PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Executive Comment Requested from Interior.
Congressional Research Service
Version 01 · Reported to Senate with amendment(s) · Feb 25, 1994
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Expansion and Fossil Forest Protection Act - Amends the San Juan Wilderness Protection Act of 1984 to incorporate additional lands in New Mexico into the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. Withdraws such lands from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from disposition under laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing and mineral material sales. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue coal leases in New Mexico in exchange for any preference right coal lease application on such lands after a determination has been made by the Secretary that the applicant is entitled to a preference right lease and that the exchange is in the public interest. Provides for the exchange of State and Navajo Indian lands located in the wilderness for other lands. Establishes the Fossil Forest Research Natural Area within New Mexico. Makes such area subject to the same withdrawal requirements and coal preference rights as the wilderness area designated under this Act. Prohibits livestock grazing in the Area. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, to develop a baseline inventory of all categories of fossil resources within the Area and to conduct monitoring surveys. Requires the Secretary to submit a management plan for the Area to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs to include: (1) a plan for the implementation of a cooperative program with other agencies for laboratory and field interpretation and public education; (2) provisions for vehicle management; (3) procedures for the excavation and collection of fossil remains; and (4) mitigation and reclamation standards for activities that disturb the surface to the detriment of scenic and environmental values.
People & committees
Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM] · R–NM
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Executive Comment Requested from Interior.
Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2554)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S2554)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 374.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported to Senate by Senator Johnston with amendments. With written report No. 103-230.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported to Senate by Senator Johnston with amendments. With written report No. 103-230.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Subcommittee on Public Lands, National Parks. Hearings held.
Subcommittee on Public Lands, National Parks. Hearings concluded. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 103-221.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources requested executive comment from Department of the Interior, and Office of Management and Budget.
Referred to Subcommittee on Public Lands, National Parks.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1391-1393)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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