H.R. 897 - 118th Congress (2023-2024) - Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act

This bill designates an ancient cypress forest in the Gulf of Mexico as the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.

In the sanctuary, the following activities are prohibited:

cutting, removing, or any kind of subsurface salvage of the cypress trees;
lowering certain devices (e.g., dredging) below the surface of the water;
detonating explosives below the surface of the water;
drilling or coring the seabed; and
lowering, laying, positioning, or raising any type of seabed cable or cable-laying device.

However, the prohibitions do not apply to

fishing, diving, mooring, or similar recreational or commercial activities;
necessary operations of public vessels;
construction or placement of artificial reef structures for the purpose of enhancing fishery resources, fishing opportunities, or recreational diving opportunities;
exploration, development, or production of oil or gas projects authorized before this bill's enactment; and
certain other activities authorized by the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must develop a comprehensive management plan for the sanctuary. NOAA must also establish an advisory council for the sanctuary.

Text (4)

July 9, 2024

July 8, 2024

June 27, 2024

February 9, 2023

Actions (18)

Show Only Major Actions

07/09/2024

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

07/08/2024

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

07/08/2024

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 349 - 19 (Roll no. 336). (text: CR H4463)

07/08/2024

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 349 - 19 (Roll no. 336). (text: CR H4463)

07/08/2024

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4470-4471)

07/08/2024

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

07/08/2024

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 897.

07/08/2024

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4463-4464)

07/08/2024

Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

06/27/2024

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 462.

06/27/2024

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-560.

05/07/2024

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

05/07/2024

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

05/07/2024

Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Discharged

01/18/2024

Subcommittee Hearings Held

02/21/2023

Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.

02/09/2023

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

02/09/2023

Introduced in House

H.R.897 118 Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act

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Record Updated

Nov 8, 2024 5:28:25 PM