[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H780-H785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PROTECT AND RESTORE AMERICA'S ESTUARIES ACT
Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 4044) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to
reauthorize the National Estuary Program, and for other purposes, as
amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 4044
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 ``Protect and Restore
America's Estuaries Act''.
SEC. 2. MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE.
Section 320(a)(2)(B) of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (33 U.S.C. 1330(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``and
Peconic Bay, New York'' and inserting ``Peconic Bay, New
York; Casco Bay, Maine; Tampa Bay, Florida; Coastal Bend,
Texas; San Juan Bay, Puerto Rico; Tillamook Bay, Oregon;
Piscataqua Region, New Hampshire; Barnegat Bay, New Jersey;
Maryland Coastal Bays, Maryland; Charlotte Harbor, Florida;
Mobile Bay, Alabama; Morro Bay, California; and Lower
Columbia River, Oregon and Washington''.
SEC. 3. PURPOSES OF CONFERENCE.
Section 320(b)(4) of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (33 U.S.C. 1330(b)(4)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``management plan that recommends'' and
inserting ``management plan that--
``(A) recommends''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) addresses the effects of recurring extreme weather
events on the estuary, including the identification and
assessment of vulnerabilities in the estuary and the
development and implementation of adaptation strategies; and
``(C) increases public education and awareness of the
ecological health and water quality conditions of the
estuary;''.
SEC. 4. MEMBERS OF CONFERENCE.
Section 320(c)(5) of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (33 U.S.C. 1330(c)(5)) is amended by inserting
``nonprofit organizations,'' after ``educational
institutions,''.
SEC. 5. GRANTS.
Section 320(g)(4)(C) of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (33 U.S.C. 1330(g)(4)(C)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding clause (i)--
(A) by inserting ``, emerging,'' after ``urgent''; and
(B) by striking ``coastal areas'' and inserting ``the
estuaries selected by the Administrator under subsection
(a)(2), or that relate to the coastal resiliency of such
estuaries'';
(2) by redesignating clauses (vi) and (vii) as clauses
(viii) and (ix), respectively, and inserting after clause (v)
the following:
``(vi) stormwater runoff;
``(vii) accelerated land loss;''; and
(3) in clause (viii), as so redesignated, by inserting ``,
extreme weather,'' after ``sea level rise''.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 320(i)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (33 U.S.C. 1330(i)(1)) is amended by inserting ``, and
$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026,''
after ``2021''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Malinowski) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
General Leave
Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous materials on H.R. 4044, as amended.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to lead this bipartisan reauthorization of
the National Estuary Program, a successful nonregulatory program to
improve the water quality and ecological integrity of our Nation's
estuaries, a program with a long history of support on both sides of
the aisle.
[[Page H781]]
Estuaries are extraordinarily productive ecosystems where fresh water
from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater from the ocean.
In my district in my home State of New Jersey, the New York-New
Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program encompasses some 250 square miles of
open water, including parts of the Raritan, Rahway, Elizabeth, and
Hackensack Rivers.
My bill, the Protect and Restore America's Estuaries Act, makes
several important improvements to this program. First, it nearly
doubles funding for the program's 28 estuaries of national
significance, including the New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary
Program.
It ensures that management plans governing nationally significant
estuaries consider the effects of recurring extreme weather events and
that they develop and implement appropriate adaptation strategies. It
expands eligibility for grants under the program to organizations
working to address stormwater runoff, coastal resiliency, and
accelerated land loss issues.
It requires the NEP management, the regional conferences that are
part of the NEP, to develop and implement strategies to increase local
awareness about the ecological health and water quality of estuaries.
It is hard to overstate just how important estuaries are to the
broader marine ecology. They are sometimes referred to as the nurseries
of the sea because of the vast and diverse array of marine animals that
spend the early parts of their lives in them, with their calm waters
providing a safe habitat for smaller birds and other animals, as well
as for spawning and nesting.
Further, estuaries act as stopover sites for migratory animals
including ducks, geese, and salmon. They filter out pollutants from
rivers and streams before they flow into the ocean, and they protect
inland areas from flooding, with their broad and shallow waters able to
absorb sudden storm surges.
They are the natural infrastructure that protects human communities
from flooding. And of course, they also help the economies of every
community that relies on fishing and tourism and recreation.
So it is my privilege to play a role in protecting and strengthening
these critical ecosystems and in preserving the natural beauty of my
State of New Jersey.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague on the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Graves for teaming up with me on
this bill. Congressman Graves is a longtime champion for the estuarine
system in his district, and I am glad to partner with him.
