[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 15, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H2761-H2765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PROMOTING UNITED GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO SAVE OUR SOUND ACT
Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 1144) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to
provide assistance for programs and activities to protect the water
quality of the Puget Sound, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 1144
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 ``Promoting United Government
Efforts to Save Our Sound Act'' or the ``PUGET SOS Act''.
SEC. 2. PUGET SOUND COORDINATED RECOVERY.
Title I of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 124. PUGET SOUND.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Coastal nonpoint pollution control program.--The term
`Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program' means the State
of Washington's Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program
approved under section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act
Reauthorization Amendments of 1990.
``(2) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of
the Program Office.
``(3) Federal action plan.--The term `Federal Action Plan'
means the plan developed under subsection (c)(3)(B).
``(4) International joint commission.--The term
`International Joint Commission' means the International
Joint Commission established by the Treaty relating to the
boundary waters and questions arising along the boundary
between the United States and Canada, signed at Washington
January 11, 1909, and entered into force May 5, 1910 (36
Stat. 2448; TS 548; 12 Bevans 319).
``(5) Pacific salmon commission.--The term `Pacific Salmon
Commission' means the Pacific Salmon Commission established
by the United States and Canada under the Treaty concerning
Pacific salmon, with annexes and memorandum of understanding,
signed at Ottawa January 28, 1985, and entered into force
March 18, 1985 (TIAS 11091; 1469 UNTS 357) (commonly known as
the `Pacific Salmon Treaty').
``(6) Program office.--The term `Program Office' means the
Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office established by
subsection (b).
``(7) Puget sound action agenda; action agenda.--The term
`Puget Sound Action Agenda' or `Action Agenda' means the most
recent plan developed by the Puget Sound National Estuary
Program Management Conference, in consultation with the Puget
Sound Tribal Management Conference, and approved by the
Administrator as the comprehensive conservation and
management plan for the Puget Sound under section 320.
``(8) Puget sound federal leadership task force.--The term
`Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force' means the Puget
Sound Federal Leadership Task Force established under
subsection (c).
``(9) Puget sound federal task force.--The term `Puget
Sound Federal Task Force' means the Puget Sound Federal Task
Force established in 2016 under a memorandum of understanding
among 9 Federal agencies.
``(10) Puget sound national estuary program management
conference.--The term `Puget Sound National Estuary Program
Management Conference' means the management conference for
the Puget Sound convened pursuant to section 320.
``(11) Puget sound partnership.--The term `Puget Sound
Partnership' means the State agency created under the laws of
the State of Washington (section 90.71.210 of the Revised
Code of Washington), or its successor agency that has been
designated by the Administrator as the lead entity to support
the Puget Sound National Estuary Program Management
Conference.
``(12) Puget sound region.--
``(A) In general.--The term `Puget Sound region' means the
land and waters in the northwest corner of the State of
Washington from the Canadian border to the north to the
Pacific Ocean on the west, including Hood Canal and the
Strait of Juan de Fuca.
``(B) Inclusion.--The term `Puget Sound region' includes
all watersheds that drain into the Puget Sound.
``(13) Puget sound tribal management conference.--The term
`Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference' means the 20
treaty Indian tribes of western Washington and the Northwest
Indian Fisheries Commission.
``(14) Salish sea.--The term `Salish Sea' means the network
of coastal waterways on the west coast of North America that
includes the Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the
Strait of Juan de Fuca.
``(15) Salmon recovery plans.--The term `Salmon Recovery
Plans' means the recovery plans for salmon and steelhead
species approved by the Secretary of the Interior under
section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 that are
applicable to the Puget Sound region.
``(16) State advisory committee.--The term `State Advisory
Committee' means the advisory committee established by
subsection (d).
``(17) Treaty rights at risk initiative.--The term `Treaty
Rights at Risk Initiative' means the report from the treaty
Indian tribes of western Washington entitled `Treaty Rights
At Risk: Ongoing Habitat Loss, the Decline of the Salmon
Resource, and Recommendations for Change' and dated July 14,
2011, or its successor report that outlines issues and offers
solutions for the protection of Tribal treaty rights,
recovery of salmon habitat, and management of sustainable
treaty and nontreaty salmon fisheries, including through
Tribal salmon hatchery programs.
``(b) Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the
Environmental Protection Agency a Puget Sound Recovery
National Program Office, to be located in the State of
Washington.
``(2) Director.--
``(A) In general.--There shall be a Director of the Program
Office, who shall have leadership and project management
experience and shall be highly qualified to--
``(i) direct the integration of multiple project planning
efforts and programs from different agencies and
jurisdictions; and
``(ii) align numerous, and possibly competing, priorities
to accomplish visible and measurable outcomes under the
Action Agenda.
``(B) Position.--The position of Director of the Program
Office shall be a career reserved position, as such term is
defined in section 3132 of title 5, United States Code.
``(3) Delegation of authority; staffing.--Using amounts
made available pursuant to subsection (h), the Administrator
shall delegate to the Director such authority and provide
such staff as may be necessary to carry out this section.
