[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 5, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H3442-H3443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
YORK RIVER WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY ACT OF 2011
Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and pass the bill (H.R. 2336) to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
to designate segments of the York River and associated tributaries for
study for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers
System, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 2336
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``York River Wild and Scenic
River Study Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION FOR STUDY.
Section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C.
1276(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(_) York river, maine.--(A) The York River that flows
11.25 miles from its headwaters at York Pond to the mouth of
the river at York Harbor, and all associated tributaries.
``(B) The study conducted under this paragraph shall--
``(i) determine the effect of the designation on--
``(I) existing commercial and recreational activities, such
as hunting, fishing, trapping, recreational shooting, motor
boat use, bridge construction;
``(II) the authorization, construction, operation,
maintenance, or improvement of energy production and
transmission infrastructure; and
``(III) the authority of State and local governments to
manage those activities; and
``(ii) identify--
``(I) all authorities that will authorize or require the
Secretary to influence local land use decisions (such as
zoning) or place restrictions on non-Federal land if
designated under this Act;
``(II) all authorities that the Secretary may use to
condemn property; and
``(III) all private property located in the area studied
under this paragraph.''.
SEC. 3. STUDY AND REPORT.
Section 5(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C.
1276(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(_) York river, maine.--The study of the York River,
Maine, named in paragraph (__) of subsection (a) shall be
completed by the Secretary of the Interior and the report
thereon submitted to Congress not later than 3 years after
the date on which funds are made available to carry out this
paragraph.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Washington (Mr. Hastings) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington.
General Leave
Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Washington?
There was no objection.
Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
H.R. 2336 authorizes the National Park Service to study 11.25 miles
of the York River, in the State of Maine, for the possible inclusion
into the Wild and Scenic Rivers program.
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 was intended to put a
development freeze on rivers to preserve their ``free-flowing''
characteristics. Although no risks to the river necessitating Federal
designation were identified, proponents of the study explained that
they would benefit from the expertise of the National Park Service and
its interaction with the community.
As I mentioned, Mr. Speaker, this legislation was amended. The
subcommittee felt that there should be some conditions even though this
is only a study, and those conditions were inserted into this bill. I
urge its adoption.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GRIJALVA. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of the legislation, and I commend Congresswoman
Pingree for her hard work.
H.R. 2336 moves forward a study of 11 miles of the York River to
determine if it is qualified to be protected as a Wild and Scenic
River. This is a good piece of legislation.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. I continue to reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to
the sponsor of the legislation, the gentlelady from Maine (Ms.
Pingree).
{time} 1800
Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Speaker, I thank both Mr. Grijalva and Mr.
Hastings for their support.
I'm very happy to stand in support of my bill, H.R. 2336, the York
River Wild and Scenic River Study Act. It is my pleasure to see this
piece of legislation, which was proposed by the people living in my
district, who care deeply about the York River, come to the floor of
the House today. This bill would allow organizations working around the
York River to partner with the National Park Service to conduct a study
that would provide additional information that is vital to making
informed decisions about the future of the York River and its
communities.
I have heard from small business owners, community groups, State and
local government representatives, local and national land trusts,
fishermen, hunters, school representatives, and historical and
environmental conservationists; and all agree that continuing to
benefit from the river depends on recognizing and protecting its
important and unique qualities.
When I last visited the York River, I spoke with members of local
communities about the importance of the river to the people, the
economy, and the wildlife of the York River water-shed. I learned that
the river is home to important and rare species, including the Maine-
endangered box turtle and the threatened harlequin duck. The salt
marshes of York River watershed serve as a nursery ground for nearly 30
species of fish that are vital to the Gulf of Maine ecosystem.
I also learned that the York River is a key waterway to the history
of our Nation. The first English settlers arrived there in 1630, and
European settlements of archeological importance have been identified
along the banks of the river. The York River is a place where children
are learning in an outdoor classroom, as well. Students from nearby
school districts gather data from the river for class and to inform
community decisions about the environment and the economy. Perhaps the
most important factor is that many of the hardworking people in this
part of the State depend on the York River to support their jobs. The
York River is a place where people go to work.
Commercial and recreational fishing operations depend on excellent
water quality and reliable access to the waterfront. Farmers in the
York River watershed grow pumpkin, potatoes, and other produce that
help keep Maine communities healthy. People travel to the York River to
explore and appreciate its natural character and incredible history.
And while doing so, they invest in the surrounding communities.
The work of community groups has already resulted in considerable
[[Page H3443]]
progress, but the York River needs additional protection so this vital
resource is not overwhelmed by increasing development. In order to move
forward to a future that protects the most important aspects of this
waterway and the jobs and communities that depend on it, it is vital to
connect these communities with the information they need. This is the
goal and, hopefully, the outcome of this important piece of
legislation.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill today.
Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I advise my friend from
Arizona that I have no more requests for time.
Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of
my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2336, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________