I want to thank Congresswoman Napolitano for her leadership of the
Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee. I want to thank
Congresswoman Fletcher for her support as an original cosponsor, and
Congressman Larsen for making the bill even stronger, as well as more
than two dozen of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, who
have cosponsored this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support as well of H.R. 4044, the Protect and
Restore American's Estuary Act.
I also want to thank my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Malinowski)
for introducing this legislation; our chairwoman, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr.
Graves, and everybody who has worked on this outstanding bill that we
want to see move forward here that has moved forward so many other
times.
H.R. 4044, reauthorizes the National Estuary Program which focuses on
estuaries of national significance across the Nation, including one in
my own backyard, very literally, the Indian River Lagoon, the heart and
soul of my district.
Estuaries are not just critical natural habitats that provide
enormous economic benefits, but they are a part of our way of life for
those of us who live anywhere near them or around them. They are where
we go fishing, where we see our children recreate and wade in the
waters. It is where we see dolphin and manatee. That is where we see
people spend their summers, travel to come see the blue waters and the
fish and everything else that thrives in those ecosystems.
The National Estuary Program is pivotal to the preservation of these
very unique ecosystems, and it provides an enormous return on the
taxpayer's investment. On average, the estuary program raises $19 for
every $1 provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.
It is because of this and many other reasons that I see on a day-to-
day basis with the estuaries in my backyard that I want to urge support
of this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1300
Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Washington (Mr. Larsen).
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of
H.R. 4044, the Protect and Restore America's Estuaries Act, a
bipartisan piece of legislation to reauthorize and improve the National
Estuary Program, the NEP. I thank Representative Malinowski for his
leadership on preserving our Nation's estuaries as well.
Puget Sound, where I am from, is the largest estuary by water volume
in the contiguous United States, and the waters and wildlife that call
it home are one of the cornerstones of northwest Washington's
environment, culture, and maritime economy.
As co-chair of the Congressional Estuary Caucus, I strongly support
efforts to ensure robust Federal investment in the National Estuary
Program and its vital projects, which is why I am proud and very
pleased to support the Protect and Restore America's Estuaries Act.
This critical legislation reauthorizes the National Estuary Program
through fiscal year 2026 and increases funding for this critical
program to $50 million annually.
H.R. 4044 also includes language I authored making clear that NEP
competitive funds must be allocated for NEP-listed estuaries or
projects that relate to these estuaries' coastal resiliency. This will
help ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency follows
congressional intent for NEP dollars to support local estuary
restoration projects.
I look forward to voting for H.R. 4044 to ensure local communities
across the country can continue their work to protect and restore
estuaries.
On a related note, I also want to rise in support of the PUGET SOS
Act, which will be considered later today. Introduced by my colleagues
in the Washington delegation, Representatives Heck and Kilmer, this
bill will improve and expand Federal engagement in Puget Sound recovery
efforts.
At a time when the impacts of climate change threaten coastal
communities throughout the Pacific Northwest and the U.S., endanger
iconic species such as the southern resident killer whale, and decimate
critical habitats, federal engagement and investment in estuary
restoration must be a priority.
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the
gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Miss Gonzalez-Colon).
Miss GONZALEZ-COLON of Puerto Rico. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman
Mast for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4044, the Protect and Restore
America's Estuaries Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor.
The National Estuary Program is an initiative committed to protecting
and restoring the water quality and ecological integrity of 28
estuaries across the country, including the San Juan Bay Estuary
Program in my congressional district.
This estuary is the only tropical estuary in the program and the only
one outside the continental U.S. It also provides habitat to 160
species of birds, 200 species of wetland plants, 124 species of fish,
and 20 species of amphibians and reptiles, including endangered animals
such as the Antillean manatee and the hawksbill and leatherback
turtles.
The San Juan Bay annually receives 80 percent of imports for Puerto
Rico through docks and ports throughout the system, playing a crucial
role for the island's economy. Last year alone, the estuary received
9.5 million visitors, numbers only expected to increase as the island
recovers from past hurricanes. The estuary aids in flood
[[Page H782]]
prevention for the island's metropolitan area, which is located within
the boundaries of the estuary.
I thank the chairman and the ranking member for bringing this bill
forward. Of course, I am going to be for it, and I think it is a great
initiative not just to protect but also care for all our wetlands in
the Nation.
Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman
from California (Mrs. Napolitano.)
Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey
(Mr. Malinowski) for H.R. 4044, the reauthorization of the very popular
National Estuary Program, or NEP. It allows more proactive measures to
be eligible under the program.
