Hatch Introduces Utah District Court Nominee Ronald Russell in Judiciary Committee
Washington, D.C.—On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing to consider nominations for lifetime appointments to the federal judiciary. Senator Orrin Hatch, the former chairman and longest-serving current member of the Committee, introduced Ronald G. Russell, the nominee to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.
“I have participated in the appointment of nearly three-quarters of the judges who have served on Utah’s federal district court,” Hatch said. “When selecting a candidate to recommend for nomination, I consider not only the individual’s credentials that can be put on paper, but also his reputation and the impressions I draw from extensive interviews. In Ron Russell, I found not only a man with an outstanding resume, but also an upstanding servant of his community. As such, I was honored to recommend Ron for appointment, and now I urge my colleagues to approve Ron’s nomination promptly.”
Ronald G. Russell is a graduate of Weber State College and the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, where he served as Managing Editor of the Utah Law Review. He then clerked on the U.S. District Court in Utah for Judge David Winder, after which he joined the law firm of Parr, Brown, Gee and Loveless in Salt Lake City. He also served for 12 years as an elected official in local government in Utah. If confirmed, Russell will fill the seat of Judge Ted Stewart, who took senior status in September 2014.
Hatch Lauds Passage of Landmark Energy Bill, Highlights Importance for Utah
Washington, D.C.—On Tuesday, the United States Senate passed major energy legislation for the first time in nearly a decade. Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the senior Republican in the United States Senate, lauded the bill’s passage after successful efforts to include several key provisions important to Utah.
“Modernization policies for our our fast-changing energy sector are long overdue,” Hatch said. “This bipartisan legislation will enhance energy efficiency, improve energy infrastructure, increase America’s energy supply, and enhance our national security."
One of Hatch's amendments included in the bill puts pressure on the federal government to fulfill its legal obligations to conduct oil and gas lease auctions in a timely manner. "If the BLM is going to postpone a lease-sale due to protest activity or any other disruption, the agency should have the ability to conduct these sales online,” Hatch asserted. “My provision requires the BLM to explore the implementation of internet-based lease sales so that the mere threat of protest does not derail oil and gas lease auctions that are critical to Utah’s economy.”
Kathleen Sgamma, the Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at the Western Energy Alliance, spoke out in support of Senator Hatch’s efforts. “Western Energy Alliance sincerely appreciates Senator Hatch’s amendment that helps to address the uncertainty in oil and natural gas leases sales,” Sgamma said. “Keep-It-in-the-Ground protesters are disrupting lease sales as a way to prevent development of Utah’s energy resources, which deprives Utahns of jobs, economic opportunity and tax revenue. The amendment is a common sense way to ensure that a vocal minority cannot block responsible business in Utah and across the West. In addition, it helps BLM fulfill its obligations to conduct quarterly oil and gas sales using well-established technology, saving time and money.”
Background on Utah Provision
The Mineral Leasing Act requires the BLM to hold quarterly auctions for oil and gas leases on public lands. However, threats of protests or other disruptions have occasionally resulted in the postponement of BLM auctions as the BLM needs time to “accommodate high levels of public interest.” Delays to the auction process are not only in violation of the law, but they stall economic development in local communities, weaken U.S. energy security, and depart from the BLM’s multiple-use mission.
Senator Hatch’s Amendment directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct and offer to Congress a report recommending online auctions of oil and gas leases if in-person lease auctions are delayed by threats of protest or other unforeseen activities that disrupt timely sales.
Hatch Highlights Key Utah Victories in Air Transportation Bill
Washington, D.C.—Tuesday afternoon the Senate passed the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, legislation that will make key improvements to the nation’s air transportation infrastructure. Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the senior Republican in the United States Senate, authored several provisions that will directly benefit Utahns and travelers nationwide.
“As Utah grows, I’ve worked hard to help our infrastructure grow with it,” Hatch said. “This bill includes crucial improvements that will make traveling to and from Utah easier and safer, and will help some of Utah’s smaller airports--such as Logan and Provo—expand and develop to meet the needs of our growing population centers and Utah’s thriving $7.8 billion tourism economy. Our legislation also puts Americans' safety first, by addressing the threats terrorist groups pose to airline passengers and those on the ground.”
Utah Air Transportation Facts:
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Media Advisory: Hatch, Senate Republican High-Tech Task Force to Host Q&A with Ted Olson on Apple Encryption Debate
Washington, D.C.—Senator Orrin Hatch, the Chairman of the Senate Republican High-Tech Task Force, will convene a special question-and-answer session with Ted Olson on Wednesday April 20 at 3 p.m. in SVC 209. All members of the Senate have been invited.
Mr. Olson led Apple’s legal team in the recent litigation over the government’s demand to access the data on an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino terrorists. He is the founder of Gibson Dunn’s Appellate and Constitutional Law and Crisis Management Practice Groups. Previously, he served as Solicitor General of the United States and as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel in the Department of Justice.
While the litigation involving Apple and the federal government in the San Bernardino case has been resolved, many legal and policy questions remain unanswered. In this interactive session, Mr. Olson will discuss the constitutional and statutory issues involved in the San Bernardino case, the broad implications of that litigation, and related considerations for policymakers.
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Hatch Bill Targeting Prescription Drug Abuse Heads to President’s Desk for Signature
“Prescription drug abuse is a big problem in Utah. A recent study found that our state ranks fifth in the nation in drug overdose deaths. That’s why I’m so glad Congress has passed the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.”
Washington, D.C.— Yesterday the House of Representatives passed legislation that will help ensure that prescription drugs get to the patients who need them and are not abused for improper purposes. Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, and sponsor of the bipartisan Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, applauded the move.
Prescription drug abuse is a big problem in Utah. A recent study found that our state ranks fifth in the nation in drug overdose deaths. That’s why I’m so glad Congress has passed the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act to encourage greater collaboration between law enforcement and the private sector in fighting prescription drug abuse. This bill will motivate drug manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies to step up efforts to prevent diversion of drugs for improper purposes. At the same time, it will put in place safeguards to ensure that patients who truly need medications are able to get them. I’m looking forward to the President signing this important bill into law.
Currently, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) does not make clear which factors the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) should consider when reviewing an application to manufacture or distribute prescription drugs. Hatch’s legislation directs the DEA to use findings that Congress compiled while drafting the CSA to define those factors. The bill also defines the circumstances under which the Attorney General can suspend a company’s registration without a court proceeding. Finally, it allows companies that violate the CSA an opportunity to work with the DEA to correct the violation before having their registration revoked.
A summary of the bill’s key provisions can be found here.
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