[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.

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