Hill Creek Cultural Preservation and Energy Development Act facts for kids
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| Full title | To clarify authority granted under the Act entitled An Act to define the exterior boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in the State of Utah, and for other purposes. |
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| Introduced in | 113th United States Congress |
| Introduced on | January 23, 2013 |
| Sponsored by | Rep. Rob Bishop (R, UT-1) |
| Number of co-sponsors | 3 |
| Citations | |
| Public Law | Pub.L. 113-133 |
| Effects and codifications | |
| Act(s) affected | "An Act to amend the Act extending the exterior boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in the State of Utah so as to authorize such State to exchange certain mineral lands mineral in character"; "An Act to define the exterior boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in the State of Utah, and for other purposes"; Mineral Leasing Act |
| U.S.C. section(s) affected | 30 U.S.C. § 171 et seq., 30 U.S.C. § 181 et seq. |
| Agencies affected | United States Department of the Interior |
| Legislative history | |
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The Hill Creek Cultural Preservation and Energy Development Act is a special law in the United States. It was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on January 23, 2013. This law is about trading ownership of "mineral rights" for certain areas of land in Utah.
Mineral rights mean who owns the valuable resources, like oil or gas, found underground. This law involves the United States federal government, Utah's School and Institutional Trust Land Administration (SITLA), and the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. They all agree to exchange these rights.
Contents
What the Law Does
This law allows the state of Utah to give up some of its land or underground mineral rights. These lands are south of the border between Grand County and Uintah County, Utah. In return, Utah gets certain federal mineral lands located north of that border.
The main goal is to swap mineral rights between Utah's SITLA, the federal government, and the Ute Indian Tribe. This law creates a clear plan for how this exchange can happen. About 18,000 acres of land are involved in this swap.
Keeping Special Rights
Even after the swap, the law makes sure that some rights are kept. The United States Department of the Interior will keep a special interest in some of the mineral lands given to Utah. This applies to minerals that can be leased under the Mineral Leasing Act.
Also, Utah must keep a special interest in the mineral lands it gives to the federal government. This is for the benefit of its school trust, which helps fund schools. This way, both sides can still benefit from certain resources even after the land ownership changes.
How the Law Was Made
The Hill Creek Cultural Preservation and Energy Development Act started as a bill, which is a proposed law. It was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Rob Bishop on January 23, 2013.
Steps in the House
After being introduced, the bill was sent to the United States House Committee on Natural Resources. It then went to two smaller groups, called subcommittees, to be reviewed. On April 24, 2013, the House Committee on Natural Resources agreed to send the bill forward.
On May 15, 2013, the House of Representatives voted to pass the bill. They used a voice vote, which means members say "aye" or "no" out loud, and the Speaker decides which side has more votes.
Steps in the Senate and Becoming Law
After passing the House, the bill was sent to the United States Senate. It was reviewed by the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. On July 9, 2014, the Senate voted to pass the bill. They used unanimous consent, meaning everyone agreed to pass it without a formal vote.
Finally, on July 25, 2014, President Barack Obama signed the bill. Once the President signs a bill, it officially becomes a law.
Why People Supported It
Many people and groups supported this law. Senator Orrin Hatch believed it would give people in Utah more chances to manage their lands. He also thought it would create new opportunities for energy in the state.
The Wilderness Society, a group that works to protect nature, also supported the bill. A spokesperson for the group said the law would help protect lands that are very important for their natural environment and culturally sensitive history.