The strong bipartisan support this bill has received is evidence of
its widespread popularity and success. I am very pleased that several
members of this committee have all cosponsored the bill. The bill
represents the commitment to our coastal areas and the vital role they
play in economic drivers, natural water filters, and protection from
flooding events.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge the EPA and States to work together to
designate more national estuaries that can be eligible for this
program, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill, H.R. 4044.
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to
close.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4044 will have a profound impact on districts
across America. That is a fact. It is why I am here to support it
today. It includes my own district, by increasing public education and
awareness around the health conditions of estuaries.
The Indian River Lagoon I spoke about is one of the most biologically
diverse estuaries in all of North America and a major economic driver
for the five counties that it borders. The lagoon faces enormous
challenges year after year and summer after summer, but through the
National Estuary Program, there has been a pilot-scale demonstration of
seagrass restoration, which is one of the biggest challenges that we
face. The destruction of our seagrass each year is like a forest fire
underneath the waters of our estuary.
Storm water quality improvement projects, septic-to-sewer projects,
and many other projects and initiatives that are vital to our estuary
are all implemented here.
With the Protect and Restore America's Estuaries Act, we will build
on the enormous success of the National Estuary Program. It is why I
couldn't be more proud to support it.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support and adoption of this bipartisan piece of
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters of
support for H.R. 4044 from the New York-New Jersey Harbor and Estuary
Program, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, San Francisco
Estuary Partnership, Puget Sound Partnership, Santa Monica Bay National
Estuary Program, and Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership.
New York-New Jersey
Harbor & Estuary Program,
New York, NY, February 4, 2020.
Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Don Young,
Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Grace F. Napolitano,
Chairman, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Bruce Westerman,
Ranking Member, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairmen DeFazio and Napolitano, Ranking Members Young
and Westerman: Thank you for your leadership in support of
the cooperative conservation and management of our nation's
vital estuaries, and in particular for the unanimous approval
in your committee for HR 4044, a bill to reauthorize the
National Estuary Program.
This legislation invests directly in the stewardship of our
nation's coasts. It empowers local communities in a non-
regulatory, collaborative and science based strategy to
safeguard the places where we live, work and recreate. The 28
National Estuary Programs (NEP) located around the nation's
coastline engage industries, businesses, and other community
members to develop solutions for tough problems. The NEP's
public-private partnerships stretch federal dollars to
provide successful on-the-ground results driven by diverse
stakeholders. NEP partners include wastewater utilities; port
authorities, shippers, and related maritime industry; local
restaurants & tourist businesses; design, engineering and
construction professionals; state and local governments;
colleges and universities, and community and environmental
organizations.
NEPs around the country are extremely efficient at
leveraging funds to increase their ability to restore and
protect their coastal ecosystems. The NEPs have obtained over
$19 for every $1 provided, generating over $4 billion for on-
the-ground efforts since 2003. HR 4044 would amplify and
improve on the reforms signed into law in the 114th Congress
that created a competitive program to address urgent
challenges while streamlining the administrative costs of the
program.
Progress on the Ground
NEPs have collectively restored and protected more than
2,000,000 acres of vital habitats since 2000 alone.
Consistent Congressional funding of the National Estuary
Programs is essential--resulting in clean water, healthy
estuaries, and strong coastal communities. This investment in
our national estuaries will help strengthen America's economy
and support thousands of jobs, and will secure the future of
our coastal communities.
Here in New York and New Jersey, we can report on how funds
already invested in this program are being put to extremely
good purpose in protecting and restoring estuaries and
coastal communities:
Working with communities in the Bronx, Harlem, Passaic, and
Hackensack River watersheds to track down sources of
floatable trash before they enter the water;
Helping local governments in New Jersey and New York
identify and right-size culverts and bridges to improve
habitat and reduce street flooding;
Working with wastewater utilities in Elizabeth and
Ridgefield Park to prioritize and make critical investments
in outfalls needed to address rising sea levels;
Restoring shoreline ecology and improving fisheries in the
Hudson and East River by creating oyster reefs and other
restoration efforts
The value of our oceans, estuaries and coasts to our nation
is immense, and has never been more important. Over half the
US population lives in coastal watershed counties, many of
these in estuaries of national significance. Roughly half the
nation's gross domestic product is generated in those
counties and adjacent ocean waters. According to NOAA's 2019
report on the ocean economy, ocean industries contributed
$320 billion to U.S. economy, while employment in the ocean
economy increased by 14.5 percent by 2016, compared to 4.8
percent in the U.S. economy as a whole.
Thank you again for your efforts to advance this visionary
legislation and look forward to working with you to
reauthorize this successful program.
