GovTrack’s Bill Summary
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H.R. 4606 (112th): To authorize the issuance of right-of-way permits for natural gas pipelines in Glacier National Park, and for other purposes.
- Introduced:
- Apr 24, 2012 (112th Congress, 2011–2013)
- Sponsor:
- Rep. Dennis “Denny” Rehberg [R-MT0]
- Status:
- Signed by the President
- Slip Law:
- This bill became Pub.L. 112-268.
The bill’s title was written by the bill’s sponsor. H.R. stands for House of Representatives bill.
- Summary
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No summaries available.
- Text
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Last updated Jan 03, 2013.
1 pages
- Primary Source
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View on THOMAS (The Library of Congress)
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- Citation
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Library of Congress Summary
The summary below was written by the Congressional Research Service, which is a nonpartisan division of the Library of Congress.
1/2/2013--Passed Senate without amendment.
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on July 26, 2012.
The summary of that version is repeated here.) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue right-of-way permits for natural gas pipelines (including all appurtenances used in their operation) that, as of March 1, 2012, are within the boundary of Glacier National Park in Montana. Specifies that each such permit shall be:
(1) issued as a right-of-way renewal,
(2) for a width of not more than 25 feet on either side of the centerline of the pipeline, and
(3) subject to any terms and conditions that are determined by the Secretary to be necessary.
House Republican Conference Summary
The summary below was written by the House Republican Conference, which is the caucus of Republicans in the House of Representatives.
This summary can be found at http://www.gop.gov/bill/112/2/hr4606.
Background
According to the Committee on Natural Resources, in 1962, the Montana Power Company (MPC) constructed the natural gas transmission line serving Kalispell and the Flathead Valley. Approximately 3.5 miles (of the 118-mile line) is located within the southwestern boundary of Glacier National Park along the right-of-way for U.S. Highway 2. The portion of the line located in the Park was constructed pursuant to a Special Use Permit issued by the National Park Service (NPS) to MPC on April 10, 1962. NPS renewed the permit three times, the last of which expired on April 14, 1990. At that time, NPS determined that it lacked the authority to issue or renew a permit for a natural gas line. The line serves as the sole source of natural gas for the nearly 25,000 Kalispell residents in the Flathead Valley. The line also serves the Park’s facilities, including NPS headquarter buildings.
Relocation of the line outside the Park is not a viable option. Relocating the line would prove extremely difficult due to the terrain and the resulting disturbance of lands in the proximity of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, which is designated as a Wild and Scenic River, and the Great Bear Wilderness Area. Moving the line outside the Park would require detailed planning, siting and construction permits, which likely would take months if not years to secure and complete. Moreover, relocation costs would be significant. In short, relocation of the 3.5 mile section would be an inefficient, expensive and lengthy process.
Summary
H.R. 4606 would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue right-of-way permits to allow access to each natural gas pipeline that was located within the boundary of Glacier National Park as of March 1, 2012. Right-of-ways issued under the legislation would have to be consistent with right-of-way laws within units of the National park System and could be no more than 25 feet in width. In addition, the right-of-ways would be subject to any terms and conditions that the Secretary of the Interior determines to be necessary.
Cost
According to CBO, the legislation would have no significant impact on the federal budget.
House Democratic Caucus Summary
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