Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act
- Introduced Feb 9
- Committee Feb 9
- Passed House Jul 8
- Passed Senate Next
- To President Not yet
- Law Not yet
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Summary
Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act
Full summary14 paragraphs
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.
Library of Congress summary, Jun 27, 2024
- Reported to HouseJun 27, 2024
- Introduced in HouseFeb 9, 2023
Actions
- SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Jul 9, 2024
- HouseMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.Jul 8, 2024
- HouseOn 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)Jul 8, 2024
- HouseConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4470-4471)Jul 8, 2024
- HouseAt 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.Jul 8, 2024
- HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 897.Jul 8, 2024
- HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4463-4464)Jul 8, 2024
- HouseMr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.Jul 8, 2024
- HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-560.Jun 27, 2024
- HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 462.Jun 27, 2024
- HouseSubcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries DischargedMay 7, 2024
- HouseCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldMay 7, 2024
All actions17
- HouseOrdered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.May 7, 2024
- HouseSubcommittee Hearings HeldJan 18, 2024
- HouseReferred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.Feb 21, 2023
- HouseIntroduced in HouseFeb 9, 2023
- HouseReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.Feb 9, 2023
Bill record
Text versions4
- Referred in SenateJul 9, 2024PDF: Referred in Senate
- Engrossed in HouseJul 8, 2024PDF: Engrossed in House
- Reported in HouseJun 27, 2024PDF: Reported in House
- Introduced in HouseFeb 9, 2023PDF: Introduced in House
Committees2
- Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation CommitteeReferred To Jul 9, 2024
- House Natural Resources CommitteeReported By Jun 27, 2024Markup By, May 7, 2024Discharged from, May 7, 2024Referred To, Feb 9, 2023
- Subcommittee: Water, Wildlife and Fisheries SubcommitteeHearings By (subcommittee)
Sponsor and cosponsors6 cosponsors
- Rep. Jerry Carl (R-AL-1)Sponsor, Feb 9, 2023
- Garret Graves (R-LA-6)OriginalJoined Feb 9, 2023
- Seth Moulton (D-MA-6)OriginalJoined Feb 9, 2023
- Terri Sewell (D-AL-7)OriginalJoined Feb 9, 2023
- Robert Wittman (R-VA-1)Joined Feb 21, 2023
- LLOYD DOGGETT (D-TX-37)Joined Aug 1, 2023
- Jeff Jackson (D-NC-14)Joined Oct 3, 2023
Amendments0
No amendments offered
Cost estimates and reports1
- H. Rept. 118-560Committee report
Titles2
- Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection ActShort Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text
- To provide for the establishment of the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary, and for other purposes.Official Title as Introduced
Subjects19
Related bills2
- S. 4816 118th, Related bill Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act
- H.R. 6148 117th, Reintroduction of Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act
Official record from Congress.gov, the House Clerk and the Senate; lobbying from Lobbying Disclosure Act filings. Updated Oct 27, 2026.