" Executive Order 13547 of July 19, 2010 ("Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes"); the National Response Framework; the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (National Contingency Plan); and other relevant Federal policy initiatives, the Working Group shall also include deputy-level representatives or officials at the equivalent level, designated by the head of the respective agency or office, from:

(i) the Council on Environmental Quality;

(ii) the Office of Science and Technology Policy;

(iii) the Office of Management and Budget; and

(iv) the National Security Staff.

(c) The Working Group shall consult with other agencies and offices, as appropriate, in order to facilitate the sharing of information and best practices.

(d) Members of the Working Group shall meet periodically and on a schedule coordinated with significant milestones in the various permitting cycles. Staff from the participating agencies shall meet as appropriate to facilitate the functions of the Working Group.

Sec. 4. Functions. Consistent with the authorities and responsibilities of participating agencies, the Working Group shall perform the following functions:

(a) facilitate orderly and efficient decisionmaking regarding the issuance of permits and conduct of environmental reviews for onshore and offshore energy development projects in Alaska;

(b) ensure that the schedules and progress of agency regulatory and permitting activities are coordinated appropriately, that they operate efficiently and effectively, and that agencies assist one another, as appropriate;

(c) facilitate the sharing of application and project information among agencies, including information regarding anticipated timelines and milestones;

(d) ensure the sharing and integrity of scientific and environmental information and cultural and traditional knowledge among agencies to support the permit evaluation process of onshore and offshore energy development projects in Alaska;

(e) engage in longterm planning and ensure coordination with the appropriate Federal entities related to such issues as oil spill prevention, preparedness and response, and the development of necessary infrastructure to adequately support energy development in Alaska;

(f) coordinate Federal engagement with States, localities, and tribal governments, as it relates to energy development and permitting issues in Alaska, including:

(i) designating a primary point of contact to facilitate coordination with the State of Alaska;

(ii) designating a primary point of contact to facilitate coordination with local communities, governments, tribes, co-management organizations, and similar Alaska Native organizations;

(g) collaborate on stakeholder outreach; and

(h) promote interagency dialogue with respect to communications with industry regarding Alaska offshore and onshore energy development and permitting issues.

Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(b) The Department of the Interior shall provide administrative support for the Working Group to the extent permitted by law.

(c) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Barack Obama.      

[Reference to the National Security Staff deemed to be a reference to the National Security Council Staff, see Ex. Ord. No. 13657, set out as a note under section 3021 of Title 50, War and National Defense.]

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

§3101. Congressional statement of purpose

(a) Establishment of units

In order to preserve for the benefit, use, education, and inspiration of present and future generations certain lands and waters in the State of Alaska that contain nationally significant natural, scenic, historic, archeological, geological, scientific, wilderness, cultural, recreational, and wildlife values, the units described in the following titles are hereby established.

(b) Preservation and protection of scenic, geological, etc., values

It is the intent of Congress in this Act to preserve unrivaled scenic and geological values associated with natural landscapes; to provide for the maintenance of sound populations of, and habitat for, wildlife species of inestimable value to the citizens of Alaska and the Nation, including those species dependent on vast relatively undeveloped areas; to preserve in their natural state extensive unaltered arctic tundra, boreal forest, and coastal rainforest ecosystems; to protect the resources related to subsistence needs; to protect and preserve historic and archeological sites, rivers, and lands, and to preserve wilderness resource values and related recreational opportunities including but not limited to hiking, canoeing, fishing, and sport hunting, within large arctic and subarctic wildlands and on freeflowing rivers; and to maintain opportunities for scientific research and undisturbed ecosystems.

(c) Subsistence way of life for rural residents

It is further the intent and purpose of this Act consistent with management of fish and wildlife in accordance with recognized scientific principles and the purposes for which each conservation system unit is established, designated, or expanded by or pursuant to this Act, to provide the opportunity for rural residents engaged in a subsistence way of life to continue to do so.

(d) Need for future legislation obviated

This Act provides sufficient protection for the national interest in the scenic, natural, cultural and environmental values on the public lands in Alaska, and at the same time provides adequate opportunity for satisfaction of the economic and social needs of the State of Alaska and its people; accordingly, the designation and disposition of the public lands in Alaska pursuant to this Act are found to represent a proper balance between the reservation of national conservation system units and those public lands necessary and appropriate for more intensive use and disposition, and thus Congress believes that the need for future legislation designating new conservation system units, new national conservation areas, or new national recreation areas, has been obviated thereby.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title I, §101, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2374.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The following titles, referred to in subsec. (a), mean titles II to XV of Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, §§201–1503, 94 Stat. 2377–2551. For complete classification of these titles to the Code, see Tables.

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (b) to (d), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Pub. L. 96–487, §1, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter, sections 410hh to 410hh–5, 460mm to 460mm–4, 539 to 539e, and 1285b of this title, and sections 1631 to 1641 and 1784 of Title 43, Public Lands, amending sections 410bb, 1274, 1276, 1279, and 1280 of this title and sections 1602, 1606, 1607, 1611, 1613, 1614, 1620, and 1621 of Title 43, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 431, 668dd, 1132, 1274, and 3145 of this title and sections 1605, 1613, and 1618 of Title 43, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1611 and 1613 of Title 43 and preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions] may be cited as the 'Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act'."

§3102. Definitions

As used in this Act (except that in titles IX and XIV the following terms shall have the same meaning as they have in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], and the Alaska Statehood Act)—

(1) The term "land" means lands, waters, and interests therein.

(2) The term "Federal land" means lands the title to which is in the United States after December 2, 1980.

(3) The term "public lands" means land situated in Alaska which, after December 2, 1980, are Federal lands, except—

(A) land selections of the State of Alaska which have been tentatively approved or validly selected under the Alaska Statehood Act and lands which have been confirmed to, validly selected by, or granted to the Territory of Alaska or the State under any other provision of Federal law;

(B) land selections of a Native Corporation made under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.] which have not been conveyed to a Native Corporation, unless any such selection is determined to be invalid or is relinquished; and

(C) lands referred to in section 19(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1618(b)].

(4) The term "conservation system unit" means any unit in Alaska of the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, National Wild and Scenic Rivers Systems, National Trails System, National Wilderness Preservation System, or a National Forest Monument including existing units, units established, designated, or expanded by or under the provisions of this Act, additions to such units, and any such unit established, designated, or expanded hereafter.

(5) The term "Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act" means "An Act to provide for the settlement of certain land claims of Alaska Natives, and for other purposes", approved December 18, 1971 (85 Stat. 688), as amended [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.].

(6) The term "Native Corporation" means any Regional Corporation, any Village Corporation, any Urban Corporation, and any Native Group.

(7) The term "Regional Corporation" has the same meaning as such term has under section 3(g) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1602(g)].

(8) The term "Village Corporation" has the same meaning as such term has under section 3(j) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1602(j)].

(9) The term "Urban Corporation" means those Native entities which have incorporated pursuant to section 14(h)(3) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1613(h)(3)].

(10) The term "Native Group" has the same meaning as such term has under sections 3(d) and 14(h)(2) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1602(d) and 1613(h)(2)].

(11) The term "Native land" means land owned by a Native Corporation or any Native Group and includes land which, as of December 2, 1980, had been selected under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.] by a Native Corporation or Native Group and had not been conveyed by the Secretary (except to the extent such selection is determined to be invalid or has been relinquished) and land referred to in section 19(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1618(b)].

(12) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior, except that when such term is used with respect to any unit of the National Forest System, such term means the Secretary of Agriculture.

(13) The terms "wilderness" and "National Wilderness Preservation System" have the same meaning as when used in the Wilderness Act (78 Stat. 890) [16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.].

(14) The term "Alaska Statehood Act" means the Act entitled "An Act to provide for the admission of the State of Alaska into the Union", approved July 7, 1958 (72 Stat. 339), as amended.

(15) The term "State" means the state of Alaska.

(16) The term "Alaska Native" or "Native" has the same meaning as the term "Native" has in section 3(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1602(b)].

(17) The term "fish and wildlife" means any member of the animal kingdom, including without limitation any mammal, fish, bird (including any migratory, nonmigratory or endangered bird for which protection is also afforded by treaty or other international agreement), amphibian, reptile, mollusk, crustacean, arthropod or other invertebrate, and includes any part, product, egg, or offspring thereof, or the dead body or part thereof.

(18) The term "take" or "taking" as used with respect to fish or wildlife, means to pursue, hunt, shoot, trap, net capture, collect, kill, harm, or attempt to engage in any such conduct.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title I, §102, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2375; Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §316(b)(2), (d), Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1592, 1595.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in provision preceding par. (1) and in par. (4), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. Title IX of this Act enacted sections 1631 to 1638 of Title 43, Public Lands, amended sections 1614 and 1620 of Title 43, and amended provisions set out as notes under section 1611 of Title 43 and preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. Title XIV of this Act enacted sections 1639 to 1641 of Title 43, amended sections 1602, 1606, 1607, 1611, 1613, 1620, and 1621 of Title 43, enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 1605, 1613, and 1618 of Title 43, and amended provisions set out as notes under sections 1611 and 1613 of Title 43. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in provision preceding par. (1) and in pars. (3)(B), (C)(5), and (11), is Pub. L. 92–203, Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 688, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1601 et seq.) of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1601 of Title 43 and Tables.

The Alaska Statehood Act, referred to in provision preceding par. (1) and in pars. (3)(A) and (14), is Pub. L. 85–508, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 339, which is set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Wilderness Act, referred to in par. (13), is Pub. L. 88–577, Sept. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 890, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§1131 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1131 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1997—Par. (2). Pub. L. 105–83, §316(b)(2), which directed the amendment of par. (2) generally, to read as follows: "The term 'Federal land' means lands the title to which is in the United States after December 2, 1980. 'Federal land' does not include lands the title to which is in the State, an Alaska Native corporation, or other private ownership.", was repealed by Pub. L. 105–83, §316(d). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment note below.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §316(d), Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1595, provided that: "Unless and until laws are adopted in the State of Alaska which provide for the definition, preference, and participation specified in sections 803, 804, and 805 [sections 3113 to 3115 of this title] of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.), the amendments made by subsection (b) of this section [amending this section and sections 3111, 3113 to 3115, 3117, 3124, and 3125 of this title] shall be effective only for the purposes of determining whether the State's laws provide for such definition, preference, and participation. The Secretary shall certify before December 1, 1998 if such laws have been adopted in the State of Alaska. Subsection (b) shall be repealed on such date if such laws have not been adopted." [The State of Alaska did not adopt laws specified above by Dec. 1, 1998.]

Savings Clause

Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §316(c), Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1595, provided that: "No provision of this section [amending this section and sections 3111, 3113 to 3115, 3117, 3124, and 3125 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section], amendment made by this section, or exercise of authority pursuant to this section may be construed to validate, invalidate, or in any way affect—

"(1) any assertion that an Alaska Native organization (including a federally recognized tribe, traditional Alaska Native council, or Alaska Native council organized pursuant to the Act of June 18, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 461 et seq.) [now 25 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.], as amended) has or does not have governmental authority over lands (including management of, or regulation of the taking of, fish and wildlife) or persons within the boundaries of the State of Alaska;

"(2) any assertion that Indian country, as defined in section 1151 of title 18, United States Code, exists or does not exist within the boundaries of the State of Alaska;

"(3) any assertion that the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) is or is not Indian law; or

"(4) the authority of the Secretary of the Interior under section 1314(c) of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3202(c))."

Moratorium on Federal Management of Subsistence Uses in Alaska

Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(e) [title III, §339], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–231, 2681-295, provided that:

["(a) Repealed. Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(e) [title III, §339(b)(2)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–231, 2681-295]

"(b) Subsection (a) Repealed.—

"(1) The Secretary of the Interior shall certify before October 1, 1999, if a bill or resolution has been passed by the Alaska State Legislature to amend the Constitution of the State of Alaska that, if approved by the electorate, would enable the implementation of state laws of general applicability consistent with, and which provide for the definition, preference, and participation specified in sections 803, 804, and 805 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 3113, 3114, 3115].

"(2) Subsection (a) shall be repealed on October 1, 1999, unless prior to that date the Secretary of the Interior makes such a certification described in paragraph (1). [A certification was not made prior to Oct. 1, 1999.]

"(c) Technical Amendments to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.—[Amended section 3115 of this title.]

"(d) Effect on Tidal and Submerged Land.—Nothing in this section invalidates, validates, or in any other way affects any claim of the State of Alaska to title to any tidal or submerged land in Alaska."

Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §316(a), Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1592, provided that: "None of the funds made available to the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture by this or any other Act hereafter enacted may be used prior to December 1, 1998 to issue or implement final regulations, rules, or policies pursuant to title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.] to assert jurisdiction, management, or control over the navigable waters transferred to the State of Alaska pursuant to the Submerged Lands Act of 1953 [43 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.] or the Alaska Statehood Act of 1959 [Pub. L. 85–508, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions]."

§3103. Maps

(a) Filing and availability for inspection; discrepancies; coastal areas

The boundary maps described in this Act shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture with regard to the National Forest System. In the event of discrepancies between the acreages specified in this Act and those depicted on such maps, the maps shall be controlling, but the boundaries of areas added to the National Park, Wildlife Refuge and National Forest Systems shall, in coastal areas not extend seaward beyond the mean high tide line to include lands owned by the State of Alaska unless the State shall have concurred in such boundary extension and such extension is accomplished under the notice and reporting requirements of this Act.

(b) Changes in land management status; publication in Federal Register; filing; clerical errors; boundary features and adjustments

As soon as practicable after December 2, 1980, a map and legal description of each change in land management status effected by this Act, including the National Wilderness Preservation System, shall be published in the Federal Register and filed with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, and each such description shall have the same force and effect as if included in this Act: Provided, however, That correction of clerical and typographical errors in each such legal description and map may be made. Each such map and legal description shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary. Whenever possible boundaries shall follow hydrographic divides or embrace other topographic or natural features. Following reasonable notice in writing to the Congress of his intention to do so the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture may make minor adjustments in the boundaries of the areas added to or established by this Act as units of National Park, Wildlife Refuge, Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Wilderness Preservation, and National Forest Systems and as national conservation areas and national recreation areas. For the purposes of this subsection, a minor boundary adjustment shall not increase or decrease the amount of land within any such area by more than 23,000 acres.

(c) Lands included within unit; acquisition of land by Secretary

Only those lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit which are public lands (as such term is defined in this Act) shall be deemed to be included as a portion of such unit. No lands which, before, on, or after December 2, 1980, are conveyed to the State, to any Native Corporation, or to any private party shall be subject to the regulations applicable solely to public lands within such units. If the State, a Native Corporation, or other owner desires to convey any such lands, the Secretary may acquire such lands in accordance with applicable law (including this Act), and any such lands shall become part of the unit, and be administered accordingly.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title I, §103, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2376.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

SUBCHAPTER II—SUBSISTENCE MANAGEMENT AND USE

§3111. Congressional declaration of findings

The Congress finds and declares that—

(1) the continuation of the opportunity for subsistence uses by rural residents of Alaska, including both Natives and non-Natives, on the public lands and by Alaska Natives on Native lands is essential to Native physical, economic, traditional, and cultural existence and to non-Native physical, economic, traditional, and social existence;

(2) the situation in Alaska is unique in that, in most cases, no practical alternative means are available to replace the food supplies and other items gathered from fish and wildlife which supply rural residents dependent on subsistence uses;

(3) continuation of the opportunity for subsistence uses of resources on public and other lands in Alaska is threatened by the increasing population of Alaska, with resultant pressure on subsistence resources, by sudden decline in the populations of some wildlife species which are crucial subsistence resources, by increased accessibility of remote areas containing subsistence resources, and by taking of fish and wildlife in a manner inconsistent with recognized principles of fish and wildlife management;

(4) in order to fulfill the policies and purposes of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.] and as a matter of equity, it is necessary for the Congress to invoke its constitutional authority over Native affairs and its constitutional authority under the property clause and the commerce clause to protect and provide the opportunity for continued subsistence uses on the public lands by Native and non-Native rural residents; and

(5) the national interest in the proper regulation, protection, and conservation of fish and wildlife on the public lands in Alaska and the continuation of the opportunity for a subsistence way of life by residents of rural Alaska require that an administrative structure be established for the purpose of enabling rural residents who have personal knowledge of local conditions and requirements to have a meaningful role in the management of fish and wildlife and of subsistence uses on the public lands in Alaska.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §801, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2422; Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §316(b)(3), (d), Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1592, 1595.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in par. (4), is Pub. L. 92–203, Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 688, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1601 et seq.) of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1601 of Title 43 and Tables.

Amendments

1997—Pub. L. 105–83, §316(b)(3), which directed the designation of existing provisions as subsec. (a) and the addition of subsec. (b) relating to further congressional findings as to subsistence use of public lands by rural residents of Alaska, was repealed by Pub. L. 105–83, §316(d). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment note below.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment

Until laws are adopted in Alaska which provide for definition, preference, and participation specified in sections 3113 to 3115 of this title, amendment by Pub. L. 105–83 was effective only for purpose of determining whether State's laws provide for such definition, preference, and participation, and such amendment was repealed on Dec. 1, 1998, because such laws had not been adopted, see section 316(d) of Pub. L. 105–83 set out as a note under section 3102 of this title.

§3112. Congressional statement of policy

It is hereby declared to be the policy of Congress that—

(1) consistent with sound management principles, and the conservation of healthy populations of fish and wildlife, the utilization of the public lands in Alaska is to cause the least adverse impact possible on rural residents who depend upon subsistence uses of the resources of such lands; consistent with management of fish and wildlife in accordance with recognized scientific principles and the purposes for each unit established, designated, or expanded by or pursuant to titles II through VII of this Act, the purpose of this subchapter is to provide the opportunity for rural residents engaged in a subsistence way of life to do so;

(2) nonwasteful subsistence uses of fish and wildlife and other renewable resources shall be the priority consumptive uses of all such resources on the public lands of Alaska when it is necessary to restrict taking in order to assure the continued viability of a fish or wildlife population or the continuation of subsistence uses of such population, the taking of such population for nonwasteful subsistence uses shall be given preference on the public lands over other consumptive uses; and

(3) except as otherwise provided by this Act or other Federal laws, Federal land managing agencies, in managing subsistence activities on the public lands and in protecting the continued viability of all wild renewable resources in Alaska, shall cooperate with adjacent landowners and land managers, including Native Corporations, appropriate State and Federal agencies, and other nations.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §802, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2422.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in pars. (1) and (3), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. Titles II through VII of this Act enacted sections 410hh to 410hh–5, 460mm to 460mm–3, 539 to 539e, and 1285b of this title, amended sections 1274, 1276, 1279, and 1280 of this title, enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 668dd, 1132, 1274, and 3145 of this title, and enacted provisions listed in a table of National Monuments Established Under Presidential Proclamation set out under section 320301 of Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3113. Definitions

As used in this Act, the term "subsistence uses" means the customary and traditional uses by rural Alaska residents of wild, renewable resources for direct personal or family consumption as food, shelter, fuel, clothing, tools, or transportation; for the making and selling of handicraft articles out of nonedible byproducts of fish and wildlife resources taken for personal or family consumption; for barter, or sharing for personal or family consumption; and for customary trade. For the purposes of this section, the term—

(1) "family" means all persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, or any person living within the household on a permanent basis; and

(2) "barter" means the exchange of fish or wildlife or their parts, taken for subsistence uses—

(A) for other fish or game or their parts; or

(B) for other food or for nonedible items other than money if the exchange is of a limited and noncommercial nature.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §803, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2423; Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §316(b)(4), (d), Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1593, 1595.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in provision preceding par. (1), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1997—Pars. (3) to (5). Pub. L. 105–83, §316(b)(4), which directed the addition of pars. (3) to (5) was repealed by Pub. L. 105–83, §316(d). Pars. (3) to (5) read as follows:

"(3) 'customary and traditional uses' means the noncommercial, long-term, and consistent taking of, use of, or reliance upon fish and wildlife in a specific area and the patterns and practices of taking or use of that fish and wildlife that have been established over a reasonable period of time, taking into consideration the availability of the fish and wildlife;

"(4) 'customary trade' means, except for money sales of furs and furbearers, the limited noncommercial exchange for money of fish and wildlife or their parts in minimal quantities; and

"(5) 'rural Alaska resident' means a resident of a rural community or area. A 'rural community or area' means a community or area substantially dependent on fish and wildlife for nutritional and other subsistence uses." See Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment note below.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment

Until laws are adopted in Alaska which provide for definition, preference, and participation specified in sections 3113 to 3115 of this title, amendment by Pub. L. 105–83 was effective only for purpose of determining whether State's laws provide for such definition, preference, and participation, and such amendment was repealed on Dec. 1, 1998, because such laws had not been adopted, see section 316(d) of Pub. L. 105–83 set out as a note under section 3102 of this title.