Sincerely,
Robert Pirani,
Director, NYNJHEP.
____
Barataria-Terrebonne,
National Estuary Program,
Thibodaux, LA, February 4, 2020.
Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Don Young,
Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Grace F. Napolitano,
Chairman, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Bruce Westerman,
Ranking Member, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairmen DeFazio and Napolitano, Ranking Members Young
and Westerman: Thank you for your leadership in support of
the National Estuary Program, and in particular for your
unanimous approval in your committee for HR 4044, a bill to
reauthorize this highly successful program. I understand this
bill may be considered by the full House of Representatives,
and applaud your efforts to advance this legislation. We at
the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program strongly
applaud the leadership of Representative Graves to advance
this legislation to address Louisiana's land loss crisis.
Funding from this program empowers local people and their
ongoing love of the land, water, culture, and each other to
use the best science available to address the estuary's
perils.
This legislation invests directly in the stewardship of our
nation's coasts. It empowers local communities in a non-
regulatory, collaborative and science-based strategy to
safeguard the places where we live, work, and recreate. Of
all federally funded coastal programs, only NEPs organize
local stakeholders as partners in a unique decision-making
framework to address local priorities. NEPs provide
technical, management, and communication assistance to
develop priorities and implement comprehensive actions: storm
water and infrastructure projects, seagrass and shellfish
restoration
[[Page H783]]
which support fishing and tourist industries, science and
monitoring to guide decision-making, and innovative education
programs designed for the next generation of Americans.
NEPs: Public-Private Partners
The NEP consists of 28 unique, voluntary programs
established by the Clean Water Act to protect and improve
estuaries of national significance. Each NEP engages its
local community in a non-regulatory, consensus-driven, and
science-based process. For every federal dollar, NEPs
collectively leverage $19 in local funds to protect and
improve coastal environments, communities, and economies.
This investment in our national estuaries strengthens
America's economy and supports thousands of jobs, and will
secure the future of our coastal communities.
NEPs engage industries, businesses, and other community
members to develop solutions for tough problems. NEP's
public-private partnerships stretch federal dollars to
provide on-the ground results driven by diverse stakeholders.
NEP partners include commercial agriculture and fisheries,
energy and water utilities, local businesses, construction
and landscaping professionals, state and local governments,
academic institutions, and community groups.
The value of our oceans, estuaries and coasts to our nation
is immense. Over half the U.S. population lives in coastal
watershed counties. Roughly half the nation's gross domestic
product is generated in those counties and adjacent ocean
waters. In 2019 alone, ocean industries contributed $320
billion to U.S. economy.
Results on the Ground
NEPs have had great success in protecting and restoring
estuaries and coastal communities:
The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP)
is restoring maritime forest ridges along coastal Louisiana
with public and private partnerships. These ridges are vital
habitat for wildlife and provide storm surge protection for
business, industry, and homeowners.
Morro Bay National Estuary Program is restoring underwater
eelgrass meadows after precipitous decline in the last
decade. Promising restoration results show that collaborative
research, community outreach, and adaptive management make a
difference for healthy estuary habitats on the California's
Central Coast.
All three California National Estuary Programs are
partnering to improve the status and use of resources for
boaters to pump out waste from their boats. These stations
are critical to keeping bacteria and other pollution from
entering sensitive coastal waters.
The NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program is working with the
Bronx River Alliance and other community groups to track down
sources of floatable trash in the River.
The Center of the Inland Bays in Delaware is bringing the
oyster back, using living shorelines to stop erosion, protect
property and restore habitat.
NEPs have collectively restored and protected more than
2,000,000 acres of vital habitats since 2000 alone.
Important reforms were made to the National Estuary Program
in the reauthorization during the 114th Congress, including
the creation of a competitive program to address urgent
challenges and the streamlining of administrative costs. HR
4044 amplifies and improves on these reforms. We thank you
again for your efforts to advance this visionary legislation
and look forward to working with you to reauthorize this
successful program.
Sincerely,
Dean Blanchard,
BTNEP Acting Director.
____
San Francisco Estuary Partnership,
San Francisco, CA, February 4, 2020.
Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Don Young,
Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, Washington, DC.
Hon. Grace F. Napolitano,
Chairman, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Bruce Westerman,
Ranking Member, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairmen DeFazio and Napolitano, Ranking Members Young
and Westerman: I am writing to thank you for your leadership
in support of the National Estuary Program (NEP). For over 30
years, NEPs have advanced national priorities through a
place-based, non-regulatory, collaborative approach. NEP's
promote efficient partnerships to achieve on-the-ground
success, engaging industries, businesses, local communities,
scientists, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders.
