Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act

Hozzl · 2024-07-18T16:53:31Z

Explore the details of House Bill 897 Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Environmental Protection. Stay informed on legislative developments.

7/18/2024, 4:53 PM

Congressional Summary of HR 897

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.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 897

Bill HR 897 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 9, 2023. Bill HR 897 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on February 9, 2023. Bill HR 897's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of July 9, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 897

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 897

Primary Policy Focus

Environmental Protection

Potential Impact Areas

Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAdvisory bodiesAlabamaAquatic ecologyDepartment of CommerceEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchEnvironmental educationEnvironmental regulatory proceduresForests, forestry, treesGovernment information and archivesGulf of MexicoHistoric sites and heritage areasHunting and fishingMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesMarine and inland water transportationOutdoor recreationParks, recreation areas, trailsWildlife conservation and habitat protection

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 897

Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection ActAlabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection ActAlabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection ActAlabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection ActAlabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection ActTo provide for the establishment of the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary, and for other purposes.

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