§3114. Preference for subsistence uses

Except as otherwise provided in this Act and other Federal laws, the taking on public lands of fish and wildlife for nonwasteful subsistence uses shall be accorded priority over the taking on such lands of fish and wildlife for other purposes. Whenever it is necessary to restrict the taking of populations of fish and wildlife on such lands for subsistence uses in order to protect the continued viability of such populations, or to continue such uses, such priority shall be implemented through appropriate limitations based on the application of the following criteria:

(1) customary and direct dependence upon the populations as the mainstay of livelihood;

(2) local residency; and

(3) the availability of alternative resources.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §804, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2423; Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §316(b)(5), (d), Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1593, 1595.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1997—Pub. L. 105–83, §316(b)(5), which directed the designation of existing provisions as subsec. (a) and the addition of subsec. (b) reading as follows: "The priority granted by this section is for a reasonable opportunity to take fish and wildlife. For the purposes of this subsection, the term 'reasonable opportunity' means an opportunity, consistent with customary and traditional uses (as defined in section 3113(3) of this title), to participate in a subsistence hunt or fishery with a reasonable expectation of success, and does not mean a guarantee that fish and wildlife will be taken." was repealed by Pub. L. 105–83, §316(d). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment note below.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment

Until laws are adopted in Alaska which provide for definition, preference, and participation specified in sections 3113 to 3115 of this title, amendment by Pub. L. 105–83 was effective only for purpose of determining whether State's laws provide for such definition, preference, and participation, and such amendment was repealed on Dec. 1, 1998, because such laws had not been adopted, see section 316(d) of Pub. L. 105–83 set out as a note under section 3102 of this title.

§3115. Local and regional participation

(a) Establishment of subsistence resources regions, local advisory committees, and regional advisory councils; membership, duties, and authority of regional advisory councils

Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, the Secretary in consultation with the State shall establish—

(1) at least six Alaska subsistence resource regions which, taken together, include all public lands. The number and boundaries of the regions shall be sufficient to assure that regional differences in subsistence uses are adequately accommodated;

(2) such local advisory committees within each region as he finds necessary at such time as he may determine, after notice and hearing, that the existing State fish and game advisory committees do not adequately perform the functions of the local committee system set forth in paragraph (3)(D)(iv) of this subsection; and

(3) a regional advisory council in each subsistence resource region.

Each regional advisory council shall be composed of residents of the region and shall have the following authority:

(A) the review and evaluation of proposals for regulations, policies, management plans, and other matters relating to subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within the region;

(B) the provision of a forum for the expression of opinions and recommendations by persons interested in any matter related to subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within the region;

(C) the encouragement of local and regional participation pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter in the decisionmaking process affecting the taking of fish and wildlife on the public lands within the region for subsistence uses;

(D) the preparation of an annual report to the Secretary which shall contain—

(i) an identification of current and anticipated subsistence uses of fish and wildlife populations within the region;

(ii) an evaluation of current and anticipated subsistence needs for fish and wildlife populations within the region;

(iii) a recommended strategy for the management of fish and wildlife populations within the region to accommodate such subsistence uses and needs; and

(iv) recommendations concerning policies, standards, guidelines, and regulations to implement the strategy. The State fish and game advisory committees or such local advisory committees as the Secretary may establish pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection may provide advice to, and assist, the regional advisory councils in carrying out the functions set forth in this paragraph.

(b) Assignment of staff and distribution of data

The Secretary shall assign adequate qualified staff to the regional advisory councils and make timely distribution of all available relevant technical and scientific support data to the regional advisory councils and the State fish and game advisory committees or such local advisory committees as the Secretary may establish pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (a).

(c) Consideration of reports and recommendations of regional advisory councils

The Secretary, in performing his monitoring responsibility pursuant to section 3116 of this title and in the exercise of his closure and other administrative authority over the public lands, shall consider the report and recommendations of the regional advisory councils concerning the taking of fish and wildlife on the public lands within their respective regions for subsistence uses. The Secretary may choose not to follow any recommendation which he determines is not supported by substantial evidence, violates recognized principles of fish and wildlife conservation, or would be detrimental to the satisfaction of subsistence needs. If a recommendation is not adopted by the Secretary, he shall set forth the factual basis and the reasons for his decision.

(d) Supersedure by enactment and implementation of State laws governing State responsibility; consideration of recommendations by State rulemaking authority

The Secretary shall not implement subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section if the State enacts and implements laws of general applicability which are consistent with, and which provide for the definition, preference, and participation specified in, sections 3113, 3114, and 3115 of this title, such laws, unless and until repealed, shall supersede such sections insofar as such sections govern State responsibility pursuant to this subchapter for the taking of fish and wildlife on the public lands for subsistence uses. Laws establishing a system of local advisory committees and regional advisory councils consistent with this section shall provide that the State rulemaking authority shall consider the advice and recommendations of the regional councils concerning the taking of fish and wildlife populations on public lands within their respective regions for subsistence uses. The regional councils may present recommendations, and the evidence upon which such recommendations are based, to the State rulemaking authority during the course of the administrative proceedings of such authority. The State rulemaking authority may choose not to follow any recommendation which it determines is not supported by substantial evidence presented during the course of its administrative proceedings, violates recognized principles of fish and wildlife conservation or would be detrimental to the satisfaction of rural subsistence needs. If a recommendation is not adopted by the State rulemaking authority, such authority shall set forth the factual basis and the reasons for its decision.

(e) Reimbursement to State; limitation; report to Congress

(1) The Secretary shall reimburse the State, from funds appropriated to the Department of the Interior for such purposes, for reasonable costs relating to the establishment and operation of the regional advisory councils established by the State in accordance with subsection (d) and the operation of the State fish and game advisory committees so long as such committees are not superseded by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (a). Such reimbursement may not exceed 50 per centum of such costs in any fiscal year. Such costs shall be verified in a statement which the Secretary determines to be adequate and accurate. Sums paid under this subsection shall be in addition to any grants, payments, or other sums to which the State is entitled from appropriations to the Department of the Interior.

(2) Total payments to the State under this subsection shall not exceed the sum of $5,000,000 in any one fiscal year. The Secretary shall advise the Congress at least once in every five years as to whether or not the maximum payments specified in this subsection are adequate to ensure the effectiveness of the program established by the State to provide the preference for subsistence uses of fish and wildlife set forth in section 3114 of this title.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §805, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2424; Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §316(b)(6), (d), Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1593, 1595; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(e) [title III, §339(c)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–231, 2681-296.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(e) [title III, §339(c)(1)], struck out "one year after December 2, 1980," before "the Secretary" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(e) [title III, §339(c)(2)], struck out "within one year from December 2, 1980," before "the State enacts" in first sentence.

1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–83, §316(b)(6)(A), which directed the amendment of subsec. (a) by striking out "one year after December 2, 1980," before "the Secretary" in introductory provisions, was repealed by Pub. L. 105–83, §316(d). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–83, §316(b)(6)(B), which directed the amendment of subsec. (d) generally to provide for supersedure by enactment and implementation of State laws governing State responsibility, consideration of recommendations by State rulemaking authority, and for the creation of regional advisory councils, was repealed by Pub. L. 105–83, §316(d). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment note below.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment

Until laws are adopted in Alaska which provide for definition, preference, and participation specified in sections 3113 to 3115 of this title, amendment by Pub. L. 105–83 was effective only for purpose of determining whether State's laws provide for such definition, preference, and participation, and such amendment was repealed on Dec. 1, 1998, because such laws had not been adopted, see section 316(d) of Pub. L. 105–83 set out as a note under section 3102 of this title.

Termination of Advisory Councils

Advisory councils established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a council established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such council is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a council established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law. See sections 1001(2) and 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§3116. Federal monitoring; reports to State and Congressional committees

The Secretary shall monitor the provisions by the State of the subsistence preference set forth in section 3114 of this title and shall advise the State and the Committees on Natural Resources and on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Energy and Natural Resources and Environment and Public Works of the Senate annually and at such other times as he deems necessary of his views on the effectiveness of the implementation of this subchapter including the State's provision of such preference, any exercise of his closure or other administrative authority to protect subsistence resources or uses, the views of the State, and any recommendations he may have.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §806, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2425; Pub. L. 103–437, §6(y), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4587.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–437 substituted "the Committees on Natural Resources" for "Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Abolition of House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries

Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of House of Representatives abolished and its jurisdiction transferred by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995. Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Resources of House of Representatives in case of provisions relating to fisheries, wildlife, international fishing agreements, marine affairs (including coastal zone management) except for measures relating to oil and other pollution of navigable waters, or oceanography by section 1(b)(3) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Natural Resources of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007.

§3117. Judicial enforcement

(a) Exhaustion of administrative remedies; civil action; parties; preliminary injunctive relief; other relief; costs and attorney's fees

Local residents and other persons and organizations aggrieved by a failure of the State or the Federal Government to provide for the priority for subsistence uses set forth in section 3114 of this title (or with respect to the State as set forth in a State law of general applicability if the State has fulfilled the requirements of section 3115(d) of this title) may, upon exhaustion of any State or Federal (as appropriate) administrative remedies which may be available, file a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska to require such actions to be taken as are necessary to provide for the priority. In a civil action filed against the State, the Secretary may be joined as a party to such action. The court may grant preliminary injunctive relief in any civil action if the granting of such relief is appropriate under the facts upon which the action is based. No order granting preliminary relief shall be issued until after an opportunity for hearing. In a civil action filed against the State, the court shall provide relief, other than preliminary relief, by directing the State to submit regulations which satisfy the requirements of section 3114 of this title; when approved by the court, such regulations shall be incorporated as part of the final judicial order, and such order shall be valid only for such period of time as normally provided by State law for the regulations at issue. Local residents and other persons and organizations who are prevailing parties in an action filed pursuant to this section shall be awarded their costs and attorney's fees.

(b) Repealed. Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, §402(22)(A), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3358

(c) Section as sole Federal judicial remedy

This section is the sole Federal judicial remedy created by this subchapter for local residents and other residents who, and organizations which, are aggrieved by a failure of the State to provide for the priority of subsistence uses set forth in section 3114 of this title.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VII, §807, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2426; Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, §402(22)(A), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3358; Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §316(b)(7), (d), Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1594, 1595.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1997—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–83, §316(b)(7), which directed amendment of section by adding subsec. (b) reading as follows: "State agency actions may be declared invalid by the court only if they are arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law. When reviewing any action within the specialized knowledge of a State agency, the court shall give the decision of the State agency the same deference it would give the same decision of a comparable Federal agency.", was repealed by Pub. L. 105–83, §316(d). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendments note below.

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–620 struck out subsec. (b) which had provided that a civil action filed pursuant to this section was to be assigned for hearing at the earliest possible date, was to take precedence over other matters pending on the docket of the United States district court at that time, and was to be expedited in every way by such court and any appellate court.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment

Until laws are adopted in Alaska which provide for definition, preference, and participation specified in sections 3113 to 3115 of this title, amendment by Pub. L. 105–83 was effective only for purpose of determining whether State's laws provide for such definition, preference, and participation, and such amendment was repealed on Dec. 1, 1998, because such laws had not been adopted, see section 316(d) of Pub. L. 105–83 set out as a note under section 3102 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–620 not applicable to cases pending on Nov. 8, 1984, see section 403 of Pub. L. 98–620, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1657 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

§3118. Park and park monument subsistence resource commissions

(a) Appointment of members; development of subsistence hunting program; annual review of program

Within one year from December 2, 1980, the Secretary and the Governor shall each appoint three members to a subsistence resources commission for each national park or park monument within which subsistence uses are permitted by this Act. The regional advisory council established pursuant to section 3115 of this title which has jurisdiction within the area in which the park or park monument is located shall appoint three members to the commission each of whom is a member of either the regional advisory council or a local advisory committee within the region and also engages in subsistence uses within the park or park monument. Within eighteen months from December 2, 1980, each commission shall devise and recommend to the Secretary and the Governor a program for subsistence hunting within the park or park monument. Such program shall be prepared using technical information and other pertinent data assembled or produced by necessary field studies or investigations conducted jointly or separately by the technical and administrative personnel of the State and the Department of the Interior, information submitted by, and after consultation with the appropriate local advisory committees and regional advisory councils, and any testimony received in a public hearing or hearings held by the commission prior to preparation of the plan at a convenient location or locations in the vicinity of the park or park monument. Each year thereafter, the commission, after consultation with the appropriate local committees and regional councils, considering all relevant data and holding one or more additional hearings in the vicinity of the park or park monument, shall make recommendations to the Secretary and the Governor for any changes in the program or its implementation which the commission deems necessary.

(b) Implementation of subsistence hunting program

The Secretary shall promptly implement the program and recommendations submitted to him by each commission unless he finds in writing that such program or recommendations violates recognized principles of wildlife conservation, threatens the conservation of healthy populations of wildlife in the park or park monument, is contrary to the purposes for which the park or park monument is established, or would be detrimental to the satisfaction of subsistence needs of local residents. Upon notification by the Governor, the Secretary shall take no action on a submission of a commission for sixty days during which period he shall consider any proposed changes in the program or recommendations submitted by the commission which the Governor provides him.

(c) Subsistence uses prior to implementation of subsistence hunting program

Pending the implementation of a program under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall permit subsistence uses by local residents in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and other applicable Federal and State law.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §808, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2426.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3119. Cooperative agreements

The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements or otherwise cooperate with other Federal agencies, the State, Native Corporations, other appropriate persons and organizations, and, acting through the Secretary of State, other nations to effectuate the purposes and policies of this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §809, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2427.)

§3120. Subsistence and land use decisions

(a) Factors considered; requirements

In determining whether to withdraw, reserve, lease, or otherwise permit the use, occupancy, or disposition of public lands under any provision of law authorizing such actions, the head of the Federal agency having primary jurisdiction over such lands or his designee shall evaluate the effect of such use, occupancy, or disposition on subsistence uses and needs, the availability of other lands for the purposes sought to be achieved, and other alternatives which would reduce or eliminate the use, occupancy, or disposition of public lands needed for subsistence purposes. No such withdrawal, reservation, lease, permit, or other use, occupancy or disposition of such lands which would significantly restrict subsistence uses shall be effected until the head of such Federal agency—

(1) gives notice to the appropriate State agency and the appropriate local committees and regional councils established pursuant to section 3115 of this title;

(2) gives notice of, and holds, a hearing in the vicinity of the area involved; and

(3) determines that (A) such a significant restriction of subsistence uses is necessary, consistent with sound management principles for the utilization of the public lands, (B) the proposed activity will involve the minimal amount of public lands necessary to accomplish the purposes of such use, occupancy, or other disposition, and (C) reasonable steps will be taken to minimize adverse impacts upon subsistence uses and resources resulting from such actions.

(b) Environmental impact statement

If the Secretary is required to prepare an environmental impact statement pursuant to section 4332(2)(C) of title 42, he shall provide the notice and hearing and include the findings required by subsection (a) as part of such environmental impact statement.

(c) State or Native Corporation land selections and conveyances

Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit or impair the ability of the State or any Native Corporation to make land selections and receive land conveyances pursuant to the Alaska Statehood Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.].

(d) Management or disposal of lands

After compliance with the procedural requirements of this section and other applicable law, the head of the appropriate Federal agency may manage or dispose of public lands under his primary jurisdiction for any of those uses or purposes authorized by this Act or other law.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §810, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2427.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Alaska Statehood Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L. 85–508, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 339, which is set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L. 92–203, Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 688, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1601 et seq.) of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set our under section 1601 of Title 43 and Tables.

This Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3121. Rural residents engaged in subsistence uses

(a) Access to subsistence resources

The Secretary shall ensure that rural residents engaged in subsistence uses shall have reasonable access to subsistence resources on the public lands.

(b) Use of snowmobiles, motorboats, or other means of surface transportation

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or other law, the Secretary shall permit on the public lands appropriate use for subsistence purposes of snowmobiles, motorboats, and other means of surface transportation traditionally employed for such purposes by local residents, subject to reasonable regulation.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §811, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2428.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3122. Research

The Secretary, in cooperation with the State and other appropriate Federal agencies, shall undertake research on fish and wildlife and subsistence uses on the public lands; seek data from, consult with and make use of, the special knowledge of local residents engaged in subsistence uses; and make the results of such research available to the State, the local and regional councils established by the Secretary or State pursuant to section 3115 of this title, and other appropriate persons and organizations.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §812, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2428.)

§3123. Periodic reports

Within four years after December 2, 1980, and within every three-year period thereafter, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall prepare and submit a report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the implementation of this subchapter. The report shall include—

(1) an evaluation of the results of the monitoring undertaken by the Secretary as required by section 3116 of this title;

(2) the status of fish and wildlife populations on public lands that are subject to subsistence uses;

(3) a description of the nature and extent of subsistence uses and other uses of fish and wildlife on the public lands;

(4) the role of subsistence uses in the economy and culture of rural Alaska;

(5) comments on the Secretary's report by the State, the local advisory councils and regional advisory councils established by the Secretary or the State pursuant to section 3115 of this title, and other appropriate persons and organizations;

(6) a description of those actions taken, or which may need to be taken in the future, to permit the opportunity for continuation of activities relating to subsistence uses on the public lands; and

(7) such other recommendations the Secretary deems appropriate.

A notice of the report shall be published in the Federal Register and the report shall be made available to the public.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §813, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2428.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in this section relating to submitting, within every three-year period, a report on the implementation of this subchapter to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 112 of House Document No. 103–7.

§3124. Regulations

The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary and appropriate to carry out his responsibilities under this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §814, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2429; Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §316(b)(8), (d), Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1594, 1595.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1997—Pub. L. 105–83, §316(b)(8), which directed amendment of section by inserting ", and the State at any time the State has complied with section 3115(d) of this title" after "The Secretary" and inserting at end "During any time that the State has complied with section 3115(d) of this title, the Secretary shall not make or enforce regulations implementing section 3115(a), (b), or (c) of this title.", was repealed by Pub. L. 105–83, §316(d). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment note below.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment

Until laws are adopted in Alaska which provide for definition, preference, and participation specified in sections 3113 to 3115 of this title, amendment by Pub. L. 105–83 was effective only for purpose of determining whether State's laws provide for such definition, preference, and participation, and such amendment was repealed on Dec. 1, 1998, because such laws had not been adopted, see section 316(d) of Pub. L. 105–83 set out as a note under section 3102 of this title.

§3125. Limitations and savings clauses

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as—

(1) granting any property right in any fish or wildlife or other resource of the public lands or as permitting the level of subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within a conservation system unit to be inconsistent with the conservation of healthy populations, and within a national park or monument to be inconsistent with the conservation of natural and healthy populations, of fish and wildlife. No privilege which may be granted by the State to any individual with respect to subsistence uses may be assigned to any other individual;

(2) permitting any subsistence use of fish and wildlife on any portion of the public lands (whether or not within any conservation system unit) which was permanently closed to such uses on January 1, 1978, or enlarging or diminishing the Secretary's authority to manipulate habitat on any portion of the public lands;

(3) authorizing a restriction on the taking of fish and wildlife for nonsubsistence uses on the public lands (other than national parks and park monuments) unless necessary for the conservation of healthy populations of fish and wildlife, for the reasons set forth in section 3126 of this title, to continue subsistence uses of such populations, or pursuant to other applicable law; or

(4) modifying or repealing the provisions of any Federal law governing the conservation or protection of fish and wildlife, including the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (80 Stat. 927; 16 U.S.C. 668dd–jj), section 100101(b)(1), chapter 1003, and sections 100751(a), 100752, 100753, and 102101 of title 54, the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (80 Stat. 1091; 16 U.S.C. 1187) [16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.], the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531–1543), the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (86 Stat. 1027; 16 U.S.C. 1361–1407), the Act entitled "An Act for the Protection of the Bald Eagle", approved June 8, 1940 (54 Stat. 250; 16 U.S.C. 742a–754) [16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.], the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (40 Stat. 755; 16 U.S.C. 703–711), the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (50 Stat. 917; 16 U.S.C. 669–669i), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (90 Stat. 331; 16 U.S.C. 1801–1882), the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act (64 Stat. 430; 16 U.S.C. 777–777k), or any amendments to any one or more of such Acts or such title.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §815, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2429; Pub. L. 96–561, title II, §238(b), Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3300; Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title II, §211(b)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-41; Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §316(b)(9), (d), Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1594, 1595; Pub. L. 113–287, §5(d)(33), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3267.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, referred to in par. (4), consists of sections 4 and 5 of Pub. L. 89–669, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 927, and is classified to sections 668dd and 668ee of this title. For further details, see Short Title note set out under section 668dd of this title.

The Fur Seal Act of 1966, referred to in par. (4), is Pub. L. 89–702, Nov. 2 1966, 80 Stat. 1091, which is classified principally to chapter 24 (§1151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1151 of this title and Tables.

