Resolution Requesting that the Federal Government Confer and Consult with the States on Management of Public Lands and Energy Resources

Summary

This Resolution requests that Congress and the Administration acknowledge and respect the role of states in a federal constitutional republic. It calls on Congress and the Administration to commit to greater consultation with the states and to recognize that cost-benefit and job-impact analyses must be addressed in order to understand how federal regulations impact states and their respective citizens.

Resolution Requesting that the Federal Government Confer and Consult with the States on Management of Public Lands and Energy Resources

Model Resolution

Whereas, Management of public lands and energy resources has a direct fiscal impact on state economies and state budgets; and

Whereas, Public lands should be managed to encourage environmentally responsible energy development and further restrictions to energy development on public lands are not only unnecessary, but also increase the United States’ reliance on foreign energy sources; and

Whereas, State governments and regulatory agencies are best positioned to address the unique management needs of local resources, wildlife and vegetation; and

Whereas, Cost-benefit and job-impact analyses are required in many states before new state rules or regulations are adopted; and

Whereas, Regulations and federal mandates are stifling the economy, resulting in lost opportunities to create jobs; and

Whereas, Court settlements between the federal government and environmental groups are severely limiting the ability for states to manage lands and resources within their borders; and

Whereas, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act requires coordination with local governments regarding federal lands management decisions; and

Whereas, Seventeen Governors have voiced their concerns to the federal government about the over-reaching nature of proposed rules and draft guidance that erodes traditional state authority;

Therefore be it resolved: The commonwealth/state of [INSERT STATE] requests Congress and the Administration to acknowledge and respect the role of states in a federal constitutional republic.

The United States Congress, which represents the interests of the states individually and collectively, acts as trustee of the public lands to appropriately manage the resources within a state’s borders pending their imminent disposition upon a state’s admission to the union.

The commonwealth/state of [INSERT STATE] further calls on Congress and the Administration to commit to greater consultation with the states and to recognize that cost-benefit and job-impact analyses must be addressed in order to understand how federal regulations impact states and their respective citizens.

 

Re-Approved by the ALEC Board of Directors December 22, 2023.