S. 5136 — Introduced in Senate

II 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 5136 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 23, 2024Mr. Blumenthal (for himself, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. Gillibrand, and Mr. Murphy) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of Plum Island. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Plum Island Preservation Study Act. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. (2) Study area The term study area means the Federal property commonly known as Plum Island in the State of New York, including— (A) the Orient Point facility; and (B) all real and personal property and transportation assets that support— (i) Plum Island operations; and (ii) access to Plum Island. 3. Plum Island special resource study (a) In general The Secretary shall conduct a special resource study of the study area. (b) Contents In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) evaluate the national significance of the study area; (2) determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a unit administered by the Department of the Interior; (3) consider other alternatives for preservation, protection, and interpretation of the study area by the Federal Government, State or local governmental entities, or private and nonprofit organizations; (4) consult with interested Federal agencies, State or local governmental entities, private and nonprofit organizations, or any other interested individuals; and (5) identify cost estimates for any Federal acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance associated with the alternatives considered. (c) Applicable law The study required under subsection (a) shall be conducted in accordance with section 100507 of title 54, United States Code. (d) Report Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes— (1) the findings and conclusions of the study; and (2) any recommendations of the Secretary.