[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.

                          ____________________