S.239 - Crow Revenue Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Crow Revenue Act (S.239) aims to transfer certain mineral interests to the Crow Tribe of Montana. Specifically, it involves the relinquishment of the Bull Mountains Lease by the current lessee, a conveyance of mineral interests from the Hope Family Trust to the Crow Tribe, and a conveyance of mineral and surface interests from the United States to the Hope Family Trust. The Act also ensures that the mineral interests conveyed to the Tribe will not be subject to state taxation and requires a revenue-sharing agreement between the Tribe and the Hope Family Trust.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Crow Tribe would gain control over additional mineral resources, potentially increasing their revenue streams. The Hope Family Trust would receive mineral and surface interests in the Bull Mountains Tracts in exchange for their interests within the Crow Reservation. The Act also withdraws the tracts from public land laws and mineral leasing during the conveyance process.
Potential Benefits
- Increased tribal sovereignty and control over natural resources.
- Potential for increased revenue for the Crow Tribe through mineral development.
- Resolution of land ownership issues between the Hope Family Trust and the Tribe.
- Protection of tribal assets from state taxation.
- Clarification of land management responsibilities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential delays or complications in the land transfer process.
- Possible environmental impacts from future mineral development.
- Dependence on mineral revenues, which can be volatile.
- Potential for disputes over the revenue-sharing agreement between the Tribe and the Hope Family Trust.
- Limited immediate economic impact until mineral resources are developed.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes, as it seeks to consolidate tribal land holdings and promote economic self-sufficiency. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes. The property clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) gives Congress the power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).