The House Committee on Natural Resources held an oversight hearing on April 3 to examine the proposed fiscal year (FY) 2015 budget for the Department of the Interior. Witnesses included Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Deputy Secretary Mike Connor. Secretary Jewell described the $11.9 billion budget as “solid [and] responsible,” with smart investments.    

The budget includes increased funding for the U.S. Geological Survey to research climate change, hydraulic fracturing, and invasive species. Other priorities include energy science and research, drought research, and land and water conservation.

The representatives asked questions pertaining, for the most part, to local issues in their districts. However, overarching themes included evolving fracking regulations and safety, balancing Endangered Species Act requirements and communities’ needs, and bolstering National Park Service infrastructure in preparation for its 2016 centennial celebration.

Sources: E&E News, House Natural Resources Committee