Communities and businesses depend on our nation's
estuaries. Loss of coastal habitats, pollutants entering our
waters, and increased coastal flooding are challenging our
coasts and affecting the critical economies we rely on. Over
82% of the nation's population live in the coastal areas that
NEPs directly support. The 28 NEPs are leading the way in
using a non-regulatory approach to working with industry and
communities on innovations to protect life, business, and
property from loss, damage, flooding, and drought.
NEPs leverage federal funds to build the capacity of local
partners to implement innovative and beneficial projects. For
every dollar EPA provides, NEPs leverage $19 in local funds
to protect and improve coastal environments, communities and
economies. Recent examples of NEP successes include:
The San Francisco Estuary Partnership is collaborating with
wastewater treatment facilities to advance innovative nature-
based solutions along the shoreline to remove contaminants,
secure potable water resources, increase flood protection,
and restore habitat
All three California National Estuary Programs are
partnering to reduce raw sewage disposal into the water from
recreational boats, keeping bacteria and other pollution from
entering coastal waters and threatening public health
The Center of the Inland Bays in Delaware is bringing the
oyster back, with all its ecological and economic benefits,
after it nearly disappeared in the last century. The Center
is using living shorelines to stop erosion, protect property
and restore habitat
The NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program is working with the
Bronx River Alliance and other community groups to track down
sources of floatable trash in the River, including locations
in upstream Westchester County
NEPs have collectively restored and protected more than
2,000,000 acres of vital habitats since 2000 alone
Thank you again for your strong support of this program
over the years.
Sincerely,
Caitlin Sweeney,
Director.
____
Puget Sound Partnership,
Tacoma, WA, February 4, 2020.
Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Don Young,
Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Grace F. Napolitano,
Chairman, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Bruce Westerman,
Ranking Member, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairmen DeFazio and Napolitano, Ranking Members Young
and Westerman: Thank you for your leadership in support of
the National Estuary Program, and in particular for your
unanimous approval in your committee for HR 4044, a bill to
reauthorize this highly successful program. I understand this
bill may be considered by the full House of Representatives,
and applaud your efforts to advance this legislation.
In particular I would like to recognize and applaud the
leadership of Representative Larson on this issue. He has
been a stalwart supporter of this program nationally, and in
particular a champion of Puget Sound. I appreciate his
efforts as a senior member of your committee to advance this
legislation that is so important to Washington.
Puget Sound is a complex ecosystem encompassing mountains,
farmlands, cities, rivers, forests, and wetlands. Sixteen
major rivers flow to Puget Sound and 20 treaty tribes call
the region home. Currently, 4.5 million people live in the
Puget Sound area, with another 1.3 million expected to live
here by 2040. Seattle was the second fastest growing city in
the nation in 2018, and the fastest in 2017. We are a region
of innovators and entrepreneurs: 11 Fortune 500 companies are
are headquartered in the Puget Sound area, many of which have
shaped 21st century life. Our economy is roaring, and the
region's natural beauty and recreational opportunities help
businesses and companies attract top talent.
On the surface, Puget Sound looks healthy and inviting,
but, in fact, Puget Sound is in grave trouble. Southern
Resident orcas, Chinook salmon, and steelhead are all listed
under the Endangered Species Act. Toxic chemicals and
pharmaceuticals continue to pollute our waterways, and
shellfish beds are routinely closed to commercial and
recreational harvest due to fecal contamination. Habitat
degradation continues to outpace restoration. While this
situation at times seems impossibly gloomy, the hundreds of
passionate people who are devoted to seeing the return of a
healthy and resilient Puget Sound give us hope.
Scientists say that we can still recover Puget Sound, but
only if we act boldly now. We know what we need to do. The
primary barriers between us and more food for orcas, clean
and sufficient water for people and fish, sustainable working
lands, and harvestable shellfish are funding and political
fortitude.
The single greatest step we could take to ensure a durable,
systematic, and science-based effort for Puget Sound recovery
is to fully fund the implementation of habitat protection and
restoration, water quality protection, and salmon recovery
programs. The National Estuary Program (NEP) is a vital piece
of this funding puzzle.
Of all federally funded coastal programs, only NEPs
organize local stakeholders as
[[Page H784]]
partners in a unique decision-making framework to address
local priorities. NEPs provide technical, management, and
communication assistance to develop priorities and implement
comprehensive actions: stormwater and infrastructure
projects, seagrass and shellfish restoration which support
fishing and tourist industries, science and monitoring to
guide decision-making, and innovative education programs
designed for the next generation of Americans.
