Number: RS22152
Title: An Overview of S. 263, the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act: Fossil Resources Located on Federal Lands
Authors: Douglas Reid Weimer, American Law Division 
Abstract: About 30% of the land in the United States is controlled by federal land managers through several different federal agencies. Much of this land contains valuable paleontological [fossil] resources. There is no comprehensive management policy or statute for the management or the protection of paleontological resources located on federal lands. Current, management authority derives from certain resource protection statutes, from general criminal theft statutes concerning the theft of government property, and from certain site-specific statutes. Congress has considered legislation to provide for uniform federal fossil management and protection authority. In the 108th Congress, S. 546, the "Paleontological Resources Preservation Act" was passed by the Senate, but was not passed by the House. In the 109th Congress, S. 263 has been introduced and reported by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. S. 263 incorporates many of the provisions of S. 546.
Pages: 5
Date: May 20, 2005