Gerry Studds: “H.R. 2144, introduced by the gentleman from Guam, directs the General Services Administration to transfer roughly 3,200…”

“H.R. 2144, introduced by the gentleman from Guam, directs the General Services Administration to transfer roughly 3,200 acres of surplus Federal land on that island to the Government of Guam for public benefit. The Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee's interest in this bill concerns the presence of endangered species habitat on portions of the parcels selected for conveyance to the Government of Guam. After careful consideration and review, however, the committee feels confident that the addition of several provisions to the bill--most notably section 6 regarding the applicability of Federal and territorial environmental laws--will ensure that the mandates of laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water Act shall apply both during and after the transfer of these parcels. With this important clarification, the committee fully supports the transfer of lands provided for in H.R. 2144.”