The NEP consists of 28 unique, voluntary programs
established by the Clean Water Act to protect and improve
estuaries of national significance. Each NEP engages its
local community in a non-regulatory, consensus-driven, and
science-based process. For every dollar EPA provides, NEPs
leverage $19 in local funds to protect and improve coastal
environments, communities and economies.
NEPs have collectively restored and protected more than
2,000,000 acres of vital habitats since 2000 alone.
Consistent Congressional funding of the National Estuary
Programs is essential resulting in clean water, healthy
estuaries, and strong coastal communities. This investment in
our national estuaries will help strengthen America's economy
and support thousands of jobs, and will secure the future of
our coastal communities.
Thank you for your strong support of this program over the
years. Funds already invested in this program are being put
to extremely good purpose in protecting and restoring
estuaries and coastal communities.
Recent examples include the following:
Our partners are restoring forage fish spawning, which is
critically important in the Puget Sound food web--back to
large areas of shoreline, and reducing the flow of stormwater
containing toxic pollutants into Puget Sound.
The NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program is working with the
Bronx River Alliance and other community groups to track down
sources of floatable trash in the River, including locations
in upstream Westchester County.
The Casco Bay Estuary Partnership in Maine, along with
partners, is monitoring nutrients around Casco Bay to provide
real-time data on nutrient processes. CBEP's nutrient
analyzer has been automatically collecting nitrate, nitrite
and ammonium samples and working collaboratively to assure
safe levels in the bay.
The Center of the Inland Bays in Delaware is bringing the
oyster back, with all its ecological and economic benefits,
after it nearly disappeared in the last century. The Center
is using living shorelines to stop erosion, protect property
and restore habitat.
As you know, important reforms were made to the National
Estuary Program (NEP) in the reauthorization that was signed
into law in the 114th Congress. These reforms created a
competitive program to address urgent challenges and maximize
funds received by our national estuaries, while streamlining
the administrative costs of the program.
HR 4044 would amplify and improve on these reforms, and
continue the cost-effective streamlining begun in the 114th
Congress.
We are running out of time: the Center for Whale Research
reported this weekend that another Southern Resident orca,
L41, has gone missing. With its loss, the population will
drop to 72 animals, the lowest in 40 years. Your action now
to pass HR 4044 can help.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Blackmore,
Executive Director.
____
Santa Monica Bay
National Estuary Program,
February 3, 2020.
Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Grace F. Napolitano,
Chairman, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Don Young,
Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Bruce Westerman,
Ranking Member, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairmen DeFazio and Napolitano, Ranking Members Young
and Westerman: I am writing to thank you for your leadership
in support of the National Estuary Program, and in particular
for your unanimous approval in your committee for HR 4044, a
bill to reauthorize this highly successful program. I also
like to recognize the efforts of California Representatives
Salud Carbajal, Harley Rouda, and Eric Swalwell for their co-
sponsorship of this bill. We understand this bill may be
considered by the full House of Representatives and applaud
your efforts to advance this legislation.
The National Estuary Program consists of 28, voluntary and
geographically specific partnerships to promote the vitality
of the United States Estuaries of National Significance. Each
NEP engages its local community in a non-regulatory,
consensus-driven, and science-based process. For every dollar
EPA provides, NEPs leverage $19 in local funds to protect and
improve coastal environments, communities, and economies.
NEPs provide a suite of skills to advance the technical,
management, and communication needs of their consensus driven
Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans. These plans
seek to implement coordinated actions such as: storm water
and infrastructure projects, seagrass, dune, wetland, and
shellfish restoration, and the conservation of open spaces.
NEPs also support and conduct scientific monitoring to
identify and address sources of environmental harm that are
detrimental to public health and coastal economies.
NEPs engage industries, businesses, and other community
members to develop solutions for tough problems. The NEPs'
public-private partnerships stretch federal dollars to
provide successful on-the-ground results driven by diverse
stakeholders. NEP partners include commercial agriculture and
fisheries, energy and water utilities, local restaurants &
tourist businesses, construction and landscaping
professionals, engineering and mining companies, state and
local governments, colleges and universities, and other
community organizations.
The value of our oceans, estuaries and coasts to our nation
is immense. According to NOAA's 2019 report on the ocean
economy, ocean industries contributed $320 billion to U.S.
economy, while employment in the ocean economy increased by
14.5 percent by 2016, compared to 4.8 percent in the U.S.
economy as a whole. NEPs work to protect and enhance these
nationally significant economic engines.
Thank you for your strong support of this program over the
years. Funds already invested in this program are being put
to extremely good purpose in protecting and restoring
estuaries and coastal communities.
