Bordallo named chair of insular affairs subpanel

The subcommittee has jurisdiction over legislation governing the nation’s U.S. territories and Compacts of Free Association, as well as issues relating to fisheries management, wildlife resources, coastal barrier protection and coastal zone management, and marine sanctuaries, among other areas.

Bordallo said, “The Subcommittee will work to set federal policy for the insular areas while continuing to ensure the long-term protection and responsible use of our nation’s marine and terrestrial wildlife resources, as well as the environmental health of our coasts and oceans. …We are ready to continue our progress on a number of initiatives that I have worked to advance since first assuming the role as a Subcommittee chairwoman during the 110th Congress.”

Bordallo’s appointment was announced by Rahall yesterday as part of the appointment of other chairmen and chairwomen to lead three other Subcommittees for the 111th Congress.

“I am pleased to welcome back this exemplary group of individuals who have shown a proven commitment to preserving and protecting America’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations,” Rahall said. “Despite the many challenges that lie ahead during these dire economic times, I know that this group of talented individuals stands ready and willing to join me in invoking the change that is necessary to restore the vitality of our nation.”

Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA) will chair the Subcommittee on Water and Power, which has jurisdiction over water resources development, including irrigation and water recycling projects and the Federal power administrations, among other areas.

Napolitano said, “I am glad to be back as chair of the Water and Power Subcommittee to work on critical issues that affect our western states. I also want to thank Chairman Rahall for his leadership and steadfast protection of our nation’s natural resources.”

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) will chair the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, which among other areas has jurisdiction over the National Wilderness Preservation System, units of the National Park and National Forest System, and the Bureau of Land Management.

“I am pleased once again to be chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands for the 111th Congress,” said Grijalva. “I promise the same level of commitment and oversight of our national parks and public lands. I look forward to working with the Obama Administration and my colleagues in upholding our nation’s environmental standards.”

Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) will chair the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, which has jurisdiction over energy development on public lands and waters, including oil and gas leasing in the Outer Continental Shelf, among other areas.

Costa said, “I will continue to work toward a dependable energy production policy, while protecting vulnerable lands and waters. This Congress must work toward a long-term sustainable energy policy, and I believe under the leadership of Chairman Rahall, we will see positive steps toward reliable, abundant, and clean domestic sources of energy.” [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]