The Endangered Species Act of 1973, referred to in par. (4), is Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 884, which is classified generally to chapter 35 (§1531 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of this title and Tables.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, referred to in par. (4), is Pub. L. 92–522, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 1027, which is classified generally to chapter 31 (§1361 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1361 of this title and Tables.

The Act entitled "An Act for the Protection of the Bald Eagle", approved June 8, 1940, referred to in par. (4), is act June 8, 1940, ch. 278, 54 Stat. 250, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§668 et seq.) of chapter 5A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, referred to in par. (4), is act July 3, 1918, ch. 128, 40 Stat. 755, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§703 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 710 of this title and Tables.

The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, referred to in par. (4), is act Sept. 2, 1937, ch. 899, 50 Stat. 917, also known as the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, which is classified generally to chapter 5B (§669 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 669 of this title and Tables.

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, referred to in par. (4), is Pub. L. 94–265, Apr. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 331, which is classified principally to chapter 38 (§1801 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1801 of this title and Tables.

The Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act, referred to in par. (4), is act Aug. 9, 1950, ch. 658, 64 Stat. 430, also known as the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act and the Fish Restoration and Management Projects Act, which is classified generally to chapter 10B (§777 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 777 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2014—Par. (4). Pub. L. 113–287 substituted "section 100101(b)(1), chapter 1003, and sections 100751(a), 100752, 100753, and 102101 of title 54" for "the National Park Service Organic Act (39 Stat. 535, 16 U.S.C. 1, 2, 3, 4)" and inserted "or such title" after "such Acts".

1997—Par. (5). Pub. L. 105–83, §316(b)(9), which directed amendment of section by adding par. (5) reading as follows: "prohibiting the Secretary or the State from entering into co-management agreements with Alaska Native organizations or other local or regional entities when such organization or entity is managing fish and wildlife on public lands in Alaska for subsistence uses.", was repealed by Pub. L. 105–83, §316(d). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment note below.

1996—Par. (4). Pub. L. 104–208 substituted "Magnuson-Stevens Fishery" for "Magnuson Fishery".

1980—Par. (4). Pub. L. 96–561 substituted "Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act" for "Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective and Termination Dates of 1997 Amendment

Until laws are adopted in Alaska which provide for definition, preference, and participation specified in sections 3113 to 3115 of this title, amendment by Pub. L. 105–83 was effective only for purpose of determining whether State's laws provide for such definition, preference, and participation, and such amendment was repealed on Dec. 1, 1998, because such laws had not been adopted, see section 316(d) of Pub. L. 105–83 set out as a note under section 3102 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(a) [title II, §211(b)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-41, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective 15 days after Oct. 11, 1996.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–561, title II, §238(b), Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3300, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective 15 days after Dec. 22, 1980.

§3126. Closure to subsistence uses

(a) National parks and park monuments in Alaska; authorization of subsistence uses and sport fishing

All national parks and park monuments in Alaska shall be closed to the taking of wildlife except for subsistence uses to the extent specifically permitted by this Act. Subsistence uses and sport fishing shall be authorized in such areas by the Secretary and carried out in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter and other applicable laws of the United States and the State of Alaska.

(b) Closure for public safety, administration, or the continued viability of fish and wildlife population

Except as specifically provided otherwise by this section, nothing in this subchapter is intended to enlarge or diminish the authority of the Secretary to designate areas where, and establish periods when, no taking of fish and wildlife shall be permitted on the public lands for reasons of public safety, administration, or to assure the continued viability of a particular fish or wildlife population. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or other law, the Secretary, after consultation with the State and adequate notice and public hearing, may temporarily close any public lands (including those within any conservation system unit), or any portion thereof, to subsistence uses of a particular fish or wildlife population only if necessary for reasons of public safety, administration, or to assure the continued viability of such population. If the Secretary determines that an emergency situation exists and that extraordinary measures must be taken for public safety or to assure the continued viability of a particular fish or wildlife population, the Secretary may immediately close the public lands, or any portion thereof, to the subsistence uses of such population and shall publish the reasons justifying the closure in the Federal Register. Such emergency closure shall be effective when made, shall not extend for a period exceeding sixty days, and may not subsequently be extended unless the Secretary affirmatively establishes, after notice and public hearing, that such closure should be extended.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title VIII, §816, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2430.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

SUBCHAPTER III—FEDERAL NORTH SLOPE LANDS STUDIES, OIL AND GAS LEASING PROGRAM AND MINERAL ASSESSMENTS

§3141. Overall study program

(a) Area designated

The Secretary shall initiate and carry out a study of all Federal lands (other than submerged lands on the Outer Continental Shelf) in Alaska north of 68 degrees north latitude and east of the western boundary of the National Petroleum Reserve—Alaska, other than lands included in the National Petroleum Reserve—Alaska and in conservation system units established by this Act.

(b) Purposes

The study shall utilize a systematic interdisciplinary approach to—

(1) assess the potential oil and gas resources of these lands and make recommendations concerning future use and management of those resources including an evaluation of alternative transportation routes needed for oil and gas development;

(2) review the wilderness characteristics, and make recommendations for wilderness designation, of these lands; and

(3) study, and make recommendations for protection of, the wildlife resources of these lands.

(c) Findings

After completion of the study, the Secretary shall make findings on—

(1) the potential oil and gas resources of these lands;

(2) the impact of oil and gas development on the wildlife resources on these lands, particularly the Arctic and Porcupine caribou herds and the polar bear;

(3) the national need for development of the oil and gas resources of all or any portion of these lands;

(4) the national interest in preservation of the wilderness characteristics of these lands; and

(5) the national interest in protection of the wildlife resources of these lands.

(d) Consultations; opportunity for public review and comment

In the course of the study, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Energy and other Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, Native Village and Regional Corporations, the North Slope Borough, the Alaska Land Use Council and the Government of Canada. The Secretary shall provide an opportunity for public review and comment on a draft study and proposed findings prior to their final approval.

(e) Report to President and Congress; annual report to Congress

The Secretary shall submit the study and his findings to the President and the Congress no later than eight years after December 2, 1980. The Secretary shall submit annual reports to Congress on the progress in carrying out this subchapter.

(f) Selection and conveyance of land by State and Natives unaffected

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as impeding, delaying, or otherwise affecting the selection and conveyance of land to the State pursuant to the Alaska Statehood Act, or any other Federal law referred to in section 3102(3)(A) of this title, and to the Natives pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.] and this Act.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title X, §1001, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2448.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (f), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 92–203, Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 688, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1601 et seq.) of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1601 of Title 43 and Tables.

The Alaska Statehood Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 85–508, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 339, which is set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

§3142. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain resource assessment

(a) Purpose

The purpose of this section is to provide for a comprehensive and continuing inventory and assessment of the fish and wildlife resources of the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; an analysis of the impacts of oil and gas exploration, development, and production, and to authorize exploratory activity within the coastal plain in a manner that avoids significant adverse effects on the fish and wildlife and other resources.

(b) Definitions

As used in this section—

(1) The term "coastal plain" means that area identified as such in the map entitled "Arctic National Wildlife Refuge", dated August 1980.

(2) The term "exploratory activity" means surface geological exploration or seismic exploration, or both, for oil and gas within the coastal plain.

(c) Baseline study

The Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of the State, Native Village and Regional Corporations, and the North Slope Borough within the study area and interested persons, shall conduct a continuing study of the fish and wildlife (with special emphasis on caribou, wolves, wolverines, grizzly bears, migratory waterfowl, musk oxen, and polar bears) of the coastal plain and their habitat. In conducting the study, the Secretary shall—

(A) assess the size, range, and distribution of the populations of the fish and wildlife;

(B) determine the extent, location and carrying capacity of the habitats of the fish and wildlife;

(C) assess the impacts of human activities and natural processes on the fish and wildlife and their habitats;

(D) analyze the potential impacts of oil and gas exploration, development, and production on such wildlife and habitats; and

(E) analyze the potential effects of such activities on the culture and lifestyle (including subsistence) of affected Native and other people.

Within eighteen months after December 2, 1980, the Secretary shall publish the results of the study as of that date and shall thereafter publish such revisions thereto as are appropriate as new information is obtained.

(d) Guidelines

(1) Within two years after December 2, 1980, the Secretary shall by regulation establish initial guidelines governing the carrying out of exploratory activities. The guidelines shall be based upon the results of the study required under subsection (c) and such other information as may be available to the Secretary. The guidelines shall include such prohibitions, restrictions, and conditions on the carrying out of exploratory activities as the Secretary deems necessary or appropriate to ensure that exploratory activities do not significantly adversely affect the fish and wildlife, their habitats, or the environment, including, but not limited to—

(A) a prohibition on the carrying out of exploratory activity during caribou calving and immediate post-calving seasons or during any other period in which human activity may have adverse effects;

(B) temporary or permanent closing of appropriate areas to such activity;

(C) specification of the support facilities, equipment and related manpower that is appropriate in connection with exploratory activity; and

(D) requirements that exploratory activities be coordinated in such a manner as to avoid unnecessary duplication.

(2) The initial guidelines prescribed by the Secretary to implement this subsection shall be accompanied by an environmental impact statement on exploratory activities. The initial guidelines shall thereafter be revised to reflect changes made in the baseline study and other appropriate information made available to the Secretary.

(e) Exploration plans

(1) After the initial guidelines are prescribed under subsection (d), any person including the United States Geological Survey may submit one or more plans for exploratory activity (hereinafter in this section referred to as "exploration plans") to the Secretary for approval. An exploration plan must set forth such information as the Secretary may require in order to determine whether the plan is consistent with the guidelines, including, but not limited to—

(A) a description and schedule of the exploratory activity proposed to be undertaken;

(B) a description of the equipment, facilities, and related manpower that would be used in carrying out the activity;

(C) the area in which the activity would be undertaken; and

(D) a statement of the anticipated effects that the activity may have on fish and wildlife, their habitats and the environment.

(2) Upon receiving any exploration plan for approval, the Secretary shall promptly publish notice of the application and the text of the plan in the Federal Register and newspapers of general circulation in the State. The Secretary shall determine, within one hundred and twenty days after any plan is submitted for approval, if the plan is consistent with the guidelines established under subsection (d). If the Secretary determines that the plan is so consistent, he shall approve the plan: except that no plan shall be approved during the two-year period following December 2, 1980. Before making the determination, the Secretary shall hold at least one public hearing in the State for purposes of receiving the comments and views of the public on the plan. The Secretary shall not approve of any plan submitted by the United States Geological Survey unless he determines that (1) no other person has submitted a plan for the area involved which meets established guidelines and (2) the information which would be obtained is needed to make an adequate report under subsection (h). The Secretary, as a condition of approval of any plan under this section—

(A) may require that such modifications be made to the plan as he considers necessary and appropriate to make it consistent with the guidelines;

(B) shall require that all data and information (including processed, analyzed and interpreted information) obtained as a result of carrying out the plan shall be submitted to the Secretary; and

(C) shall make such data and information available to the public except that any processed, analyzed and interpreted data or information shall be held confidential by the Secretary for a period of not less than two years following any lease sale including the area from which the information was obtained and: Provided, That the Secretary shall prohibit by regulation any person who obtains access to such data and information from the Secretary or from any person other than a permittee from participation in any lease sale which includes the areas from which the information was obtained and from any commercial use of the information. The Secretary shall require that any permittee shall make available such data to any person at fair cost.

(f) Modification to exploration plans

If at any time while exploratory activity is being carried out under an exploration plan approved under subsection (e), the Secretary, on the basis of information available to him, determines that continuation of further activities under the plan or permit will significantly adversely affect fish or wildlife, their habitat, or the environment, the Secretary may suspend the carrying out of activities under the plan or permit for such time, make such modifications to the plan or to the terms and conditions of the permit (or both suspend and so modify) as he determines necessary and appropriate.

(g) Civil penalties

(1) Any person who is found by the Secretary, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with section 554 of title 5, to have violated any provision of a plan approved under subsection (e) or any term or condition of a permit issued under subsection (f), or to have committed any act prohibited under subsection (d) shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty. The amount of the civil penalty shall not exceed $10,000 for each violation. Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate offense. The amount of such civil penalty shall be assessed by the Secretary by written notice. In determining the amount of such penalty, the Secretary shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the prohibited act committed, and, with respect to the violator, the history of any prior offenses, his demonstrated good faith in attempting to achieve timely compliance after being cited for the violation, and such other matters as justice may require.

(2) Any person against whom a civil penalty is assessed under paragraph (1) may obtain review thereof in the appropriate district court of the United States by filing a notice of appeal in such court within thirty days from the date of such order and by simultaneously sending a copy of such notice by certified mail to the Secretary. The Secretary shall promptly file in such court a certified copy of the record upon which such violation was found or such penalty imposed, as provided in section 2112 of title 28. The findings and order of the Secretary shall be set aside by such court if they are not found to be supported by substantial evidence, as provided in section 706(2)(E) of title 5.

(3) If any person fails to pay an assessment of a civil penalty against him under paragraph (1) after it has become final, or after the appropriate court has entered final judgment in favor of the Secretary, the Secretary shall refer the matter to the Attorney General of the United States, who shall recover the amount assessed in any appropriate district court of the United States. In such action, the validity and appropriateness of the final order imposing the civil penalty shall not be subject to review.

(4) The Secretary may compromise, modify, or remit, with or without conditions, any civil penalty which is subject to imposition or which has been imposed under this subsection unless the matter is pending in court for judicial review or recovery of assessment.

(h) Report to Congress

Not earlier than five years after December 2, 1980, and not later than five years and nine months after such date, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to Congress a report containing—

(1) the identification by means other than drilling of exploratory wells of those areas within the coastal plain that have oil and gas production potential and estimate of the volume of the oil and gas concerned;

(2) the description of the fish and wildlife, their habitats, and other resources that are within the areas identified under paragraph (1);

(3) an evaluation of the adverse effects that the carrying out of further exploration for, and the development and production of, oil and gas within such areas will have on the resources referred to in paragraph (2);

(4) a description of how such oil and gas, if produced within such area, may be transported to processing facilities;

(5) an evaluation of how such oil and gas relates to the national need for additional domestic sources of oil and gas; and

(6) the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to whether further exploration for, and the development and production of, oil and gas within the coastal plain should be permitted and, if so, what additional legal authority is necessary to ensure that the adverse effects of such activities on fish and wildlife, their habitats, and other resources are avoided or minimized.

(i) Effect of other laws

Until otherwise provided for in law enacted after December 2, 1980, all public lands within the coastal plain are withdrawn from all forms of entry or appropriation under the mining laws, and from operation of the mineral leasing laws, of the United States.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title X §1002, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2449; Pub. L. 97–394, title I, §110, Dec. 30, 1982, 96 Stat. 1982.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1982—Subsec. (e)(2)(C). Pub. L. 97–394 inserted proviso that the Secretary prohibit by regulation any person who obtains access to such data and information from the Secretary or from any person other than a permittee from participation in any lease sale which includes the areas from which the information was obtained and from any commercial use of the information, and that Secretary require that any permittee make available such data to any person at fair cost.

§3143. Production of oil and gas from Arctic National Wildlife Refuge prohibited

Production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is prohibited and no leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the range shall be undertaken until authorized by an Act of Congress.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title X, §1003, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2452.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Oil and Gas Program

Pub. L. 115–97, title II, §20001, Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2235, provided that:

"(a) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Coastal plain.—The term 'Coastal Plain' means the area identified as the 1002 Area on the plates prepared by the United States Geological Survey entitled 'ANWR Map – Plate 1' and 'ANWR Map – Plate 2', dated October 24, 2017, and on file with the United States Geological Survey and the Office of the Solicitor of the Department of the Interior.

"(2) Secretary.—The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management.

"(b) Oil and Gas Program.—

"(1) In general.—Section 1003 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3143) shall not apply to the Coastal Plain.

"(2) Establishment.—

"(A) In general.—The Secretary shall establish and administer a competitive oil and gas program for the leasing, development, production, and transportation of oil and gas in and from the Coastal Plain.

"(B) Purposes.—[Amended section 303(2) of Pub. L. 96–487, listed in a table under section 668dd of this title.]

"(3) Management.—Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary shall manage the oil and gas program on the Coastal Plain in a manner similar to the administration of lease sales under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) (including regulations).

"(4) Royalties.—Notwithstanding the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), the royalty rate for leases issued pursuant to this section shall be 16.67 percent.

"(5) Receipts.—Notwithstanding the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), of the amount of adjusted bonus, rental, and royalty receipts derived from the oil and gas program and operations on Federal land authorized under this section—

"(A) 50 percent shall be paid to the State of Alaska; and

"(B) the balance shall be deposited into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

"(c) 2 Lease Sales Within 10 Years.—

"(1) Requirement.—

"(A) In general.—Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall conduct not fewer than 2 lease sales area-wide under the oil and gas program under this section by not later than 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2017].

"(B) Sale acreages; schedule.—

"(i) Acreages.—The Secretary shall offer for lease under the oil and gas program under this section—

     "(I) not fewer than 400,000 acres area-wide in each lease sale; and

     "(II) those areas that have the highest potential for the discovery of hydrocarbons.

"(ii) Schedule.—The Secretary shall offer—

     "(I) the initial lease sale under the oil and gas program under this section not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act; and

     "(II) a second lease sale under the oil and gas program under this section not later than 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

"(2) Rights-of-way.—The Secretary shall issue any rights-of-way or easements across the Coastal Plain for the exploration, development, production, or transportation necessary to carry out this section.

"(3) Surface development.—In administering this section, the Secretary shall authorize up to 2,000 surface acres of Federal land on the Coastal Plain to be covered by production and support facilities (including airstrips and any area covered by gravel berms or piers for support of pipelines) during the term of the leases under the oil and gas program under this section."

§3144. Wilderness portion of study

(a) Suitability of lands for preservation as wilderness; report to President

As part of the study, the Secretary shall review the suitability or nonsuitability for preservation as wilderness of the Federal lands described in section 3141 of this title and report his findings to the President.

(b) Presidential recommendations to Congress

The President shall advise the Senate and the House of Representatives of his recommendations with respect to the designation of the area or any part thereof as wilderness together with a map thereof and a definition of its boundaries.

(c) Preservation of wilderness character and potential

Subject to valid existing rights and the provisions of section 3142 of this title, the wilderness study area designated by this section shall, until Congress determines otherwise, be administered by the Secretary so as to maintain presently existing wilderness character and potential for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Already established uses may be permitted to continue, subject to such restrictions as the Secretary deems desirable, in the manner and degree in which the same were being conducted on December 2, 1980.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title X, §1004, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2452.)

§3145. Wildlife resources portion of study and impact of potential oil spills in Arctic Ocean

(a) Wildlife resources

The Secretary shall work closely with the State of Alaska and Native Village and Regional Corporations in evaluating the impact of oil and gas exploration, development, production, and transportation and other human activities on the wildlife resources of these lands, including impacts on the Arctic and Porcupine caribou herds, polar bear, muskox, grizzly bear, wolf, wolverine, seabirds, shore birds, and migratory waterfowl. In addition the Secretary shall consult with the appropriate agencies of the Government of Canada in evaluating such impacts particularly with respect to the Porcupine caribou herd.

(b) Oil spills

(1) The Congress finds that—

(A) Canada has discovered commercial quantities of oil and gas in the Amalagak region of the Northwest Territory;

(B) Canada is exploring alternatives for transporting the oil from the Amalagak field to markets in Asia and the Far East;

(C) one of the options the Canadian Government is exploring involves transshipment of oil from the Amalagak field across the Beaufort Sea to tankers which would transport the oil overseas;

(D) the tankers would traverse the American Exclusive Economic Zone through the Beaufort Sea into the Chuckchi Sea and then through the Bering Straits;

(E) the Beaufort and Chuckchi Seas are vital to Alaska's Native people, providing them with subsistence in the form of walrus, seals, fish, and whales;

(F) the Secretary of the Interior has conducted Outer Continental Shelf lease sales in the Beaufort and Chuckchi Seas and oil and gas exploration is ongoing;

(G) an oil spill in the Arctic Ocean, if not properly contained and cleaned up, could have significant impacts on the indigenous people of Alaska's North Slope and on the Arctic environment; and

(H) there are no international contingency plans involving our two governments concerning containment and cleanup of an oil spill in the Arctic Ocean.

(2)(A) The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Governor of Alaska, shall conduct a study of the issues of recovery of damages, contingency plans, and coordinated actions in the event of an oil spill in the Arctic Ocean.

(B) The Secretary shall, no later than January 31, 1991, transmit a report to the Congress on the findings and conclusions reached as the result of the study carried out under this subsection.

(c) Treaty negotiations

The Congress calls upon the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Governor of Alaska, to begin negotiations with the Foreign Minister of Canada regarding a treaty dealing with the complex issues of recovery of damages, contingency plans, and coordinated actions in the event of an oil spill in the Arctic Ocean.