Recent examples include:
The Santa Monica Bay National Estuary Program has restored
51.9 acres of kelp forest, off the Palos Verdes Peninsula in
the past six years. This restoration effort has helped
reverse an 80% decline in this vital ecosystem which supports
several of California's most lucrative fisheries and allows
for the recovery of endangered abalone.
The Puget Sound Partnership is restoring forage fish
spawning--which are critically important in the Puget Sound
foodweb--back to large areas of shoreline and reducing the
flow of stormwater containing toxic pollutants into Puget
Sound.
The NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program is working with the
Bronx River Alliance and other community groups to track down
sources of floatable trash in the River, including locations
in upstream Westchester County.
The Casco Bay Estuary Partnership in Maine, along with
partners, is monitoring nutrients around Casco Bay to provide
real-time data on nutrient processes. CBEP's nutrient
analyzer has been automatically collecting nitrate, nitrite
and ammonium samples and working collaboratively to assure
safe levels in the bay.
As you know important reforms were made to the National
Estuary Program in the reauthorization that was signed into
law in the 114th Congress. These reforms created a
competitive program to address urgent challenges and maximize
funds received by our national estuaries, while streamlining
the administrative costs of the program. HR 4044 would
amplify and improve on these reforms, and continue the cost-
effective streamlining begun in the 114th Congress.
Thank you again for your visionary leadership, and that of
the three California Representatives Salud Carbajal, Harley
Rouda, and Eric Swalwell who have cosponsored this bill to
reauthorize this successful program.
Sincerely,
Tom Ford,
Director, Santa Monica Bay
National Estuary Program.
____
Lower Columbia
Estuary Partnership,
Portland, OR, February 5, 2020.
Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
Chair, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House
of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Don Young,
Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Grace F. Napolitano,
Chair, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Hon. Bruce Westerman,
Ranking Member, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairs DeFazio and Napolitano, Ranking Members Young
and Westerman: Thank you for your leadership and strong
support of the National Estuary Program (NEP), and for your
unanimous approval in your committee for HR 4044, a bill to
reauthorize this highly successful program. I understand this
bill may be considered by the full House of Representatives
and appreciate your efforts to support this legislation.
The NEP stands out as one of the most effective federal
programs. The National Program creates a framework--and
accountability--for local partners, representing diverse
interests to address the physical, chemical, social,
biological, economic and cultural challenges that threaten
our nation's estuaries. It is this collaborative framework
that allows NEPs to tackle issues that no agency or state can
tackle alone.
[[Page H785]]
Of all federally funded coastal programs, only NEPs
implement a community-based decision framework to address
local and national priorities. NEPs and their partners
address:
Stormwater and infrastructure projects;
Eelgrass and shellfish restoration, supporting aquaculture,
fishing, and tourist industries;
Land and wildlife conservation;
Science and monitoring to guide decision-making; and
Innovative education programs designed for the next
generation of Americans.
The NEP consists of 28 unique, voluntary programs
established by the Clean Water Act to protect and improve
estuaries of national significance. Each NEP engages its
local community in a non-regulatory, consensus-driven, and
science-based process. For every federal dollar, NEPs
collectively leverage $19 in local funds to protect and
improve coastal environments, communities, and economies.
This investment in our national estuaries strengthens
America's economy and supports thousands of jobs and secures
the future of our coastal communities.
NEPs engage local industries, businesses, and other
community members to develop--and implement--solutions for
tough problems. NEP's public-private partnerships stretch
federal dollars to provide on-the-ground results driven by
diverse stakeholders. NEP partners include commercial
agriculture and fisheries, energy and water utilities, local
businesses, construction and landscaping professionals, state
and local governments, academic institutions, teachers,
students, and community groups.
The value of our oceans, estuaries and coasts to our nation
is immense. Over half the U.S. population lives in coastal
watershed counties. Roughly half the nation's gross domestic
product is generated in those counties and adjacent ocean
waters. In 2019 alone, ocean industries contributed $320
billion to U.S. economy.
Results on the Ground
NEPs are focused on results on the ground and have had
great success in protecting and restoring estuaries and
coastal communities:
In the lower Columbia River since 2000, we have:
Restored 28,387 acres of habitat with 100 partners to help
recover threatened and endangered fish.
Provided 81,485 students with over 407,704 hours of outdoor
science learning, helping teachers meet benchmarks, and fill
in gaps in science education.
Planted 144,721 native trees along riparian corridors with
students and volunteers of all ages.
Raised more than $76 million--100% of those funds stay in
Oregon and Washington addressing local priorities. These are
monies local entities cannot access on their own and we can't
raise without the NEP funds.
