On the recordJuly 22, 2014
I thank the chairman, my colleague from Big Sky Country. This legislation would authorize the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe to grant waivers against both Fish Springs Ranch and the United States Government. The provisions would take effect after the tribe signs the waivers and Fish Springs pays the tribe. The amount in payment--for those of you keeping track--is about $3.6 million. The tribe would also dismiss pending litigation against BLM for violations in NEPA and potential trust responsibilities related to the groundwater project. At that point, any potential Federal liability would be eliminated. This is a settlement reached at arm's length between the two parties as a result of a lawsuit filed in 2005. Settlement was reached in 2007. The damage amount of $3.6 million would also have added to it interest from 2007. The approach is simple and straightforward, with no Federal dollars involved. I recommend passage of the bill.