(d) Report to Congress

The Secretary of State shall report to the Congress on the Secretary's efforts pursuant to this section no later than June 1, 1991.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title X, §1005, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2453; Pub. L. 101–380, title VIII, §8302, Aug. 18, 1990, 104 Stat. 572.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1990—Pub. L. 101–380 inserted "and impact of potential oil spills in Arctic Ocean" in section catchline, designated existing text as subsec. (a), and added subsecs. (b) to (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–380 applicable to incidents occurring after Aug. 18, 1990, see section 1020 of Pub. L. 101–380, set out as an Effective Date note under section 2701 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.

Study on Barren-Ground Caribou

Pub. L. 96–487, title III, §306, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2396, provided:

"(a) The Congress finds that the barren-ground caribou are a migratory species deserving of careful study and special protection, and that the Western Arctic and the Porcupine herds of such caribou are of national and international significance.

"(b) The Secretary of the Interior shall conduct, and the Governor of Alaska is urged to cooperate with the Secretary in conducting, an ecological study of the barren-ground caribou herds north of the Yukon River and the herds that have been known to migrate between the United States and Canada, including, but not limited to, a determination of the seasonal migration patterns, reproduction and mortality rates, composition and age structure, behavioral characteristics, habitats (including but not limited to calving, feeding, summering and wintering areas, and key migration routes) that are critical to their natural stability and productivity and the effects on the herds of development by man, predation, and disease. In conducting this study the Secretary shall review the experience of other Arctic circumpolar countries with caribou and is authorized to enter into such contracts as he deems necessary to carry out portions or all of this study."

§3146. Transportation alternatives portion of study

In studying oil and gas alternative transportation systems, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Transportation and shall consider—

(1) the extent to which environmentally and economically feasible alternative routes could be established;

(2) the prospective oil and gas production potential of this area of Alaska for each alternative transportation route; and

(3) the environmental and economic costs and other values associated with such alternative routes.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title X, §1006, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2453.)

§3147. Arctic research study

(a) Mission, facilities, and administration of Naval Arctic Research Laboratory

The Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Energy shall initiate and carry out a study of the mission, facilities and administration of the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL), at Point Barrow, Alaska. The study shall review the historical responsibilities carried out at NARL and their contribution to applied and basic Arctic research. The study shall specifically address and the Secretary shall make recommendations on the need for redirecting the United States Arctic research policy and the role of the NARL facilities in developing and implementing that policy.

(b) Assessment of future uses of NARL

The Secretaries shall assess the future use of NARL in—

(1) developing relevant scientific information on the Arctic environment and utilizing applied research to (A) deal with the unique problems the Arctic presents in providing public services; (B) minimize the impact of resource development on the environment and the culture of the Native people; and (C) promote international cooperation among the Nations which share responsibility for the Arctic environment;

(2) assessing the impact of oil and gas exploration, development, and transportation on the Arctic environment, including impact on fish, marine and land mammals, and migratory waterfowl;

(3) developing advanced design technologies, operational practices, and transportation systems to improve the environmental safety and efficiency of oil and gas exploration and production in the Arctic, including offshore activities;

(4) enlarging the body of knowledge on Arctic ice conditions and developing practical and efficient means of dealing with potential oil spills and other hazards associated with resource development in Alaska's Arctic; and

(5) developing a comprehensive Arctic policy for the Federal Government that will accommodate the need for development and use of Arctic resources with appropriate recognition and consideration given to the unique nature of the Arctic environment and the needs of its Native residents.

(c) Recommendations

After completion of the study, the Secretaries shall make recommendations on—

(1) changes in the mission and management of NARL necessary to accomplish the research and policy goals addressed in the study;

(2) the appropriate Federal agency or agencies that should have primary responsibility for management of NARL;

(3) changes in the organizational structure of NARL that would allow greater involvement by State and private organizations in the use, management and/or funding of NARL; and

(4) the appropriate level of Federal funding for scientific and technological research on the Arctic environment and its uses.

(d) Consultations; opportunity for public review and comment

In the course of the study, the Secretaries shall consult with representatives of the Department of Navy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution, the State of Alaska, local governments, representatives of public and private institutions conducting Arctic research, and Native Village and Regional Corporations in the areas now affected by the activities of NARL. The Secretaries shall provide an opportunity for public review and comment on the draft report and proposed recommendations prior to final approval, and shall include any recommendations of the local community in the final study.

(e) Submission of study to Congress

The Secretaries shall submit the study and their recommendations to the Congress no later than one year after December 2, 1980.

(f) Continuation of level of funding for NARL

Pending submission of the study to the Congress, the President is directed to continue the operation of NARL at the level of funding provided for in fiscal year 1979.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title X, §1007, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2453.)

§3148. Oil and gas leasing program for non-North Slope Federal lands

(a) Establishment; restrictions

The Secretary shall establish, pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended [30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.], an oil and gas leasing program on the Federal lands of Alaska not subject to the study required by section 3141 of this title, other than lands included in the National Petroleum Reserve—Alaska. Such program shall not be undertaken by the Secretary on those lands where applicable law prohibits such leasing or on those units of the National Wildlife Refuge System where the Secretary determines, after having considered the national interest in producing oil and gas from such lands, that the exploration for and development of oil or gas would be incompatible with the purpose for which such unit was established.

(b) Study of oil and gas potential and impact of development and production; permits; consultations; State studies

(1)(A) In such areas as the Secretary deems favorable for the discovery of oil or gas, he shall conduct a study, or studies, or collect and analyze information obtained by permittees authorized to conduct studies under this section, of the oil and gas potential of such lands and those environmental characteristics and wildlife resources which would be affected by the exploration for and development of such oil and gas.

(B) The Secretary is authorized to issue permits for study, including geological, geophysical, and other assessment activities, if such activities can be conducted in a manner which is consistent with the purposes for which each affected area is managed under applicable law.

(2) The Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Energy regarding the national interest involved in exploring for and developing oil and gas from such lands and shall seek the views of the Governor of the State of Alaska, Alaskan local governments, Native Regional and Village Corporations, the Alaska Land Use Council, representatives of the oil and gas industry, conservation groups, and other interested groups and individuals in determining which land should be studied and/or leased for the exploration and development of oil and gas.

(3) The Secretary shall encourage the State to undertake similar studies on lands associated, either through geological or other land values or because of possible transportation needs, with Federal lands. The Secretary shall integrate these studies, to the maximum extent practicable, with studies on Federal lands so that needs for cooperation between the Federal Government and the State of Alaska in managing energy and other natural resources, including fish and wildlife, can be established early in the program.

(c) Repealed. Pub. L. 100–203, title V, §5105(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–259

(d) Issuance of leases; competitive bidding

Pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended [30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.], the Secretary is authorized to issue leases, on the Federal lands described in this section, under such terms and conditions as he may, by regulation, prescribe.

(e) Repealed. Pub. L. 100–203, title V, §5105(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–259

(f) Exploration plan

Prior to any exploration activities on a lease issued pursuant to this section, the Secretary shall require the lessee to describe exploration activities in an exploration plan. He shall approve such plan if such activities can be conducted in conformity with such requirements as may be made by the Secretary for the protection and use of the land for the purpose for which it is managed under applicable law.

(g) Development and production plan

Subsequent to a discovery of oil or gas in paying quantities, and prior to developing and producing such oil and gas, the Secretary shall require the lessee to describe development and production activities in a development and production plan. He shall approve such plan if such activities may be conducted in conformity with such requirements as may be made by the Secretary for the protection and use of the land for the purpose for which it is managed under applicable law.

(h) Revised development and production plan

The Secretary shall monitor the performance of the lessee and, if he determines that due to significant changes in circumstances regarding that operation, including environmental or economic changes, new requirements are needed, he may require a revised development and production plan.

(i) Suspension and cancellation of lease

If the Secretary determines that immediate and irreparable damage will result from continuation in force of a lease, that the threat will not disappear and that the advantages of cancellation outweigh the advantages of continuation in force of a lease, he shall suspend operations for up to five years. If such a threat persists beyond such five-year suspension period, he shall cancel a lease and provide compensation to the lease under such terms as the Secretary establishes, by regulation, to be appropriate.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title X, §1008, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2454; Pub. L. 100–203, title V, §5105, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–259.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (d), is act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, known as the Mineral Leasing Act, which is classified generally to chapter 3A (§181 et seq.) of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 181 of Title 30 and Tables.

Codification

Subsec. (b)(4) of this section, which required the Secretary to report yearly to Congress on efforts pursuant to Pub. L. 96–487 regarding the leasing of, and exploration and development activities on, certain lands, terminated, effective May 15, 2000, pursuant to section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance. See, also, page 111 of House Document No. 103–7.

Amendments

1987—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–203, §5105(1), struck out subsec. (c) which read as follows: "At such time as the studies requested in subsection (b)(4) of this section are completed by the Secretary, or at such time as the Secretary determines that sufficient interest has been indicated in exploring an area for oil or gas, and leasing should be commenced, he shall identify those areas which he determines to be favorable for the discovery of oil or gas (hereinafter referred to as 'favorable petroleum geological provinces'). In making such determination, the Secretary shall utilize all information obtained in studies conducted under subsection (b) of this section as well as any other information he may develop or require by regulation to be transmitted."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–203, §5105(2), struck out at end "Areas which are determined by the Secretary to be within favorable petroleum geological provinces shall be leased only by competitive bidding."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–203, §5105(1), struck out subsec. (e) which read as follows: "At such time as paying quantities of oil or gas are discovered under a noncompetitive lease issued pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, the Secretary shall suspend all further noncompetitive leasing in the area and shall determine the favorable petroleum geological province in proximity to such discovery. All further leasing in such area shall be in accordance with the requirements of subsection (d) of this section."

§3149. Oil and gas lease applications

(a) Lands within National Wildlife Refuge System but not part of National Wilderness Preservation System

Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, whenever the Secretary receives an application for an oil and gas lease pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 [30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.] for lands in Alaska within a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System which are not also part of the national Wilderness Preservation System he shall, in addition to any other requirements of applicable law, follow the procedures set forth in this section.

(b) Statement of reasons for decision to issue or not to issue lease

Any decision to issue or not to issue a lease shall be accompanied by a statement setting forth the reasons for the decision, including the reasons why oil and gas leasing would be compatible or incompatible with the purposes of the refuge.

(c) Environmental impact statement

If the Secretary determines that the requirements of section 4332(2)(C) of title 42 do not apply to his decision, the Secretary shall render his decision within six months after receipt of a lease application. If such requirements are applicable to the Secretary's decision, he shall render his decision within three months after publication of the final environmental impact statement.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title X, §1009, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2456.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, known as the Mineral Leasing Act, which is classified generally to chapter 3A (§181 et seq.) of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 181 of Title 30 and Tables.

§3150. Alaska mineral resource assessment program

(a) Mineral assessments

The Secretary shall, to the full extent of his authority, assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential on all public lands in the State of Alaska in order to expand the data base with respect to the mineral potential of such lands. The mineral assessment program may include, but shall not be limited to, techniques such as side-looking radar imagery and, on public lands other than such lands within the national park system, core and test drilling for geologic information, notwithstanding any restriction on such drilling under the Wilderness Act [16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.]. For purposes of this Act, core and test drilling means the extraction by drilling of subsurface geologic samples in order to assess the metalliferous or other mineral values of geologic terrain, but shall not be construed as including exploratory drilling of oil and gas test wells. To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consult and exchange information with the State of Alaska regarding the responsibilities of the Secretary under this section and similar programs undertaken by the State. In order to carry out mineral assessments authorized under this or any other law, including but not limited to the National Uranium Resource Evaluation program, the Secretary shall allow for access by air for assessment activities permitted in this subsection to all public lands involved in such study. He shall consult with the Secretary of Energy and heads of other Federal agencies carrying out such programs, to determine such reasonable requirements as may be necessary to protect the resources of such area, including fish and wildlife. Such requirements may provide that access will not occur during nesting, calving, spawning or such other times as fish and wildlife in the specific area may be especially vulnerable to such activities. The Secretary is authorized to enter into contracts with public or private entities to carry out all or any portion of the mineral assessment program. This section shall not apply to the lands described in section 3141 of this title.

(b) Regulations

Activities carried out in conservation system units under subsection (a) shall be subject to regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Such regulations shall ensure that such activities are carried out in an environmentally sound manner—

(1) which does not result in lasting environmental impacts which appreciably alter the natural character of the units or biological or ecological systems in the units; and

(2) which is compatible with the purposes for which such units are established.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title X, §1010, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2456.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Wilderness Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 88–577, Sept. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 890, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§1131 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1131 of this title and Tables.

This Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3151. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, Pub. L. 96–487, title X, §1011, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2457; Pub. L. 102–285, §10(b), May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 172, which required the President to annually transmit to Congress all pertinent public information relating to minerals in Alaska gathered by the United States Geological Surveys, United States Bureau of Mines, and any other Federal agency, terminated, effective May 15, 2000, pursuant to section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance. See, also, page 32 of House Document No. 103–7.

SUBCHAPTER IV—TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITY SYSTEMS IN AND ACROSS, AND ACCESS INTO, CONSERVATION SYSTEM UNITS

§3161. Congressional declaration of findings

Congress finds that—

(a) Alaska's transportation and utility network is largely undeveloped and the future needs for transportation and utility systems in Alaska would best be identified and provided for through an orderly, continuous decisionmaking process involving the State and Federal Governments and the public;

(b) the existing authorities to approve or disapprove applications for transportation and utility systems through public lands in Alaska are diverse, dissimilar, and, in some cases, absent; and

(c) to minimize the adverse impacts of siting transportation and utility systems within units established or expanded by this Act and to insure the effectiveness of the decisionmaking process, a single comprehensive statutory authority for the approval or disapproval of applications for such systems must be provided in this Act.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1101, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2457.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3162. Definitions

For purposes of this subchapter—

(1) The term "applicable law" means any law of general applicability (other than this subchapter) under which any Federal department or agency has jurisdiction to grant any authorization (including but not limited to, any right-of-way, permit, license, lease, or certificate) without which a transportation or utility system cannot, in whole or in part, be established or operated.

(2) The term "applicant" means any public or private person, including, but not limited to, any Federal department or agency.

(3) The term "Federal agency" means any Federal department or agency that has any function or duty under applicable law.

(4)(A) The term "transportation or utility system" means any type of system described in subparagraph (B) if any portion of the route of the system will be within any conservation system unit, national recreation area, or national conservation area in the State (and the system is not one that the department or agency having jurisdiction over the unit or area is establishing incident to its management of the unit or area).

(B) The types of systems to which subparagraph (A) applies are as follows:

(i) Canals, ditches, flumes, laterals, pipes, pipelines, tunnels, and other systems for the transportation of water.

(ii) Pipelines and other systems for the transportation of liquids other than water, including oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid and gaseous fuels, and any refined product produced therefrom.

(iii) Pipelines, slurry and emulsion systems and conveyor belts for the transportation of solid materials.

(iv) Systems for the transmission and distribution of electric energy.

(v) Systems for transmission or reception of radio, television, telephone, telegraph, and other electronic signals, and other means of communication.

(vi) Improved rights-of-way for snow machines, air cushion vehicles, and other all-terrain vehicles.

(vii) Roads, highways, railroads, tunnels, tramways, airports, landing strips, docks, and other systems of general transportation.

Any system described in this subparagraph includes such related structures and facilities (both temporary and permanent) along the route of the system as may be minimally necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the system. Such related structures and facilities shall be described in the application required by section 3164 of this title, and shall be approved or disapproved in accordance with the procedures set forth in this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1102, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2458.)

§3163. Effect on other laws

Except as specifically provided for in this subchapter, applicable law shall apply with respect to the authorization and administration of transportation or utility systems.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1103, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2459.)

§3164. Procedural requirements

(a) In general

Notwithstanding any provision of applicable law, no action by any Federal agency under applicable law with respect to the approval or disapproval of the authorization, in whole or in part, of any transportation or utility system shall have any force or effect unless the provisions of this section are complied with.

(b) Consolidated applications

(1) Within one hundred and eighty days after December 2, 1980, the Secretary, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall jointly prescribe and publish a consolidated application form to be used for applying for the approval of each type of transportation or utility system. Each such application form shall be designed to elicit such information as may be necessary to meet the requirements of this subchapter and the applicable law with respect to the type of system concerned.

(2) For purposes of this section, the heads of all appropriate Federal agencies, including the Secretary of Transportation, shall share decisionmaking responsibility in the case of any transportation or utility system described in section 3162(4)(B)(ii), (iii), or (vii) of this title; but with respect to any such system for which he does not have programmatic responsibility, the Secretary of Transportation shall provide to the other Federal agencies concerned such planning and other assistance as may be appropriate.

(c) Filing

Each applicant for the approval of any transportation or utility system shall file on the same day an application with each appropriate Federal agency. The applicant shall utilize the consolidated form prescribed under subsection (b) for the type of transportation or utility system concerned.

(d) Agency notice

(1) Within sixty days after the receipt of an application filed pursuant to subsection (c), the head of each Federal agency with whom the application was filed shall inform the applicant in writing that, on its face—

(A) the application appears to contain the information required by this subchapter and applicable law insofar as that agency is concerned; or

(B) the application does not contain such information.

(2) Any notice provided under paragraph (1)(B) shall specify what additional information the applicant must provide. If the applicant provides additional information, the head of the Federal agency must inform the applicant in writing, within thirty days after receipt of such information, whether the information is sufficient.

(e) Environmental impact statement

The draft of any environmental impact statement required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.] in connection with any application filed under this section shall be completed, within nine months from the date of filing, by the head of the Federal agency assigned lead responsibility for the statement. Any such statement shall be jointly prepared by all Federal agencies with which the application was filed under subsection (c). The final environmental impact statement shall be completed within one year from the date of such filing. Such nine-month and one-year periods may be extended for good cause by the Federal agency head assigned lead responsibility for the preparation of such statement if he determines that additional time is necessary for such preparation, notifies the applicant in writing of such determination, and publishes notice of such determination, together with the reasons therefor, in the Federal Register. The provisions of section 1734 of title 43 shall apply to each environmental impact statement under this subsection in the same manner as such provisions apply to applications relating to the public lands referred to in section 1734 of title 43. The Federal agency assigned lead responsibility shall, in conjunction with such other Federal agencies before which the application is pending, hold public hearings in the District of Columbia and an appropriate location in the State on each draft joint environmental impact statement and the views expressed therein shall be considered by all Federal agencies concerned before publication of the final joint environmental impact statement.

(f) Other views

During both the nine-month period, and the succeeding three-month period plus any extension thereof provided for in subsection (e), the heads of the Federal agencies concerned shall solicit and consider the views of other Federal departments and agencies, the Alaska Land Use Council, the State, affected units of local government in the State, and affected corporations formed pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], and, after public notice, shall receive and consider statements and recommendations regarding the application submitted by interested individuals and organizations.

(g) Agency decision

(1) Within four months after the final environmental impact statement is published in accordance with subsection (e) with respect to any transportation or utility system, each Federal agency shall make a decision to approve or disapprove, in accordance with applicable law, each authorization that applies with respect to the system and that is within the jurisdiction of that agency.

(2) The head of each Federal agency, in making a decision referred to in paragraph (1), shall consider, and make detailed findings supported by substantial evidence, with respect to—

(A) the need for, and economic feasibility of, the transportation or utility system;

(B) alternative routes and modes of access, including a determination with respect to whether there is any economically feasible and prudent alternative to the routing of the system through or within a conservation system unit, national recreation area, or national conservation area and, if not, whether there are alternative routes or modes which would result in fewer or less severe adverse impacts upon the conservation system unit;

(C) the feasibility and impacts of including different transportation or utility systems in the same area;

(D) short- and long-term social, economic, and environmental impacts of national, State, or local significance, including impacts on fish and wildlife and their habitat, and on rural, traditional lifestyles;

(E) the impacts, if any, on the national security interests of the United States, that may result from approval or denial of the application for a transportation or utility system;

(F) any impacts that would affect the purposes for which the Federal unit or area concerned was established;

(G) measures which should be instituted to avoid or minimize negative impacts; and

(H) the short- and long-term public values which may be adversely affected by approval of the transportation or utility system versus the short- and long-term public benefits which may accrue from such approval.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1104, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2459.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (e), is Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§4321 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 92–203, Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 688, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1601 et seq.) of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1601 of Title 43 and Tables.

§3165. Standards for granting certain authorizations

In any case in which there is no applicable law with respect to a transportation or utility system, the head of the Federal agency concerned shall, within four months after the date of filing of any final Environmental Impact Statement, make recommendations, for purposes of section 3166(b) of this title, to grant such authorizations as may be necessary to establish such system, in whole or in part, within the conservation system unit concerned if he determines that—

(1) such system would be compatible with the purposes for which the unit was established; and

(2) there is no economically feasible and prudent alternative route for the system.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1105, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2461.)

