16 U.S.C. § 3120 — Subsistence and land use decisions

(a) Factors and requirements. When deciding whether to withdraw, reserve, lease, or otherwise allow use, occupancy, or disposal of public lands, the head of the Federal agency having primary jurisdiction over those lands, or that person’s designee, must assess effects on subsistence uses and needs, other available lands, and alternatives that would reduce or eliminate use of public lands needed for subsistence. A withdrawal, reservation, lease, permit, or other action that would significantly restrict subsistence use may not occur until the head of that Federal agency: (1) notifies the proper State agency and the appropriate local committees and regional councils under section 3115; (2) gives notice of and holds a hearing near the area involved; and (3) finds that the restriction is necessary and consistent with sound public-land management, the activity uses the minimum public land needed, and reasonable steps will minimize harm to subsistence uses and resources. (b) Environmental statement. If the Secretary must prepare an environmental impact statement under section 4332(2)(C) of title 42, the Secretary must provide that notice and hearing and include those findings in the statement. (c) State and Native selections. Nothing here prohibits or impairs Alaska or a Native Corporation from selecting and receiving land under the Alaska Statehood Act or Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. (d) Management or disposal. After following this section and other applicable law, the head of the appropriate Federal agency may manage or dispose of public lands under that agency head’s primary jurisdiction for uses or purposes authorized by this Act or other law.