Leverage $11.5 million in federal NEP funds to bring a
total of $76 million to our region, 100% spent in Oregon and
Washington.
Generated 1,524 family wage jobs, mostly in construction,
restoring habitat, that cannot be exported.
These results are repeated around the nation in each of the
28 national estuary programs:
Morro Bay National Estuary Program is restoring underwater
eelgrass meadows after a precipitous decline in the last
decade. Promising restoration results show that collaborative
research, community outreach, and adaptive management make a
difference for healthy estuary habitats on the California's
Central Coast.
All three California National Estuary Programs are
partnering to improve the status and use of resources for
boaters to pump out waste from their boats. These stations
are critical to keeping bacteria and other pollution from
entering sensitive coastal waters.
The NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program is working with the
Bronx River Alliance and other community groups to track down
sources of floatable trash in the River.
The Center of the Inland Bays in Delaware is bringing the
oyster back, using living shorelines to stop erosion, protect
property and restore habitat.
NEPs have collectively restored and protected more than
2,000,000 acres of vital habitats since 2000 alone.
Important reforms were made to the National Estuary Program
in the reauthorization during the 114th Congress, including
the creation of a competitive program to address urgent
challenges and the streamlining of administrative costs. HR
4044 amplifies and improves on these reforms.
Despite these great outcomes, threats to our waters and our
communities remain. Toxics from stormwater contaminate clean
water and habitat and cause cancer and neurological damage to
humans and river species. Changes in precipitation,
temperature, and storminess increase sea levels, increase
erosion, and intensify flood events, leaving many of our
rural communities and much our local infrastructure
vulnerable to these variabilities. Micro plastics are
pervasive in our rivers and streams; they are filling the
bellies of ocean species and impair human immune systems,
disrupt hormones, and cause cancer. Disparities in education
and lack of opportunities for hands-on outdoor learning exist
for too many in our communities.
We thank you again for your efforts to advance this
legislation and look forward to working with you to
reauthorize this successful program.
Sincerely yours,
Debrah Marriott,
Executive Director.
Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 4044. I want to
thank Mr. Malinowski and Chairwoman Napolitano for their leadership in
crafting this legislation and bringing it to the floor today for
consideration by the full House of Representatives. It is vital that
we, as a nation, focus on preserving and restoring our estuaries.
I am especially pleased that the bill almost doubles the amount of
funding available to support national estuaries. This should finally
allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to move forward with
adding more of these critical ecosystems to the National Estuary
Program.
As one of only five or six hypersaline lagoons in the world and the
only one in the nation, the Laguna Madre has unique conservation
requirements. Adjacent to the longest barrier island in the world,
Padre Island, the Laguna Madre is home to five species of endangered
sea turtle and a critical migratory bird habitat for dozens of
endangered or threatened bird species. The EPA previously designated
the Upper Laguna Madre as a national estuary, and with this additional
funding, we can now move forward with adding the Lower Laguna Madre to
the existing designation.
Having grown up in Brownsville, Texas, Chairwoman Napolitano knows
the beauty and importance of this national treasure. On behalf of my
constituents, I want to express the gratitude of South Texas for the
hard work and dedication of the Transportation & Infrastructure
Committee Members and staff to conserving the Lower Laguna Madre for
future generations.
I look forward to working with our Senators to help pass this
legislation, and with our local officials, especially Cameron County
Commissioner David Garza, and our governor, so we can finally secure a
National Estuary Program designation for the Lower Laguna Madre. I urge
my colleagues to support H.R. 4044.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4044, the
Protect and Restore America's Estuaries Act. As Co-Chair of the
Congressional Estuary Caucus, I am pleased to support this bill to
reauthorize the National Estuary Program through Fiscal Year 2026. The
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, in my home state of Oregon, is one
of the twenty-eight National Estuary Programs across the country. The
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is leading outstanding resiliency
efforts in the Pacific Northwest to restore and protect habitat,
improve water quality, restore flood plains, and address marine debris.
This bill will help the National Estuary Programs consider the effects
of extreme weather events that are increasingly common in the climate
crisis, and implement appropriate adaptation strategies in their
management plans. Additionally, this bill takes important steps to
allow the NEPs to better address storm water runoff, coastal
resiliency, and accelerate land loss mitigation efforts. This past
weekend, we celebrated World Wetlands Day. Our coastal wetlands and
estuaries are often overlooked and undervalued, but they are on the
frontlines of the climate crisis. We can help support and safeguard our
National Estuary Programs by passing the Protect and Restore America's
Estuaries Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Malinowski) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4044, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
____________________