§3166. Agency, Presidential, and Congressional actions

(a) Agency action in cases other than those involving section 3165 or wilderness areas

(1) In the case of any application for the approval of any transportation or utility system to which section 3165 of this title does not apply or that does not occupy, use, or traverse any area within the National Wilderness Preservation System, if, in compliance with section 3164 of this title—

(A) each Federal agency concerned decides to approve each authorization within its jurisdiction with respect to that system, then the system shall be deemed to be approved and each such agency shall promptly issue, in accordance with applicable law, such rights-of-way, permits, licenses, leases, certificates, or other authorizations as are necessary with respect to the establishment of the system; or

(B) one or more Federal agencies decide to disapprove any authorization within its jurisdiction with respect, to that system, then the system shall be deemed to be disapproved and the applicant for the system may appeal the disapproval to the President.

(2) If an applicant appeals under paragraph (1)(B), the President, within four months after receiving the appeal, shall decide whether to approve or deny the application. The President shall approve the application if he finds, after consideration of the factors set forth in section 3164(g)(2) of this title, that such approval would be in the public interest and that (1) such system would be compatible with the purposes for which the unit was established; and (2) there is no economically feasible and prudent alternative route for the system. In making a decision, the President shall consider any environmental impact statement prepared pursuant to section 3164(e) of this title, comments of the public and Federal agencies received during the preparation of such statement, and the findings and recommendations, if any, of each Federal agency that rendered a decision with respect to the application. The President's decision to approve or deny the application shall be published in the Federal Register, together with a statement of the reasons for his determination.

(3) If the President approves an application under paragraph (2), each Federal agency concerned shall promptly issue, in accordance with applicable law, such rights-of-way, permits, licenses, leases, certificates, or other authorizations as are necessary with respect to the establishment of the system

(4) If the President denies an application under paragraph (2), the applicant shall be deemed to have exhausted his administrative remedies and may file suit in any appropriate Federal court to challenge such decision.

(b) Agency action in cases involving section 3165 or wilderness areas

(1) In the case of any application for the approval of a transportation or utility system to which section 3165 of this title applies or that proposes to occupy, use, or traverse any area within the National Wilderness Preservation System, each Federal agency concerned shall promptly submit to the President notification whether the agency tentatively approved or disapproved each authorization within its jurisdiction that applies with respect to the system. Such notification shall be accompanied by a statement of the reasons and findings supporting the agency position.

(2) Within four months after receiving all notification referred to in paragraph (1) and after considering such notifications, any environmental impact statement prepared pursuant to section 3164(e) of this title, and the comments of the public and Federal agencies received during the preparation of such statement, the President shall decide whether or not the application for the system concerned should be approved. If the President denies an application the applicant shall be deemed to have exhausted his administrative remedies, and may file suit in any appropriate Federal court to challenge such decision. If the President approves the application, he shall submit to Congress his recommendation for approval of the transportation or utility system covered, whereupon the Congress shall consider the application as provided in subsection (c). The President shall include with his recommendation to Congress—

(A) the application which is the subject of his recommendation;

(B) a report setting forth in detail the relevant factual background and the reasons for his findings and recommendation;

(C) the joint environmental impact statement; ¹

(D) a statement of the conditions and stipulations which would govern the use of the system if approved by the Congress.

(c) Congressional approval

(1) No application for any transportation or utility system with respect to which the President makes a recommendation for approval under subsection (b) shall be approved unless the Senate and House of Representatives approve a resolution described in paragraph (4) within the first period of one hundred and twenty calendar days of continuous session of the Congress beginning on the date after the date of receipt by the Senate and House of Representatives of such recommendation.

(2) For purposes of this subsection—

(A) continuity of session of the Congress is broken only by an adjournment sine die; and

(B) the days on which either House is not in session because of an adjournment of more than three days to a day certain are excluded in the computation of the one-hundred-and-twenty-day calendar period.

(3) This subsection is enacted by the Congress—

(A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of each House of the Congress respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in the House in the case of resolutions described by paragraph (6) of this subsection; and it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent therewith; and

(B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as those relate to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of such House.

(4) For the purposes of this subsection, the term "resolution" means a joint resolution, the resolving clause of which is as follows: "That the House of Representatives and Senate approve the application for      under title XI of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act submitted by the President to the Congress on       , 19 ."; the first blank space therein to be filled in with the appropriate transportation or utility system and the second blank therein to be filled with the date on which the President submits the application to the House of Representatives and the Senate.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the provisions of section 719f(d) of title 15 shall apply to the consideration of the resolution.

(6) After an application for a transportation or utility system has been approved under subsection (a), the appropriate Federal agencies shall issue appropriate authorizations in accordance with applicable law. In any case in which an application for a transportation or utility system has been approved pursuant to subsection (b), the appropriate Federal agencies shall issue appropriate authorizations in accordance with title V of the Federal Lands Policy Management Act [43 U.S.C. 1761 et seq.] or other applicable law. After issuance pursuant to this subsection, the appropriate land managing agency shall administer the right-of-way in accordance with relevant management authorities of the land managing agency and title V of the Federal Lands Policy Management Act.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1106, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2461.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(4), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371. Title XI of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act is classified generally to this subchapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(6), probably means the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743. Title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 is classified generally to subchapter V (§1761 et seq.) of chapter 35 of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1701 of Title 43 and Tables.

¹ So in original. Probably should be followed by "and".

§3167. Rights-of-way terms and conditions

(a) Terms and conditions

The Secretary, or the Secretary of Agriculture where national forest wilderness is involved, shall include in any right-of-way issued pursuant to an application under this subchapter, terms and conditions which shall include, but not be limited to—

(1) requirements to insure that, to the maximum extent feasible, the right-of-way is used in a manner compatible with the purposes for which the affected conservation system unit, national recreation area, or national conservation area was established or is managed;

(2) requirements for restoration, revegetation, and curtailment of erosion of the surface of the land;

(3) requirements to insure that activities in connection with the right-of-way will not violate applicable air and water quality standards and related facility siting standards established pursuant to law;

(4) requirements, including the minimum necessary width, designed to control or prevent—

(A) damage to the environment (including damage to fish and wildlife habitat),

(B) damage to public or private property, and

(C) hazards to public health and safety;

(5) requirements to protect the interests of individuals living in the general area of the right-of-way who rely on the fish, wildlife, and biotic resources of the area for subsistence purposes; and

(6) requirements to employ measures to avoid or minimize adverse environmental, social or economic impacts.

(b) Wild and Scenic Rivers System

Any transportation or utility system approved pursuant to this subchapter which occupies, uses, or traverses any area within the boundaries of a unit of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System shall be subject to such conditions as may be necessary to assure that the stream flow of, and transportation on, such river are not interfered with or impeded, and that the transportation or utility system is located and constructed in an environmentally sound manner.

(c) Pipeline rights-of-way

In the case of a pipeline described in section 185(a) of title 30, a right-of-way issued pursuant to this subchapter shall be issued in the same manner as a right-of-way is granted under section 185 of title 30, and the provisions of subsections (c) through (j), (l) through (q), and (u) through (y) of section 185 of title 30 shall apply to rights-of-way issued pursuant to this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1107, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2463.)

§3168. Injunctive relief

No court shall have jurisdiction to grant any injunctive relief lasting longer than ninety days against any action pursuant to this subchapter except in conjunction with a final judgment entered in a case involving an action pursuant to this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1108, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2464; Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, §402(22)(B), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3358.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1984—Pub. L. 98–620 redesignated subsec. (c) as entire section, and struck out subsecs. (a) and (b), which had related, respectively, to Congressional intent concerning, and time periods for, expedited judicial review.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–620 not applicable to cases pending on Nov. 8, 1984, see section 403 of Pub. L. 98–620, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1657 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

§3169. Valid existing right of access

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to adversely affect any valid existing right of access.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1109, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2464.)

§3170. Special access and access to inholdings

(a) Use of snowmachines, motorboats, airplanes, nonmotorized surface transportation, etc. for traditional activities and for travel

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or other law, the Secretary shall permit, on conservation system units, national recreation areas, and national conservation areas, and those public lands designated as wilderness study, the use of snowmachines (during periods of adequate snow cover, or frozen river conditions in the case of wild and scenic rivers), motorboats, airplanes, and nonmotorized surface transportation methods for traditional activities (where such activities are permitted by this Act or other law) and for travel to and from villages and homesites. Such use shall be subject to reasonable regulations by the Secretary to protect the natural and other values of the conservation system units, national recreation areas, and national conservation areas, and shall not be prohibited unless, after notice and hearing in the vicinity of the affected unit or area, the Secretary finds that such use would be detrimental to the resource values of the unit or area. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the use of other methods of transportation for such travel and activities on conservation system lands where such use is permitted by this Act or other law.

(b) Right of access to State or private owner or occupier

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act or other law, in any case in which State owned or privately owned land, including subsurface rights of such owners underlying public lands, or a valid mining claim or other valid occupancy is within or is effectively surrounded by one or more conservation system units, national recreation areas, national conservation areas, or those public lands designated as wilderness study, the State or private owner or occupier shall be given by the Secretary such rights as may be necessary to assure adequate and feasible access for economic and other purposes to the concerned land by such State or private owner or occupier and their successors in interest. Such rights shall be subject to reasonable regulations issued by the Secretary to protect the natural and other values of such lands.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1110, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2464.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3171. Temporary access

(a) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or other law the Secretary shall authorize and permit temporary access by the State or a private landowner to or across any conservation system unit, national recreation area, national conservation area, the National Petroleum Reserve—Alaska or those public lands designated as wilderness study or managed to maintain the wilderness character or potential thereof, in order to permit the State or private landowner access to its land for purposes of survey, geophysical, exploratory, or other temporary uses thereof whenever he determines such access will not result in permanent harm to the resources of such unit, area, Reserve or lands.

(b) Stipulations and conditions

In providing temporary access pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary may include such stipulations and conditions he deems necessary to insure that the private use of public lands is accomplished in a manner that is not inconsistent with the purposes for which the public lands are reserved and which insures that no permanent harm will result to the resources of the unit, area, Reserve or lands.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1111, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2465.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3172. North Slope Haul Road

(a) In general

So long as that section of the North Slope Haul Road referred to in subsection (c) is closed to public use, but not including regulated local traffic north of the Yukon River, regulated industrial traffic and regulated high occupancy buses, such regulation to occur under State law, except that the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, and the Governor of Alaska shall agree on the number of vehicles and seasonality of use, such section shall be free from any and all restrictions contained in title 23, as amended or supplemented, or in any regulations thereunder. Prior to executing an agreement pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary and the Governor of Alaska shall consult with the head of any unit of local government which encompasses lands located adjacent to the route of the North Slope Haul Road. The State of Alaska shall have the authority to limit access, impose restrictions and impose tolls, notwithstanding any provision of Federal law.

(b) Release

The removal of restrictions shall not be conditioned upon repayment by the State of Alaska to the Treasurer of the United States of any Federal-aid highway funds paid on account of the section of highway described in subsection (c), and the obligation of the State of Alaska to repay these amounts is hereby released so long as the road remains closed as set forth in subsection (a).

(c) Application of section

The provisions of this section shall apply to that section of the North Slope Haul Road, which extends from the southern terminus of the Yukon River Bridge to the northern terminus of the Road at Prudhoe Bay.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1112, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2465.)

§3173. Stikine River region; Presidential study and report to Congress

Congress finds that there is a need to study the effect of this Act upon the ability of the Government of Canada to obtain access in the Stikine River region of southeast Alaska. Accordingly, within five years from December 2, 1980, the President shall consult with the Government of Canada and shall submit a report to the Congress containing his findings and recommendations concerning the need, if any, to provide for such access. Such report shall include, among other things, an analysis of the need for access and the social, environmental and economic impacts which may result from various forms of access including, but not limited to, a road along the Stikine and Iskut Rivers, or other alternative routes, should such access be permitted.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XI, §1113, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2466.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2466, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

SUBCHAPTER V—FEDERAL-STATE COOPERATION

§3181. Alaska Land Use Council

(a) Establishment

There is hereby established the Alaska Land Use Council (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the "Council").

(b) Cochairmen

The Council shall have Cochairmen. The Federal Cochairman shall be appointed by the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate. The State Cochairman shall be the Governor of Alaska.

(c) Members

In addition to the Cochairmen, the Council shall consist of the following members:

(1) the head of the Alaska offices of each of the following Federal agencies: National Park Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Department of Transportation;

(2) the Commissioners of the Alaska Departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Game, Environmental Conservation, and Transportation; and

(3) two representatives selected by the Alaska Native Regional Corporations (in consultation with their respective Village Corporations) which represent the twelve geographic regions described in section 1606(a) of title 43.

Any vacancy on the Council shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

(d) State decision not to participate

If the State elects not to participate on the Council or elects to end its participation prior to termination of the Council, the Council shall be composed of the Federal Cochairman, the agencies referred to in subsection (c)(1) and the representatives of the Alaska Native Regional Corporations referred to in subsection (c)(3). The Council, so composed, shall carry out the administrative functions required by this subchapter and shall make recommendations to Federal officials with respect to the matters referred to in subsections (i) and (j). In addition, the Council may make recommendations from time to time to State officials and private landowners concerning such matters.

(e) Compensation and expenses

(1) The Federal Cochairman shall be compensated at a rate to be determined by the President but not in excess of that provided for level IV of the Executive Schedule contained in title 5 [5 U.S.C. 5315].

(2) The other members of the Council who are Federal employees shall receive no additional compensation for service on the Council.

(3) While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Council, members of the Council who are Federal employees, or members of the Council referred to in subsection (c)(3), shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703(b) of title 5.¹

(4) The State Cochairman and other State members of the Council have been compensated in accordance with applicable State law.

(f) Administrative authority

(1) The Cochairmen, acting jointly, shall have the authority to create and abolish employments and positions, including temporary and intermittent employments; to fix and provide for the qualification, appointment, removal, compensation, pension, and retirement rights of Council employees; and to procure needed office space, supplies, and equipment.

(2) The office of the Council shall be located in the State of Alaska.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (d), within any one fiscal year, the Federal Government shall pay only 50 per centum of the costs and other expenses other than salaries, benefits, et cetera of members, incurred by the Council in carrying out its duties under this Act.

(4) The Council is authorized to use, with their consent, the services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of Federal and other agencies with or without reimbursement. Each department and agency of the Federal Government is authorized and directed to cooperate fully in making its services, equipment, personnel, and facilities available to the Council. Personnel detailed to the Council in accordance with the provisions of this subsection shall be under the direction of the Cochairman during any period such staff is so detailed.

(5) The Council is authorized to accept donations, gifts, and other contributions and to utilize such donations, gifts, and contributions in carrying out its functions under this Act.

(6) The Council shall keep and maintain complete accounts and records of its activities and transactions, and such accounts and records shall be available for public inspection.

(g) Meetings; authorities; reports

The Council shall meet at the call of the Cochairmen, but not less than four times each year. In addition, the Council may, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this section, hold such hearings, take such testimony, receive such evidence and print or otherwise reproduce and distribute reports concerning so much of its proceedings as the Council deems advisable. No later than February 1 of each calendar year following the calendar year in which the Council is established, the Cochairmen shall submit to the President, the Congress, the Governor of Alaska, and the Alaska Legislature, in writing, a report on the activities of the Council during the previous year, together with their recommendations, if any, for legislative or other action in furtherance of the purposes of this section.

(h) Rules

The Council shall adopt such internal rules of procedure as it deems necessary. All Council meetings shall be open to the public, and at least fifteen days prior to the date when any meeting of the Council is to take place the Cochairman shall publish public notice of such meeting in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in various areas throughout Alaska.

(i) Functions of the Council

(1) The Council shall conduct studies and advise the Secretary, the Secretary of Agriculture, other Federal agencies, the State, local governments, and Native Corporations with respect to ongoing, planned, and proposed land and resources uses in Alaska, including transportation planning, land use designation, fish and wildlife management, tourism, agricultural development, coastal zone management, preservation of cultural and historical resources, and such other matters as may be submitted for advice by the members.

(2) It shall be the function of the Council—

(A) to make recommendations to appropriate officials of the United States and the State of Alaska with respect to—

(i) proposed regulations promulgated by the United States to carry out its responsibilities under this Act;

(ii) management plans and studies required by this Act including, but not limited to, plans and studies for conservation system units, wild and scenic rivers, and wilderness areas;

(iii) proposed regulations promulgated by the State of Alaska to carry out its responsibilities under this Act and other State and Federal laws;

(B) to make recommendations to appropriate officials of the governments of the United States and the State of Alaska with respect to ways to improve coordination and consultation between said governments in wildlife management, transportation planning, wilderness review, and other governmental activities which appear to require regional or statewide coordination;

(C) to make recommendations to appropriate officials of the governments of the United States and the State of Alaska with respect to ways to insure that economic development is orderly and planned and is compatible with State and national economic, social, and environmental objectives;

(D) to make recommendations to appropriate officials of the governments of the United States and the State of Alaska with respect to those changes in laws, policies, and programs relating to publicly owned lands and resources which the Council deems necessary;

(E) to make recommendations to appropriate officials of the governments of the United States and the State of Alaska with respect to the inventory, planning, classification, management, and use of Federal and State lands, respectively, and to provide such assistance to Native Corporations upon their request;

(F) to make recommendations to appropriate officials of the governments of the United States and the State of Alaska with respect to needed modifications in existing withdrawals of Federal and State lands; and

(G) to make recommendations to appropriate officials of the governments of the United States and the State of Alaska with respect to the programs and budgets of Federal and State agencies responsible for the administration of Federal and State lands; and

(H) to make recommendations to appropriate officials of the governments of the United States, the State of Alaska, and Native Corporations for land exchanges between or among them.

(j) Cooperative planning

(1) The Council shall recommend cooperative planning zones, consisting of areas of the State in which the management of lands or resources by one member materially affects the management of lands or resources of another member or members including, but not limited to, such areas as the Northwest Arctic, the North Slope, and Bristol Bay. Federal members of the Council are authorized and encouraged to enter into cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, with State and local agencies, and with Native Corporations providing for mutual consultation, review, and coordination of resource management plans and programs within such zones.

(2) With respect to lands, waters, and interests therein which are subject to a cooperative agreement in accordance with this subsection, the Secretary, in addition to any requirement of applicable law, may provide technical and other assistance to the landowner with respect to fire control, trespass control, law enforcement, resource use, and planning. Such assistance may be provided without reimbursement if the Secretary determines that to do so would further the purposes of the cooperative agreement and would be in the public interest.

(3) Cooperative agreements established pursuant to this section shall include a plan for public participation consistent with the guidelines established by the Council pursuant to subsection (m).

(k) Nonacceptance of Council recommendations

If any Federal or State agency does not accept a recommendation made by the Council pursuant to subsection (i) or (j), such agency, within thirty days of receipt of the recommendation, shall inform the Council, in writing, of its reason for such action.

(l) Termination

Unless extended by the Congress, the Council shall terminate ten years after December 2, 1980. No later than one year prior to its termination date, the Cochairmen shall submit in writing to the Congress a report on the accomplishments of the Council together with their recommendations as to whether the Council should be extended or any other recommendations for legislation or other action which they determine should be taken following termination of the Council to continue carrying out the purposes for which the Council was established.

(m) Public participation

The Council shall establish and implement a public participation program to assist the Council to carry out its responsibilities and functions under this section. Such program shall include, but is not limited to—

(1) A committee of land-use advisors appointed by the Cochairmen made up of representatives of commercial and industrial land users in Alaska, recreational land users, wilderness users, environmental groups, Native Corporations, and other public and private organizations. To the maximum extent practicable, the membership of the committee shall provide a balanced mixture of national, State, and local perspective and expertise on land and resource use issues; and

(2) A system for (A) the identification of persons and communities, in rural and urban Alaska, who or which may be directly or significantly affected by studies conducted, or advice and recommendations given by the Council pursuant to this section, and (B) guidelines for, and implementation of, a system for effective public participation by such persons or communities in the development of such studies, advice and recommendations by the Council.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XII, §1201, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2466.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 5703 of title 5, referred to in subsec. (e)(3), was amended generally by Pub. L. 94–22, §4, May 19, 1975, 89 Stat. 85, and, as so amended, does not contain a subsec. (b).

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (f)(3), (5) and (i)(2)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (g) of this section relating to submitting report to Congress no later than February 1 of each calendar year, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 154 of House Document No. 103–7.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§3182. Federal Coordination Committee

There is hereby established a Federal Coordination Committee composed of the Secretaries (or their designees) of Agriculture, Energy, the Interior, and Transportation; the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and the Federal and State Cochairmen of the Council. Such Committee shall meet at least once every four months in order to coordinate those programs and functions of their respective agencies which could affect the administration of lands and resources in Alaska. The Federal Cochairman shall be the Chairman of the Committee. He shall be responsible for formulating an agenda for each meeting, after consultation with the other agency heads referred to herein, for providing any necessary staff support, and for preparing a brief summary of the disposition of matters discussed at each meeting. Such summary shall be published in the Federal Register.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XII, §1202, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2470.)

§3183. Bristol Bay Cooperative Region

(a) Definitions

For purposes of this section—

(1) The term "Governor" means the Governor of the State of Alaska.

(2) The term "region" means the land (other than any land within the National Park System) within the Bristol Bay Cooperative Region as generally depicted on the map entitled "Bristol Bay-Alaska Peninsula", dated October 1979.

(b) Purpose

The purpose of this section is to provide for the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive and systematic cooperative management plan (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "plan"), agreed to by the United States and the State—

(1) to conserve the fish and wildlife and other significant natural and cultural resources within the region;

(2) to provide for the rational and orderly development of economic resources within the region in an environmentally sound manner;

(3) to provide for such exchanges of land among the Federal Government, the State, and other public or private owners as will facilitate the carrying out of paragraphs (1) and (2);

(4) to identify any further lands within the region which are appropriate for selections by the State under section 6 of the Alaska Statehood Act and this Act; and

(5) to identify any further lands within the region which may be appropriate for congressional designation as national conservation system units.

(c) Federal-State cooperation in preparation of plans

(1) If within three months after December 2, 1980, the Governor notifies the Secretary that the State wishes to participate in the preparation of the plan, and that the Governor will, to the extent of his authority, manage State lands within the region to conserve fish and wildlife during such preparation, the Secretary and the Governor shall undertake to prepare the plan which shall contain such provisions as are necessary and appropriate to achieve the purposes set forth in subsection (b), including but not limited to—

(A) the identification of the significant resources of the region;

(B) the identification of present and potential uses of land within the region;

(C) the identification of areas within the region according to their significant resources and the present or potential uses within each such area;

(D) the identification of land (other than any land within the National Park System) which should be exchanged in order to facilitate the conserving of fish and wildlife and the management and development of other resources within the region; and

(E) the specification of the uses which may be permitted in each area identified under paragraph (C) and the manner in which these uses shall be regulated by the Secretary or the State, as appropriate, if such plan is approved.

(2) The plan shall also—

(A) specify those elements of the plan, and its implementation, which the Secretary or the Governor:

(i) may modify without prior approval of both parties to the plan; and

(ii) may not modify without such prior approval; and

(B) include a description of the procedures which will be used to make modifications to which paragraph (A)(i) applies.

(d) Action by Secretary if State does not participate in plan

If—

(1) the Secretary does not receive notification under subsection (c) that the State will participate in the preparation of the plan; or

(2) after the State agrees to so participate, the Governor submits to the Secretary written notification that the State is terminating its participation;

the Secretary shall prepare a plan containing the provisions referred to in subsection (c)(1) (and containing a specification of those elements in the plan which the Secretary may modify without prior approval of Congress), and submit copies of such plan to the Congress, as provided in subsection (e)(2), within three years after December 2, 1980.

(e) Taking effect of plan

(1) If within three years after December 2, 1980, a plan has been prepared under subsection (c) which is agreed to by the Secretary and the Governor, the plan shall take effect with respect to the United States and the State.

(2) If the plan prepared pursuant to this section is agreed to by the Secretary and the Governor includes any recommendations regarding (i) the exchange of State lands, (ii) the management of Federal lands within any conservation system unit, or (iii) any other actions which require the approval of either the Congress or the Alaska State Legislature, then the Secretary and the Governor shall submit to the Congress and the State Legislature as appropriate, their proposals for legislation necessary to carry out the recommendations contained in the plan.

(f) Transitional provisions

On December 2, 1980, and for a period of three years thereafter, all Federal land within the region (except that land conveyed by title IX of this Act to the State of Alaska and Federal lands located within the boundaries of conservation system units) shall be withdrawn from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including selections by the State, and from location and entry under the mining laws and from leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act [30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.], and shall be managed by the Bureau of Land Management under its existing statutory authority and consistent with provisions of this section.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XII, §1203, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2470.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 6 of the Alaska Statehood Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(4), is section 6 of Pub. L. 85–508, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 399, which is set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(4) and (f), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. Title IX of this Act enacted sections 1631 to 1638 of Title 43, Public Lands, amended sections 1614 and 1620 of Title 43, and amended provisions set out as notes under section 1611 of Title 43 and preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Mineral Leasing Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, which is classified generally to chapter 3A (§181 et seq.) of Title 30. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 181 of Title 30 and Tables.

SUBCHAPTER VI—ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

§3191. Management plans

(a) Development; transmittal to Congressional committees

Within five years from December 2, 1980, the Secretary shall develop and transmit to the appropriate Committees of the Congress a conservation and management plan for each of the units of the National Park System established or to which additions are made by this Act.

(b) National Park service plan requirements

Each plan for a unit established, redesignated, or expanded by subchapter LIX–F of chapter 1 of this title shall identify management practices which will carry out the policies of this Act and will accomplish the purposes for which the concerned National Park System unit was established or expanded and shall include at least the following:

(1) Maps indicating areas of particular importance as to wilderness, natural, historical, wildlife, cultural, archeological, paleontological, geological, recreational, and similar resources and also indicating the areas into which such unit will be divided for administrative purposes.

(2) A description of the programs and methods that will be employed to manage fish and wildlife resources and habitats, cultural, geological, recreational, and wilderness resources, and how each conservation system unit will contribute to overall resources management goals of that region. Such programs should include research, protection, restoration, development, and interpretation as appropriate.

(3) A description of any areas of potential or proposed development, indicating types of visitor services and facilities to be provided, the estimated costs of such services and facilities, and whether or not such services and facilities could and should be provided outside the boundaries of such unit.

(4) A plan for access to, and circulation within, such unit, indicating the type and location of transportation routes and facilities, if any.

(5) A description of the programs and methods which the Secretary plans to use for the purposes of (A) encouraging the recognition and protection of the culture and history of the individuals residing, on December 2, 1980, in such unit and areas in the vicinity of such unit, and (B) providing and encouraging employment of such individuals.

(6) A plan for acquiring land with respect to such unit, including proposed modifications in the boundaries of such unit.

(7) A description (A) of privately owned areas, if any, which are within such unit, (B) of activities carried out in, or proposed for, such areas, (C) of the present and potential effects of such activities on such unit, (D) of the purposes for which such areas are used, and (E) of methods (such as cooperative agreements and issuance or enforcement of regulations) of controlling the use of such activities to carry out the policies of this Act and the purposes for which such unit is established or expanded.

(8) A plan indicating the relationship between the management of such unit and activities being carried out in, or proposed for, surrounding areas and also indicating cooperative agreements which could and should be entered into for the purpose of improving such management.

(c) Consideration of factors

In developing, preparing, and revising a plan under this section the Secretary shall take into consideration at least the following factors:

(1) The specific purposes for which the concerned conservation system unit was established or expanded.

(2) Protection and preservation of the ecological, environmental, wildlife, cultural, historical, archeological, geological, recreational, wilderness, and scenic character of the concerned unit and of areas in the vicinity of such unit.

(3) Providing opportunities for Alaska Natives residing in the concerned unit and areas adjacent to such unit to continue performing in such unit activities which they have traditionally or historically performed in such unit.

(4) Activities being carried out in areas adjacent to, or surrounded by, the concerned unit.

(d) Hearing and participation

In developing, preparing, and revising a plan under this section the Secretary shall hold at least one public hearing in the vicinity of the concerned conservation unit, hold at least one public hearing in a metropolitan area of Alaska, and, to the extent practicable, permit the following persons to participate in the development, preparation, and revision of such plan:

(1) The Alaska Land Use Council and officials of Federal agencies whose activities will be significantly affected by implementation of such plan.

(2) Officials of the State and of political subdivisions of the State whose activities will be significantly affected by implementation of such plan.

(3) Officials of Native Corporations which will be significantly affected by implementation of such plan.

(4) Concerned local, State, and National organizations and interested individuals.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1301, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2472.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Subchapter LIX–F of chapter 1 of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), commences with section 410hh of this title.

§3192. Land acquisition authority

(a) General authority

Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Secretary is authorized, consistent with other applicable law in order to carry out the purposes of this Act, to acquire by purchase, donation, exchange, or otherwise any lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit other than National Forest Wilderness.

(b) Restrictions

Lands located within the boundaries of a conservation system unit which are owned by—

(A) the State or a political subdivision of the State;

(B) a Native Corporation or Native Group which has Natives as a majority of its stockholders;

(C) the actual occupant of a tract, title to the surface estate of which was on, before, or after December 2, 1980, conveyed to such occupant pursuant to section 1613(c)(1) and (h)(5) of title 43, unless the Secretary determines that the tract is no longer occupied for the purpose described in section 1613(c)(1) or (h)(5) of title 43 for which the tract was conveyed and that activities on the tract are or will be detrimental to the purposes of the unit in which the tract is located; or

(D) a spouse or lineal descendant of the actual occupant of a tract described in subparagraph (C), unless the Secretary determines that activities on the tract are or will be detrimental to the purposes of the unit in which the tract is located—

may not be acquired by the Secretary without the consent of the owner.

(c) Exchanges

Lands located within the boundaries of a conservation system unit (other than National Forest Wilderness) which are owned by persons or entities other than those described in subsection (b) of this section shall not be acquired by the Secretary without the consent of the owner unless prior to final judgment on the value of the acquired land, the owner, after being offered appropriate land of similar characteristics and like value (if such land is available from public lands located outside the boundaries of any conservation system unit), chooses not to accept the exchange. In identifying public lands for exchange pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with the Alaska Land Use Council.

(d) Improved property

No improved property shall be acquired under subsection (a) without the consent of the owner unless the Secretary first determines that such acquisition is necessary to the fulfillment of the purposes of this Act or to the fulfillment of the purposes for which the concerned conservation system unit was established or expanded.

(e) Retained rights

The owner of an improved property on the date of its acquisition, as a condition of such acquisition, may retain for himself, his heirs and assigns, a right of use and occupancy of the improved property for noncommercial residential or recreational purposes, as the case may be, for a definite term of not more than twenty-five years, or in lieu thereof, for a term ending at the death of the owner or the death of his spouse, whichever is later. The owner shall elect the term to be reserved. Unless the property is wholly or partially donated, the Secretary shall pay to the owner the fair market value of the owner's interest in the property on the date of its acquisition, less the fair market value on that date of the right retained by the owner. A right retained by the owner pursuant to this section shall be subject to termination by the Secretary upon his determination that such right is being exercised in a manner inconsistent with the purposes of this Act, and it shall terminate by operation of law upon notification by the Secretary to the holder of the right of such determination and tendering to him the amount equal to the fair market value of that portion which remains unexpired.

(f) "Improved property" defined

For the purposes of this section, the term "improved property" means—

(1) a detached single family dwelling, the construction of which was begun before January 1, 1980 (hereinafter referred to as the "dwelling"), together with the land on which the dwelling is situated to the extent that such land—

(A) is in the same ownership as the dwelling or is Federal land on which entry was legal and proper, and

(B) is designated by the Secretary to be necessary for the enjoyment of the dwelling for the sole purpose of noncommercial residential use, together with any structures necessary to the dwelling which are situated on the land so designated, or

(2) property developed for noncommercial recreational uses, together with any structures accessory thereto which were so used on or before January 1, 1980, to the extent that entry onto such property was legal and proper.

In determining when and to what extent a property is to be considered an "improved property", the Secretary shall take into consideration the manner of use of such buildings and lands prior to January 1, 1980, and shall designate such lands as are reasonably necessary for the continued enjoyment of the property in the same manner and to the same extent as existed before such date.

(g) Consideration of hardship

The Secretary shall give prompt and careful consideration to any offer made by the owner of any property within a conservation system unit to sell such property, if such owner notifies the Secretary that the continued ownership is causing, or would result in, undue hardship.

(h) Exchange authority

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in acquiring lands for the purposes of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to exchange lands (including lands within conservation system units and within the National Forest System) or interests therein (including Native selection rights) with the corporations organized by the Native Groups, Village Corporations, Regional Corporations, and the Urban Corporations, and other municipalities and corporations or individuals, the State (acting free of the restrictions of section 6(i) of the Alaska Statehood Act), or any Federal agency. Exchanges shall be on the basis of equal value, and either party to the exchange may pay or accept cash in order to equalize the value of the property exchanged, except that if the parties agree to an exchange and the Secretary determines it is in the public interest, such exchanges may be made for other than equal value.

(2) Nothing in this Act or any other provision of law shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary to convey, by exchange or otherwise, lands or interest in lands within the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (other than land validly selected prior to July 28, 1987), without prior approval by Act of Congress.

(i) Donation or exchange

(1) The Secretary is authorized to acquire by donation or exchange, lands (A) which are contiguous to any conservation system unit established or expanded by this Act, and (B) which are owned or validly selected by the State of Alaska.

(2) Any such lands so acquired shall become a part of such conservation system unit.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1302, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2474; Pub. L. 100–395, title II, §201, Aug. 16, 1988, 102 Stat. 981.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a), (d), (e), (h), and (i)(1), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Section 6(i) of the Alaska Statehood Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(1), is section 6(i) of Pub. L. 85–508, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 339, which is set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Amendments

1988—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 100–395 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

§3192a. Restrictions on use of appropriated funds

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds provided in this Act or any other Act hereafter enacted may be used by the Secretary of the Interior, except with respect to land exchange costs and costs associated with the preparation of land acquisitions, in the acquisition of State, private, or other non-federal lands (or any interest therein) in the State of Alaska, unless, in the acquisition of any State, private, or other non-federal lands (or interest therein) in the State of Alaska, the Secretary seeks to exchange unreserved public lands before purchasing all or any portion of such lands (or interest therein) in the State of Alaska.

(Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(e) [title I, §127], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–231, 2681-261.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999, and also as part of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, and not as part of Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act which comprises this chapter.

§3193. Use of cabins and other sites of occupancy on conservation system units

(a) Improved property on National Park System lands

(1) On public lands within the boundaries of any unit of the National Park System created or enlarged by this Act, cabins or other structures existing prior to December 18, 1973, may be occupied and used by the claimant to these structures pursuant to a renewable, nontransferable permit. Such use and occupancy shall be for terms of five years each: Provided, That the claimant of the structure by application:

(A) Reasonably demonstrates by affidavit, bill of sale or other documentation, proof of possessory interest or right of occupancy in the cabin or structure;

(B) Submits a sketch or photograph of the cabin or structure and a map showing its geographic location;

(C) Agrees to vacate the cabin and to remove all personal property from the cabin or structure upon expiration of the permit; and

(D) Acknowledges in the permit that the applicant has no interest in the real property on which the cabin or structure is located.

(2) On public lands within the boundaries of any unit of the National Park System created or enlarged by this Act, cabins or other structures, the occupancy or use of which commenced between December 18, 1973, and December 1, 1978, may be used and occupied by the claimant of such structure pursuant to a nontransferable, nonrenewable permit. Such use and occupancy shall be for a maximum term of one year: Provided, however, That the claimant, by application:

(A) Reasonably demonstrates by affidavit, bill of sale, or other documentation proof of possessory interest or right of occupancy in the cabin or structure;

(B) Submits a sketch or photograph of the cabin or structure and a map showing its geographic location;

(C) Agrees to vacate the cabin or structure and to remove all personal property from it upon expiration of the permit; and

(D) Acknowledges in the permit that the applicant has no legal interest in the real property on which the cabin or structure is located.

The Secretary may, on a case by case basis, subject to reasonable regulations, extend such permit term beyond one year for such reasons as the Secretary deems equitable and just.

(3) Cabins or other structures not under permit as specified herein shall be used only for official government business: Provided however, That during emergencies involving the safety of human life or where designated for public use by the Secretary, these cabins may be used by the general public.

(4) The Secretary may issue a permit under such conditions as he may prescribe for the temporary use, occupancy, construction and maintenance of new cabins or other structures if he determines that the use is necessary to reasonably accommodate subsistence uses or is otherwise authorized by law.

(b) Improved property on other units or areas established or expanded by this Act

The following conditions shall apply regarding the construction, use and occupancy of cabins and related structures on Federal lands within conservation system units or areas not provided for in subsection (a) of this section:

(1) The construction of new cabins is prohibited except as may be authorized pursuant to a nontransferable, five-year special use permit issued by the Secretary. Such special use permit shall only be issued upon a determination that the proposed use, construction, and maintenance of a cabin is compatible with the purposes for which the unit or area was established and that the use of the cabin is either directly related to the administration of the unit or area or is necessary to provide for a continuation of an ongoing activity or use otherwise allowed within the unit or area where the permit applicant has no reasonable alternative site for constructing a cabin. No special use permit shall be issued to authorize the construction of a cabin for private recreational use.

(2) Traditional and customary uses of existing cabins and related structures on Federal lands within a unit or area may be allowed to continue in accordance with a nontransferable, renewable five-year special use permit issued by the Secretary. Such special use permit shall be issued only upon a determination that the traditional and customary uses are compatible with the purposes for which the unit or area was established. No special use permits shall be issued to authorize the use of an existing cabin constructed for private recreational use.

(3) No special use permit shall be issued under paragraphs (1) or (2) of this subsection unless the permit applicant:

(A) In the case of existing cabins or structures, reasonably demonstrates by affidavit, bill of sale or other documentation, proof of possessory interests or right of occupancy in the cabin or structure;

(B) Submits a sketch or photograph of the existing or proposed cabin or structure and a map showing its geographic location;

(C) Agrees to vacate the cabin or structure and remove, within a reasonable time period established by the Secretary, all personal property from it upon nonrenewal or revocation of the permit; and

(D) Acknowledges in the permit application that the applicant has no interest in the real property on which the cabin or structure is located or will be constructed.

(4) The United States shall retain ownership of all new cabins and related structures on Federal lands within a unit or area specified in this subsection, and no proprietary rights or privileges shall be conveyed through the issuance of the special use permit authorized by paragraphs (1) or (2) of this subsection. Cabins or other structures not under permit shall be used only for official Government business: Provided, however, That during emergencies involving the safety of human life or where designated for public use by the unit or area manager, such cabins may be used by the general public.

(c) Permits to be renewed for life of claimant and immediate family

(1) Whenever issuance of a nontransferable renewable five-year special use permit is authorized by subsections (a) or (b) of this section, said permit shall be renewed every five years until the death of the last immediate family member of the claimant residing in the cabin or structure, or unless the Secretary has revoked the special use permit in accordance with the criteria established in this section.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Secretary, after notice and hearing, may revoke a permit provided for in this section if he determines, on the basis of substantial evidence in the administrative record as a whole, that the use under the permit is causing or may cause significant detriment to the principal purposes for which the unit was established.

(d) Existing cabin leases or permits

Nothing in this Act shall preclude the renewal or continuation of valid leases or permits in effect on December 2, 1980, for cabins, homesites, or similar structures on Federal lands. Unless the Secretary, or in the case of national forest lands, the Secretary of Agriculture, issues specific findings following notice and an opportunity for the lease-holder or permittee to respond, that renewal or continuation of such valid permit or lease constitutes a direct threat to or a significant impairment to the purposes for which a conservation system unit was established (in the case of a structure located within a conservation system unit) or the public domain or national forest (in case of a structure located outside conservation system units), he shall renew such valid leases or permits upon their expiration in accordance with the provisions of the original lease or permit, subject to such reasonable regulations as he may prescribe. Subject to the provisions of the original lease or permit, nothing in this Act or subsection shall necessarily preclude the appropriate Secretary from transferring such a lease or permit to another person at the election or death of the original permittee or leasee.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1303, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2476.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (2), (b), and (d), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3194. Archeological and paleontological sites

Notwithstanding any acreage or boundary limitations contained in this Act with respect to the Cape Krusenstern National Monument, the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, and the Kobuk Valley National Park, the Secretary may designate Federal lands or he may acquire by purchase with the consent of the owner, donation, or exchange any significant archeological or paleontological site in Alaska located outside of the boundaries of such areas and containing resources which are closely associated with any such area. If any such site is so designated or acquired, it shall be included in and managed as part of such area. Not more than seven thousand five hundred acres of land may be designated or acquired under this section for inclusion in any single area. Before designation or acquisition of any property in excess of one hundred acres under the provisions of this section, the Secretary shall—

(1) submit notice of such proposed designation or acquisition to the appropriate committees of the Congress; and

(2) publish notice of such proposed designation or acquisition in the Federal Register.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1304, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2478.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in provision preceding par. (1), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3195. Cooperative information and education centers

The Secretary is authorized in consultation with other Federal agencies, to investigate and plan for an information and education center for visitors to Alaska on not to exceed one thousand acres of Federal land at a site adjacent to the Alaska Highway, and to investigate and plan for similar centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska. For the purposes of this investigation, the Secretary shall seek participation in the program planning and/or operation of such centers from appropriate agencies of the State of Alaska, and he is authorized to accept contributions of funds, personnel, and planning and program assistance from such State agencies, other Federal agencies, and Native representatives. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to investigate and plan for, in a similar manner, an information and education center for visitors to Alaska in either Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka, Alaska. No information center shall be developed pursuant to investigations and plans conducted under authority of this section unless and until such development is specifically authorized by Congress.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1305, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2478.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Authorization of Appropriations; Purposes of Center; Operation of Center; Development Plans

Pub. L. 99–664, §11, Nov. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 4308, provided that:

"(a) Authorization.—There is hereby authorized to be appropriated $250,000 to be used by the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct surveys, develop designs, and carry out other preliminary work related to the establishment of an Information and Education Center provided for in section 1305 of Public Law 96–487 [16 U.S.C. 3195].

"(b) Purposes.—The purposes of the Center authorized by subsection (a) shall be—

"(1) to collect and disseminate to visitors to and residents of Alaska information about the natural, recreational, cultural, historical, archeological, multiple use, and other resources and values of Alaska, with special emphasis on the Tongass National Forest and Southeast Alaska and its people;

"(2) to publicly display temporary and permanent exhibits illustrating and interpreting these resources and values;

"(3) to foster educational programs relating to the heritage resources of Alaska including those pertaining to Alaska Native peoples with particular emphasis on the Haida, Tshimshian, and Tglingit peoples of Southeast Alaska.

"(c) Design.—Design of the center in subsection (a) shall be developed in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, the Alaska Division of Tourism and other appropriate agencies of the State of Alaska, the local government of the city in which such center is to be located, and southeast Alaska Native organizations.

"(d) Consultation.—In establishing, operating, and maintaining the center (and any affiliated branches), the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with, in addition to those listed in subsection (c), Alaska colleges and universities, the National Historic Association of Alaska, the Alaska Federation of Natives, and appropriate individuals and other organizations concerned with the diverse heritage resources of Alaska.

"(e) Cooperative Agreements.—The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with those individuals and organizations listed in subsections (c) and (d) to facilitate carrying out the purposes of the Center.

"(f) Development Plan.—Within one year after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 17, 1986], and after consultation with the individuals and organizations listed in subsections (c) and (d), the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a development plan for the Center along with an estimate of the cost."

§3196. Administrative sites and visitor facilities

(a) Establishment

In conformity with the conservation and management plans prepared for each unit and the purposes of assuring the preservation, protection, and proper management of any conservation system unit, the Secretary may establish sites and visitor facilities—

(1) within the unit, if compatible with the purposes for which the unit is established, expanded, or designated by this Act, and the other provisions of this Act, or

(2) outside the boundaries of, and in the vicinity of, the unit.

To the extent practicable and desirable, the Secretary shall attempt to locate such sites and facilities on Native lands in the vicinity of the unit.

(b) Authorities of Secretary

For the purpose of establishing administrative sites and visitor facilities under subsection (a)—

(1) the Secretary and the head of the Federal agency having primary authority over the administration of any Federal land which the Secretary determines is suitable for use in carrying out such purpose may enter into agreements permitting the Secretary to use such land for such purposes;

(2) notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary, under such terms and conditions as he determines are reasonable, may lease or acquire by purchase, donation, exchange, or any other method (except condemnation) real property (other than Federal land), office space, housing, and other necessary facilities which the Secretary determines to be suitable for carrying out such purposes; and

(3) the Secretary may construct, operate, and maintain such permanent and temporary buildings and facilities as he deems appropriate on land which is within, or in the vicinity of, any conservation system unit and with respect to which the Secretary has acquired authority under this subsection to use the property for the purpose of establishing an administrative site or visitor facility under subsection (a), except that the Secretary may not begin construction of buildings and facilities on land not owned by the United States until the owner of such land has entered into an agreement with the Secretary, the terms of which assure the continued use of such buildings and facilities in furtherance of the purposes of this Act.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1306, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2479.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (b)(3), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3197. Revenue-producing visitor services

(a) Continuation of existing visitor services

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary, under such terms and conditions as he determines are reasonable, shall permit any persons who, on or before January 1, 1979, were engaged in adequately providing any type of visitor service within any area established as or added to a conservation system unit to continue providing such type of service and similar types of visitor services within such area if such service or services are consistent with the purposes for which such unit is established or expanded.

(b) Preference

Notwithstanding provisions of law other than those contained in subsection (a), in selecting persons to provide (and in contracting for the provision of) any type of visitor service for any conservation system unit, except sport fishing and hunting guiding activities, the Secretary—

(1) shall give preference to the Native Corporations which the Secretary determines are most directly affected by the establishment or expansion of such unit by or under the provisions of this Act;

(2) shall give preference to persons whom he determines, by rule, are local residents; and

(3) shall, consistent with the provisions of this section, offer to Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated, in cooperation with Village Corporations within the Cook Inlet Region when appropriate, the right of first refusal to provide new revenue producing visitor services within the Kenai National Moose Range or that portion of the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve within the boundaries of the Cook Inlet Region that right to remain open for a period of ninety days as agreed to in paragraph VIII of the document referred to in section 12 of the Act of January 2, 1976 (Public Law 94–204).

(c) "Visitor service" defined

As used in this section, the term "visitor service" means any service made available for a fee or charge to persons who visit a conservation system unit, including such services as providing food, accommodations, transportation, tours, and guides excepting the guiding of sport hunting and fishing. Nothing in this Act shall limit or affect the authority of the Federal Government or the State of Alaska to license and regulate transportation services.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1307, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2479; Pub. L. 105–333, §10, Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3134.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1) and (c), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Section 12 of the Act of January 2, 1976 (Public Law 94–204), referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is section 12 of Pub. L. 94–204, Jan. 2, 1976, 89 Stat. 1150, which is set out as a note under section 1611 of Title 43, Public Lands.

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–333 substituted "Native Corporations" for "Native Corporation" and "are most directly affected" for "is most directly affected".

§3198. Local hire

(a) Program

After consultation with the Office of Personnel Management, the Secretary shall establish an excepted service appointment authority, under which any individual who, by reason of having lived or worked in or near public lands, has special knowledge or expertise concerning the natural or cultural resources of public lands and the management thereof (as determined by the Secretary) shall be considered for selection for any position within public lands without regard to—

(1) any provision of the civil service laws or regulations thereunder which require minimum periods of formal training or experience,

(2) any such provision which provides an employment preference to any other class of applicant is such selection, and

(3) any numerical limitation on personnel otherwise applicable.

Individuals appointed under this subsection shall not be taken into account in applying any personnel limitation described in paragraph (3).

(b) Preference eligibles within local hire

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), any individual who is eligible to be selected for a position under the provisions of subsection (a) and is a preference eligible as defined in section 2108(3) of title 5 shall be given an employment preference, consistent with the preference in the excepted service as defined in section 2103 of such title.

(c) Payment of expenses after death of an employee

(1) Definition of immediate family member

In this subsection, the term "immediate family member" means a person related to a deceased employee that was a member of the household of the deceased employee at the time of death.

(2) Payments

If an employee appointed under the program established by subsection (a) dies in the performance of any assigned duties on or after October 1, 2002, the Secretary may—

(A) pay or reimburse reasonable expenses, regardless of when those expenses are incurred, for the preparation and transportation of the remains of the deceased employee to a location in the State of Alaska which is selected by the surviving head of household of the deceased employee;

(B) pay or reimburse reasonable expenses, regardless of when those expenses are incurred, for transporting immediate family members and the baggage and household goods of the deceased employee and immediate family members to a community in the State of Alaska which is selected by the surviving head of household of the deceased employee.

(d) Reports

The Secretary shall from time to time prepare and submit to the Congress reports indicating the actions taken in carrying out the provisions of subsection (a) of this section together with any recommendations for legislation in furtherance of the purposes of this section.

(e) Competitive status

(1) In general

Nothing in subsection (a) provides that any person hired pursuant to the program established under that subsection is not eligible for competitive status in the same manner as any other employee hired as part of the competitive service.

(2) Conversion to competitive service

Employees who satisfactorily complete two years of continuous service in a permanent appointment made under subsection (a) and who meet satisfactory performance and competitive service qualification requirements shall have their appointment converted to competitive service career-conditional or career employment as appropriate. This paragraph applies to individuals appointed on or after March 30, 2009. An employee who does not meet competitive service qualification requirements after two years of continuous service in an appointment made under subsection (a) shall be converted upon meeting such qualification requirements. Temporary and time-limited appointments will be made in the excepted service. There is no provision for conversion to competitive service when appointments are time-limited.

(3) Redesignation of certain positions

(A) Persons serving in original positions

Not later than 60 days after March 30, 2009, with respect to any person hired into a permanent position pursuant to the program established under subsection (a) who is serving in that position as of March 30, 2009, the Secretary shall redesignate that position and the person serving in that position as having been part of the competitive service as of the date that the person was hired into that position.

(B) Persons no longer serving in original positions

With respect to any person who was hired pursuant to the program established under subsection (a) that is no longer serving in that position as of March 30, 2009—

(i) the person may provide to the Secretary a request for redesignation of the service as part of the competitive service that includes evidence of the employment; and

(ii) not later than 90 days of the submission of a request under clause (i), the Secretary shall redesignate the service of the person as being part of the competitive service.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1308, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2480; Pub. L. 100–689, title IV, §401, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4177; Pub. L. 102–415, §16, Oct. 14, 1992, 106 Stat. 2124; Pub. L. 108–199, div. H, §147, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 445; Pub. L. 111–11, title VI, §6101, Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1170; Pub. L. 112–74, div. E, title I, §121(b), Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1012.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–74, §121(b)(1), substituted "establish an excepted service appointment authority," for "establish a program" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–74, §121(b)(2), substituted "excepted service as defined in section 2103 of such title" for "competitive service as defined in section 2102 of such title for which such person is eligible under subchapter I of chapter 33 of such title, in selection to such position".

Subsec. (e)(2), (3). Pub. L. 112–74, §121(b)(3), added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).

2009—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 111–11 added subsec. (e).

2004—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 108–199 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–415 substituted "public lands" for "a conservation system unit" and substituted "public lands" for "such unit" in two places.

1988—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 100–689 added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Pilot Program

Pub. L. 106–488, §2, Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2205, provided that:

"(a) In furtherance of the goals of sections 1307 and 1308 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 3197, 3198] and the provisions of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act [25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.], the Secretary [of the Interior] shall—

"(1) implement pilot programs to employ residents of local communities at the following units of the National Park System located in northwest Alaska—

"(A) Bering Land Bridge National Preserve,

"(B) Cape Krusenstern National Monument,

"(C) Kobuk Valley National Park, and

"(D) Noatak National Preserve; and

"(2) report on the results of the programs within one year to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States [Senate] and the Committee on Resources [now Committee on Natural Resources] of the House of Representatives.

"(b) In implementing the programs, the Secretary shall consult with the Native Corporations, nonprofit organizations, and Tribal entities in the immediate vicinity of such units and shall also, to the extent practicable, involve such groups in the development of interpretive materials and the pilot programs relating to such units."

Local Hire Report

Pub. L. 105–333, §11, Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3135, provided that not later than 18 months after Oct. 31, 1998, the Secretary of the Interior would transmit to Congress a report indicating the actions taken in carrying out subsection (b) of this section, addressing the recruitment processes that may restrict employees hired under subsection (a) of this section from successfully obtaining positions in the competitive service, and describing the actions of the Secretary of the Interior in contracting with Alaska Native Corporations to provide services with respect to public lands in Alaska.

§3199. Navigation aids and other facilities

(a) Existing facilities

Within conservation system units established or expanded by this Act, reasonable access to, and operation and maintenance of, existing air and water navigation aids, communications sites and related facilities and existing facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research and monitoring shall be permitted in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable to units of such systems, as appropriate. Reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of facilities for national defense purposes and related air and water navigation aids within or adjacent to such areas shall continue in accordance with the laws and regulations governing such facilities notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Nothing in the Wilderness Act [16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.] shall be deemed to prohibit such access, operation and maintenance within wilderness areas designated by this Act.

(b) New facilities

The establishment, operation, and maintenance within any conservation system unit of new air and water navigation aids and related facilities, facilities for national defense purposes, and related air and water navigation aids, and facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research and monitoring shall be permitted but only (1) after consultation with the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, by the head of the Federal department or agency undertaking such establishment, operation, or maintenance, and (2) in accordance with such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed in order to minimize the adverse effects of such activities within such unit.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1310, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2481.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Wilderness Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 88–577, Sept. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 890, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§1131 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1131 of this title and Tables.

§3200. Denali Scenic Highway study

(a) Withdrawal

Subject to valid existing rights, all public lands within an area, the centerline of which is the centerline of the Parks Highway from the entrance to Denali National Park to the Talkeetna junction which is one hundred and thirty-six miles south of Cantwell, the Denali Highway between Cantwell and Paxson, the Richardson Highway and Edgerton Highway between Paxson and Chitina, and the existing road between Chitina and McCarthy (as those highways and road are depicted on the official maps of the department of transportation of the State of Alaska) and the boundaries of which are parallel to the centerline and one mile distant therefrom on either side, are hereby withdrawn from all forms of entry or appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of the mineral leasing laws of the United States. Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude minor road realignment, minor road improvement, or the extraction of gravel for such purposes from lands withdrawn or affected by the study mandated herein.

(b) Study

During the three-year period beginning on December 2, 1980, the Secretary shall study the desirability of establishing a Denali Scenic Highway to consist of all or part of the lands described in subsection (a) of this section. In conducting the studies, the Secretary, through a study team which includes representatives of the Secretary of Transportation, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the State, and of each Regional Corporation within whose area of operation the lands described in subsection (a) are located, shall consider the scenic and recreational values of the lands withdrawn under this section, the importance of providing protection to those values, the desirability of providing a symbolic and actual physical connection between the national parks in south central Alaska, and the desirability of enhancing the experience of persons traveling between those parks by motor vehicles. Members of the study team who are not Federal employees shall receive from the Secretary per diem (in lieu of expenses) and travel allowances at the rates provided for employees of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Alaska in grade GS–15.

(c) Cooperation notice: hearings

In conducting the studies required by this section, the Secretary shall cooperate with the State and shall consult with each Village Corporation within whose area of operation lands described in this section are located and to the maximum extent practicable with the owner of any lands adjoining the lands described in subsection (a) concerning the desirability of establishing a Denali Scenic Highway. The Secretary, through the National Park Service, shall also give such public notice of the study as he deems appropriate, including at least publication in a newspaper or newspapers having general circulation in the area or areas of the lands described in subsection (a), and shall hold a public hearing or hearings at one or more locations convenient to the areas affected.

(d) Report

Within three years after December 2, 1980, the Secretary shall report to the President the results of the studies carried out pursuant to this section together with his recommendation as to whether the scenic highway studied should be established and, if his recommendation is to establish the scenic highway, the lands described in subsection (a) which should be included therein. Such report shall include the views and recommendations of all members of the study team. The President shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of his recommendations and those of the Governor of Alaska with respect to creation of the scenic highways,¹ together with maps thereof, a definition of boundaries thereof, an estimate of costs, recommendations on administration, and proposed legislation to create such a scenic highway, if creation of one is recommended.

(e) Period of withdrawal

The lands withdrawn under subsection (a) of this section shall remain withdrawn until such time as the Congress acts on the President's recommendation, but not to exceed two years after the recommendation is transmitted to the Congress.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1311, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2481.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

GS–15, referred to in subsec. (b), is contained in the General Schedule, which is set out under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "highway,".

§3201. Administration of national preserves

A National Preserve in Alaska shall be administered and managed as a unit of the National Park System in the same manner as a national park except as otherwise provided in this Act and except that the taking of fish and wildlife for sport purposes and subsistence uses, and trapping shall be allowed in a national preserve under applicable State and Federal law and regulation. Consistent with the provisions of section 3126 of this title, within national preserves the Secretary may designate zones where and periods when no hunting, fishing, trapping, or entry may be permitted for reasons of public safety, administration, floral and faunal protection, or public use and enjoyment. Except in emergencies, any regulations prescribing such restrictions relating to hunting, fishing, or trapping shall be put into effect only after consultation with the appropriate State agency having responsibility over hunting, fishing, and trapping activities.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1313, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2483.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3202. Taking of fish and wildlife

(a) Responsibility and authority of State of Alaska

Nothing in this Act is intended to enlarge or diminish the responsibility and authority of the State of Alaska for management of fish and wildlife on the public lands except as may be provided in subchapter II of this chapter, or to amend the Alaska constitution.

(b) Responsibility and authority of Secretary

Except as specifically provided otherwise by this Act, nothing in this Act is intended to enlarge or diminish the responsibility and authority of the Secretary over the management of the public lands.

(c) Areas controlled; areas closed, exceptions

The taking of fish and wildlife in all conservation system units, and in national conservation areas, national recreation areas, and national forests, shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Act and other applicable State and Federal law. Those areas designated as national parks or national park system monuments in the State shall be closed to the taking of fish and wildlife, except that—

(1) notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Secretary shall administer those units of the National Park System, and those additions to existing units, established by this Act and which permit subsistence uses, to provide an opportunity for the continuance of such uses by local rural residents; and

(2) fishing shall be permitted by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this Act and other applicable State and Federal law.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1314, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2484.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3203. Wilderness management

(a) Application only to Alaska

The provisions of this section are enacted in recognition of the unique conditions in Alaska. Nothing in this section shall be construed to expand, diminish, or modify the provisions of the Wilderness Act [16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.] or the application or interpretation of such provisions with respect to lands outside of Alaska.

(b) Aquaculture

In accordance with the goal of restoring and maintaining fish production in the State of Alaska to optimum sustained yield levels and in a manner which adequately assures protection, preservation, enhancement, and rehabilitation of the wilderness resource, the Secretary of Agriculture may permit fishery research, management, enhancement, and rehabilitation activities within national forest wilderness and national forest wilderness study areas designated by this Act. Subject to reasonable regulations, permanent improvements and facilities such as fishways, fish weirs, fish ladders, fish hatcheries, spawning channels, stream clearance, egg planting, and other accepted means of maintaining, enhancing, and rehabilitating fish stocks may be permitted by the Secretary to achieve this objective. Any fish hatchery, fishpass or other aquaculture facility authorized for any such area shall be constructed, managed, and operated in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts on the wilderness character of the area. Developments for any such activities shall involve those facilities essential to these operations and shall be constructed in such rustic manner as to blend into the natural character of the area. Reasonable access solely for the purposes of this subsection, including temporary use of motorized equipment, shall be permitted in furtherance of research, management, rehabilitation and enhancement activities subject to reasonable regulations as the Secretary deems desirable to maintain the wilderness character, water quality, and fish and wildlife values of the area.

(c) Existing cabins

Previously existing public use cabins within wilderness designated by this Act, may be permitted to continue and may be maintained or replaced subject to such restrictions as the Secretary deems necessary to preserve the wilderness character of the area.

(d) New cabins

Within wilderness areas designated by this Act, the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture as appropriate, is authorized to construct and maintain a limited number of new public use cabins and shelters if such cabins and shelters are necessary for the protection of the public health and safety. All such cabins or shelters shall be constructed of materials which blend and are compatible with the immediate and surrounding wilderness landscape. The Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, shall notify the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of his intention to remove an existing or construct a new public use cabin or shelter.

(e) Timber contracts

The Secretary of Agriculture is hereby directed to modify any existing national forest timber sale contracts applying to lands designated by this Act as wilderness by substituting, to the extent practicable, timber on the other national forest lands approximately equal in volume, species, grade, and accessibility for timber or relevant lands within such units.

(f) Beach log salvage

Within National Forest wilderness and national forest monuments desginated ¹ by this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may permit or otherwise regulate the recovery and salvage of logs from coastlines.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1315, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2484; Pub. L. 103–437, §6(d)(31), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4584.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Wilderness Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 88–577, Sept. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 890, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§1131 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1131 of this title and Tables.

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (b) to (f), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–437 substituted "Natural Resources" for "Interior and Insular Affairs" after "Committee on".

¹ So in original. Probably should be "designated".

§3204. Allowed uses

(a) Establishment and use of new facilities

On all public lands where the taking of fish and wildlife is permitted in accordance with the provisions of this Act or other applicable State and Federal law the Secretary shall permit, subject to reasonable regulation to insure compatibility, the continuance of existing uses, and the future establishment, and use, of temporary campsites, tent platforms, shelters, and other temporary facilities and equipment directly and necessarily related to such activities. Such facilities and equipment shall be constructed, used, and maintained in a manner consistent with the protection of the area in which they are located. All new facilities shall be constructed of materials which blend with, and are compatible with, the immediately surrounding landscape. Upon termination of such activities and uses (but not upon regular or seasonal cessation), such structures or facilities shall, upon written request, be removed from the area by the permittee.

(b) Denial of proposed use or establishment

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Secretary may determine, after adequate notice, that the establishment and use of such new facilities or equipment would constitute a significant expansion of existing facilities or uses which would be detrimental to the purposes for which the affected conservation system unit was established, including the wilderness character of any wilderness area within such unit, and may thereupon deny such proposed use or establishment.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1316, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2485.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3205. General wilderness review

(a) Suitability of lands for preservation; report to President

Within five years from December 2, 1980, the Secretary shall, in accordance with the provisions of section 1132(d) of this title relating to public notice, public hearings, and review by State and other agencies, review, as to their suitability or nonsuitability for preservation as wilderness, all lands within units of the National Park System and units of the National Wildlife Refuge System in Alaska not designated as wilderness by this Act and report his findings to the President.

(b) Presidential recommendations to Congress

The Secretary shall conduct his review, and the President shall advise the United States Senate and House of Representatives of his recommendations, in accordance with the provisions of sections ¹ 1132(c) and (d) of this title. The President shall advise the Congress of his recommendations with respect to such areas within seven years from December 2, 1980.

(c) Administration of units unaffected pending Congressional action

Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the administration of any unit of the National Park System or unit of National Wildlife Refuge System in accordance with this Act or other applicable provisions of law unless and until Congress provides otherwise by taking action on any Presidential recommendation made pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1317, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2485.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "section".

§3206. Statewide cultural assistance program

In furtherance of the national policy set forth in section 320101 of title 54, and in furtherance of the need to protect and interpret for the public benefit cultural and archeological resources and objects of national significance relating to prehistoric and historic human use and occupation of lands and waters in Alaska, the Secretary may, upon the application of a Native Corporation or Native Group, provide advice, assistance, and technical expertise to the applicant in the preservation, display, and interpretation of cultural resources, without regard as to whether title to such resources is in the United States. Such assistance may include making available personnel to assist in the planning, design, and operation of buildings, facilities, and interpretive displays for the public and personnel to train individuals in the identification, recovery, preservation, demonstration, and management of cultural resources.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1318, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2486.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

In text, "section 320101 of title 54" substituted for "the first section of the Act entitled 'An Act to provide for the preservation of historic American sites, buildings, objects, and antiquities of national significance, and for other purposes', approved August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666)" on authority of Pub. L. 113–287, §6(e), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3272, which Act enacted Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs.

§3207. Effect on existing rights; water resources

Nothing in this Act shall be construed as limiting or restricting the power and authority of the United States or—

(1) as affecting in any way any law governing appropriation or use of, or Federal right to, water on lands within the State of Alaska;

(2) as expanding or diminishing Federal or State jurisdiction, responsibility, interests, or rights in water resources development or control, or

(3) as superseding, modifying, or repealing, except as specifically set forth in this Act, existing laws applicable to the various Federal agencies which are authorized to develop or participate in the development of water resources or to exercise licensing or regulatory functions in relation thereto.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1319, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2486.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in provision preceding par. (1) and par. (3), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3208. Authorization of appropriations; contract authority

(a) ¹ There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years beginning after the fiscal year 1980. No authority to enter into contracts or to make payments or to expend previously appropriated funds under this Act shall be effective except to the extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1321, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2487.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

¹ So in original. No subsec. (b) has been enacted.

§3209. Effect on prior withdrawals

(a) Rescission of prior reservations and withdrawals; management by Secretary and Secretary of Agriculture of lands outside boundaries established by this Act

The withdrawals and reservations of the public lands made by Public Land Orders No. 5653 of November 16, 1978, 5654 of November 17, 1978, Public Land Orders numbered 5696 through 5711 inclusive of February 12, 1980, Federal Register Documents No. 34051, of December 5, 1978 and No. 79–17803 of June 8, 1979 and Proclamations No. 4611 through 4627, inclusive, of December 1, 1978, were promulgated to protect these lands from selection, appropriation, or disposition prior to December 2, 1980. As to all lands not within the boundaries established by this Act of any conservation system unit, national conservation area, national recreation area, or national forest addition, the aforesaid withdrawals and reservations are hereby rescinded on the effective date of this Act, and such lands shall be managed by the Secretary pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 [43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.], or in the case of lands within a national forest, by the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant to the laws applicable to the national forests, unless otherwise specified by this Act. As to the Federal lands which are within the aforesaid boundaries, the aforesaid withdrawals and reservations are, on the effective date of this Act, hereby rescinded and superseded by the withdrawals and reservations made by this Act. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in any other law, the Federal lands within the aforesaid boundaries established by this Act shall not be deemed available for selection, appropriation, or disposition except as expressly provided by this Act.

(b) Effective date

This section shall become effective upon the relinquishment by the State of Alaska of selections made on November 14, 1978, pursuant to the Alaska Statehood Act which are located within the boundaries of conservation system units, national conservation areas, national recreation areas, and forest additions, established, designated, or expanded by this Act.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1322, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2487.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Proclamations No. 4611 through 4627, inclusive, of December 1, 1978, referred to in subsec. (a), are Procs. No. 4611 through 4627, Dec. 1, 1978, 93 Stat. 1446–1473, which are listed in a table of National Monuments Established Under Presidential Proclamation set out under section 320301 of Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs.

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The effective date of this Act, referred in to subsec. (a), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 96–487, which was approved Dec. 2, 1980.

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, which is classified principally to chapter 35 (§1701 et seq.) of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1701 of Title 43 and Tables.

The Alaska Statehood Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 85–508, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 339, which is set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

§3210. Access by owner to nonfederally owned land

(a) Reasonable use and enjoyment of land within boundaries of National Forest System

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe, the Secretary shall provide such access to nonfederally owned land within the boundaries of the National Forest System as the Secretary deems adequate to secure to the owner the reasonable use and enjoyment thereof: Provided, That such owner comply with rules and regulations applicable to ingress and egress to or from the National Forest System.

(b) Reasonable use and enjoyment of land surrounded by public lands managed by Secretary

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary of the Interior may prescribe, the Secretary shall provide such access to nonfederally owned land surrounded by public lands managed by the Secretary under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701–82) as the Secretary deems adequate to secure to the owner the reasonable use and enjoyment thereof: Provided, That such owner comply with rules and regulations applicable to access across public lands.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1323, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2488.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, which is classified principally to chapter 35 (§1701 et seq.) of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1701 of Title 43 and Tables.

§3211. Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge agricultural use

Nothing in this Act or other existing law shall be construed as necessarily prohibiting or mandating the development of agricultural potential within the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge pursuant to existing law. The permissibility of such development shall be determined by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis under existing law. Any such development permitted within the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge shall be designed and conducted in such a manner as to minimize to the maximum extent possible any adverse effects of the natural values of the unit.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1324, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2488.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3212. Terror Lake Hydroelectric Project in Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge

Nothing in this Act or the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd) shall be construed as necessarily prohibiting or mandating the construction of the Terror Lake Hydroelectric Project within the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. The permissibility of such development shall be determined by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis under existing law.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1325, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2488.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, referred to in text, consists of sections 4 and 5 of Pub. L. 89–699, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 927, and is classified to sections 668dd and 668ee of this title. For further details, see Short Title note set out under section 668dd of this title.

§3213. Future executive branch actions

(a) No future executive branch action which withdraws more than five thousand acres, in the aggregate, of public lands within the State of Alaska shall be effective except by compliance with this subsection. To the extent authorized by existing law, the President or the Secretary may withdraw public lands in the State of Alaska exceeding five thousand acres in the aggregate, which withdrawal shall not become effective until notice is provided in the Federal Register and to both Houses of Congress. Such withdrawal shall terminate unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval within one year after the notice of such withdrawal has been submitted to Congress.

(b) No further studies of Federal lands in the State of Alaska for the single purpose of considering the establishment of a conservation system unit, national recreation area, national conservation area, or for related or similar purposes shall be conducted unless authorized by this Act or further Act of Congress.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1326, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2488.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

§3214. Alaska gas pipeline

Nothing in this Act shall be construed as imposing any additional requirements in connection with the construction and operation of the transportation system designated by the President and approved by the Congress pursuant to the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976 (Public Law 94–586; 90 Stat. 2903) [15 U.S.C. 719 et seq.], or as imposing any limitations upon the authority of the Secretary concerning such system.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1327, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2489.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Act of 1976 (Public Law 94–586; 90 Stat. 2903), referred to in text, is Pub. L. 94–586, Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2903, which is classified generally to chapter 15C (§719 et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 719 of Title 15 and Tables.

§3215. Public land entries in Alaska

(a) Application approval; adjudication; protests; voluntary relinquishment of application

(1) Subject to valid existing rights, all applications made pursuant to the Acts of June 1, 1938 (52 Stat. 609),¹ May 3, 1927 (44 Stat. 1364),¹ May 14, 1898 (30 Stat. 413),¹ and March 3, 1891 (26 Stat. 1097), which were filed with the Department of the Interior within the time provided by applicable law, and which describe land in Alaska that was available for entry under the aforementioned statutes when such entry occurred, are hereby approved on the one hundred and eightieth day following the effective date of this Act, except where provided otherwise by paragraph (3) or (4) of this subsection, or where the land description of the entry must be adjusted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, in which cases approval pursuant to the terms of this subsection shall be effective at the time the adjustment becomes final.

(2) Where an application describes land within the boundaries of a unit of the National Park System or a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System, or a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System in the Tongass or Chugach National Forests established before the effective date of this Act or by this Act, and the described land was not withdrawn pursuant to section 11(a)(1) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1610(a)(1)], or where an application describes land which has been patented or deeded to the State of Alaska or which on or before the date of entry was validly selected by, tentatively approved, patented, deeded or confirmed to the State of Alaska pursuant to applicable law and was not withdrawn pursuant to section 11(a)(1)(A) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1610(a)(1)(A)] from those lands made available for selection by section 11(a)(2) of the Act [43 U.S.C. 1610(a)(2)] by any Native Village certified as eligible pursuant to section 11(b) of such Act [43 U.S.C. 1610(b)], paragraph (1) of this subsection and subsection (c) of this section shall not apply and the application shall be adjudicated pursuant to the requirements of the Acts referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], and other applicable law.

(3) Paragraph (1) of this subsection and subsection (c) shall not apply and the application shall be adjudicated pursuant to the requirements of the Acts referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection, if on or before the one hundred and eightieth day following the effective date of the ² Act—

(A) a Native Corporation files a protest with the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) stating that the applicant is not entitled to the land described in the application, and said land is withdrawn for selection by the corporation pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.]; or

(B) the State of Alaska files a protest with the Secretary stating that the land described in the application is necessary for access to lands owned by the United States, the State of Alaska, or a political subdivision of the State of Alaska, to resources located thereon, or to a public body of water regularly employed for transportation purposes, and the protest states with specificity the facts upon which the conclusions concerning access are based and that no reasonable alternatives for access exist; or

(C) a person or entity files a protest with the Secretary stating that the applicant is not entitled to the land described in the application and that said land is the situs of improvements claimed by the person or entity; or

(D) the State of Alaska files a protest with the Secretary respecting an entry which was made prior to a valid selection tentative approval, patent, deed, or confirmation to the State of Alaska pursuant to applicable law; or

(E) regarding public land entries within units of the National Wildlife Refuge System established or expanded in this Act, any such entry not properly made under applicable law, or not the subject of an application filed within the time required by applicable law, or not properly maintained thereafter under applicable law shall be adjudicated pursuant to the Act under which the entry was made.

(4) Paragraph (1) of this subsection and subsection (c) shall not apply to any application which was knowingly and voluntarily relinquished by the applicant.

(b) Amendment of land description in application

An applicant may amend the land description contained in his or her application if said description designates land other than that which the applicant intended to claim at the time of application and if the description as amended describes the land originally intended to be claimed. If the application is amended, this section shall operate to approve the application or to require its adjudication, as the case may be, with reference to the amended land description only: Provided, That the Secretary shall notify the State of Alaska and all interested parties, as shown by the records of the Department of the Interior of the intended correction of the entry's location, and any such party shall have until the one hundred and eightieth day following the effective date of this Act or sixty days following mailing of the notice, whichever is later, to file with the Department of the Interior a protest as provided in subsection (a)(3) of this section, which protest, if timely, shall be deemed filed within one hundred and eighty days of the effective date of this Act notwithstanding the actual date of filing: Provided further, That the Secretary may require that all applications designating land in a specific area be amended, if at all, prior to a date certain which date shall be calculated to allow for orderly adoption of a plan or survey for the specified area, and the Secretary shall mail notification of the final date for amendment to each affected applicant, and shall provide such other notice as the Secretary deems appropriate, at least sixty days prior to said date: Provided further, That no application may be amended for location following adoption of a final plan of survey which includes the location of the entry as described in the application or its location as desired by amendment.

(c) Powersites and power-projects

Where the land described in application (or such an application as adjusted or amended pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) of this section), was on that date withdrawn, reserved, or classified for powersite or power-project purposes, notwithstanding such withdrawal, reservation, or classification the described land shall be deemed vacant, unappropriated, and unreserved within the meaning of the Acts referred to in subsection (a)(1) hereof, and, as such, shall be subject to adjudication or approval pursuant to the terms of this section: Provided, however, That if the described land is included as part of a project licensed under part I of the Federal Power Act of June 10, 1920 (41 Stat. 24), as amended [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.], or is presently utilized for purposes of generating or transmitting electrical power or for any other project authorized by Act of Congress, the foregoing provision shall not apply and the application shall be adjudicated pursuant to the appropriate Act: Provided further, That where the applicant commenced occupancy of the land after its withdrawal or classification for powersite purposes, the entry shall be made subject to the right of reentry provided the United States by section 24 of the Federal Power Act, as amended [16 U.S.C. 818]: Provided further, That any right of reentry reserved in a patent pursuant to this section shall expire twenty years after the effective date of this Act if at that time the land involved is not subject to a license or an application for a license under part I of the Federal Power Act, as amended, or actually utilized or being developed for a purpose authorized by that Act, as amended [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.] or other Act of Congress.

(d) Validity of existing rights; rights acquired by actual use and national forest lands unaffected

Prior to issuing a patent for an entry subject to this section, the Secretary shall identify and adjudicate any record entry or application for title to land described in the application, other than the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], the Alaska Statehood Act, or the Act of May 17, 1906, as amended, which entry or application claims land also described in the application, and shall determine whether such entry or application represents a valid existing right to which the application is subject. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect rights, if any, acquired by actual use of the described land prior to its withdrawal or classification, as affecting National Forest lands.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1328, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2489.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of June 1, 1938 (52 Stat. 609), referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act June 1, 1938, ch. 317, 52 Stat. 609, which was classified to sections 682a to 682e of Title 43, Public Lands, was repealed by Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787, 2789.

Act of May 3, 1927 (44 Stat. 1364), referred to in subsec. (a)(1), probably means act Mar. 3, 1927, ch. 323, 44 Stat. 1364, which was classified to section 687a of Title 43, and was repealed by Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(b), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789, 2791.

Act of May 14, 1898, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act May 14, 1898, ch. 299, 30 Stat. 409, which is classified to sections 607a and 615a of this title, sections 270, 270–4, 687a, 687a–2, 687a–3, 687a–4, 687a–5, and 942–1 to 942–9 of Title 43, and section 392 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. Section 270 of Title 43 was repealed by Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789. Section 270–4 of Title 43 was repealed by Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787. Sections 687a and 687a–2 to 687a–5 of Title 43 were repealed by Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §§703(a), 704(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789, 2792. Section 392 of Title 48 was eliminated from the Code as obsolete. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Act of March 3, 1891, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 561, 26 Stat. 1095, which is classified to sections 161, 162, 165, 173, 174, 185, 202, 212, 321, 323, 325, 327 to 329, 663, 671, 687a–6, 718, 728, 732, 893, 946 to 949, 989, 1165, 1166, 1181, and 1197 of this title, sections 471, 607, 611, 611a, and 613 of Title 16, Conservation, former section 495 of Title 25, Indians, and sections 30, 36, 44, 45, 48; and 52 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The effective date of this Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) to (c), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 96–487, which was approved Dec. 2, 1980.

This Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2) and (3)(E), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2), (3)(A) and (d), is Pub. L. 92–203, Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 688, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1601 et seq.) of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1601 of Title 43 and Tables.

The Federal Power Act and that Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is act June 10, 1920, ch. 285, 41 Stat. 1063, which is classified generally to chapter 12 (§791a et seq.) of this title. Part I of the Federal Power Act of June 10, 1920 as amended, is classified generally to subchapter I (§791a et seq.) of chapter 12 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 791a of this title and Tables.

The Alaska Statehood Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 85–508, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 339, which is set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Act of May 17, 1906, as amended, referred to in subsec. (d), is act May 17, 1906, ch. 2469, 34 Stat. 197, which was classified to sections 270–1 to 270–3 of Title 43, Public Lands, prior to its repeal by Pub. L. 92–203, §18(a), Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 710. See section 1617 of Title 43.

¹ See References in Text note below.

² So in original. Probably should be "this".

SUBCHAPTER VII—NATIONAL NEED MINERAL ACTIVITY RECOMMENDATION PROCESS

§3231. Areas subject to national need recommendation process

The process contained in this subchapter shall apply to all public lands within Alaska except for lands within units of the National Park System and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XV, §1501, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2549.)

§3232. Recommendations of President to Congress

(a) Recommendation

At any time after December 2, 1980, the President may transmit a recommendation to the Congress that mineral exploration, development, or extraction not permitted under this Act or other applicable law shall be permitted in a specified area of the lands referred to in section 3231 of this title. Notice of such transmittal shall be published in the Federal Register. No recommendation of the President under this section may be transmitted to the Congress before ninety days after publication in the Federal Register of notice of his intention to submit such recommendation.

(b) Findings

A recommendation may be transmitted to the Congress under subsection (a) if the President finds that, based on the information available to him—

(1) there is an urgent national need for the mineral activity; and

(2) such national need outweighs the other public values of the public lands involved and the potential adverse environmental impacts which are likely to result from the activity.

(c) Report

Together with his recommendation, the President shall submit to the Congress—

(1) a report setting forth in detail the relevant factual background and the reasons for his findings and recommendation;

(2) a statement of the conditions and stipulations which would govern the activity if approved by the Congress; and

(3) in any case in which an environmental impact statement is required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.], a statement which complies with the requirements of section 102(2)(C) of such Act [42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)]. In the case of any recommendation for which an environmental impact statement is not required under section 102(2)(C) of the National environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)], the President may, if he deems it desirable, include such a statement in his transmittal to the Congress.

(d) Approval

Any recommendation under this section shall take effect only upon enactment of a joint resolution approving such recommendation within the first period of one hundred and twenty calendar days of continuous session of Congress beginning on the date after the date of receipt by the Senate and House of Representatives of such recommendation. Any recommendation of the President submitted to Congress under subsection (a) shall be considered received by both Houses for purposes of this section on the first day on which both are in session occurring after such recommendation is submitted.

(e) One-hundred-and-twenty-day computation

For purposes of this section—

(1) continuity of session of Congress is broken only by an adjournment sine die; and

(2) the days on which either House is not in session because of an adjournment of more than three days to a day certain are excluded in the computation of the one-hundred-and-twenty-day calendar period.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XV, §1502, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2549.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371, known as the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (c)(3), is Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§4321 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.

§3233. Expedited Congressional review

(a) Rulemaking

This subsection is enacted by Congress—

(1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of each House of Congress, respectively, and as such it is deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in the House in the case of resolutions described by subsection (b) of this section and it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent therewith; and

(2) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as those relate to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of such House.

(b) Resolution

For purposes of this section, the term "resolution" means a joint resolution, the resolving clause of which is as follows: "That the House of Representatives and Senate approve the recommendation of the President for              in              submitted to the Congress on              19    .", the first blank space therein to be filled in with appropriate activity, the second blank space therein to be filled in with the name or description of the area of land affected by the activity, and the third blank space therein to be filled with the date on which the President submits his recommendation to the House of Representatives and the Senate. Such resolution may also include material relating to the application and effect of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.] to the recommendation.

(c) Referral

A resolution once introduced with respect to such Presidential recommendation shall be referred to one or more committees (and all resolutions with respect to the same Presidential recommendation shall be referred to the same committee or committees) by the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the case may be.

(d) Other procedures

Except as otherwise provided in this section the provisions of section 719f(d) of title 15 shall apply to the consideration of the resolution.

(Pub. L. 96–487, title XV, §1503, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2550.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§4321 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.