``(4) Duties.--The Director shall--
``(A) coordinate and manage the timely execution of the
requirements of this section, including the formation and
meetings of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force;
``(B) coordinate activities related to the restoration and
protection of the Puget Sound across the Environmental
Protection Agency;
``(C) coordinate and align the activities of the
Administrator with the Action Agenda, Salmon Recovery Plans,
the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the Coastal
Nonpoint Pollution Control Program;
``(D) promote the efficient use of Environmental Protection
Agency resources in pursuit of the restoration and protection
of the Puget Sound;
``(E) serve on the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task
Force and collaborate with, help coordinate, and implement
activities with other Federal agencies that have
responsibilities involving the restoration and protection of
the Puget Sound;
``(F) provide or procure such other advice, technical
assistance, research, assessments, monitoring, or other
support as is determined by the Director to be necessary or
prudent to most efficiently and effectively fulfill the
objectives and priorities of the Action Agenda, the Salmon
Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the
Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program, consistent with
the best available science, to ensure the health of the Puget
Sound ecosystem;
``(G) track the progress of the Environmental Protection
Agency towards meeting the agency's specified objectives and
priorities within the Action Agenda and the Federal Action
Plan;
``(H) implement the recommendations of the Comptroller
General set forth in the report entitled `Puget Sound
Restoration: Additional Actions Could Improve Assessments of
Progress' and dated July 19, 2018;
``(I) serve as liaison and coordinate activities for the
restoration and protection of the Salish Sea with Canadian
authorities, the Pacific Salmon Commission, and the
International Joint Commission; and
``(J) carry out such additional duties as the Director
determines necessary and appropriate.
``(c) Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established a Puget Sound
Federal Leadership Task Force.
``(2) Membership.--
``(A) Composition.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task
Force shall be composed of the following members:
``(i) The following individuals appointed by the Secretary
of Agriculture:
[[Page H2762]]
``(I) A representative of the National Forest Service.
``(II) A representative of the Natural Resources
Conservation Service.
``(ii) A representative of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration appointed by the Secretary of
Commerce.
``(iii) The following individuals appointed by the
Secretary of Defense:
``(I) A representative of the Corps of Engineers.
``(II) A representative of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
``(III) A representative of the Commander, Navy Region
Northwest.
``(iv) The Director of the Program Office.
``(v) The following individuals appointed by the Secretary
of Homeland Security:
``(I) A representative of the Coast Guard.
``(II) A representative of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
``(vi) The following individuals appointed by the Secretary
of the Interior:
``(I) A representative of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
``(II) A representative of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service.
``(III) A representative of the United States Geological
Survey.
``(IV) A representative of the National Park Service.
``(vii) The following individuals appointed by the
Secretary of Transportation:
``(I) A representative of the Federal Highway
Administration.
``(II) A representative of the Federal Transit
Administration.
``(viii) Representatives of such other Federal agencies,
programs, and initiatives as the other members of the Puget
Sound Federal Leadership Task Force determines necessary.
``(B) Qualifications.--Members appointed under this
paragraph shall have experience and expertise in matters of
restoration and protection of large watersheds and bodies of
water, or related experience that will benefit the
restoration and protection of the Puget Sound.
``(C) Co-chairs.--
``(i) In general.--The following members of the Puget Sound
Federal Leadership Task Force shall serve as Co-Chairs of the
Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force:
``(I) The representative of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
``(II) The Director of the Program Office.
``(III) The representative of the Corps of Engineers.
``(ii) Leadership.--The Co-Chairs shall ensure the Puget
Sound Federal Leadership Task Force completes its duties
through robust discussion of all relevant issues. The Co-
Chairs shall share leadership responsibilities equally.
``(3) Duties.--
``(A) General duties.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership
Task Force shall--
``(i) uphold Federal trust responsibilities to restore and
protect resources crucial to Tribal treaty rights, including
by carrying out government-to-government consultation with
Indian tribes when requested by such tribes;
``(ii) provide a venue for dialogue and coordination across
all Federal agencies represented by a member of the Puget
Sound Federal Leadership Task Force to align Federal
resources for the purposes of carrying out the requirements
of this section and all other Federal laws that contribute to
the restoration and protection of the Puget Sound, including
by--
``(I) enabling and encouraging such agencies to act
consistently with the objectives and priorities of the Action
Agenda, the Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk
Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control
Program;
``(II) facilitating the coordination of Federal activities
that impact such restoration and protection;
``(III) facilitating the delivery of feedback given by such
agencies to the Puget Sound Partnership during the
development of the Action Agenda;
``(IV) facilitating the resolution of interagency conflicts
associated with such restoration and protection among such
agencies;
``(V) providing a forum for exchanging information among
such agencies regarding activities being conducted, including
obstacles or efficiencies found, during restoration and
protection activities; and
``(VI) promoting the efficient use of government resources
in pursuit of such restoration and protection through
coordination and collaboration, including by ensuring that
the Federal efforts relating to the science necessary for
such restoration and protection are consistent, and not
duplicative, across the Federal Government;
``(iii) catalyze public leaders at all levels to work
together toward shared goals by demonstrating interagency
best practices coming from such agencies;
``(iv) provide advice and support on scientific and
technical issues and act as a forum for the exchange of
scientific information about the Puget Sound;
``(v) identify and inventory Federal environmental research
and monitoring programs related to the Puget Sound, and
provide such inventory to the Puget Sound National Estuary
Program Management Conference;
``(vi) ensure that Puget Sound restoration and protection
activities are as consistent as practicable with ongoing
restoration and protection and related efforts in the Salish
Sea that are being conducted by Canadian authorities, the
Pacific Salmon Commission, and the International Joint
Commission;
``(vii) ensure that Puget Sound restoration and protection
activities are consistent with national security interests;
``(viii) establish any working groups or committees
necessary to assist the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task
Force in its duties, including relating to public policy and
scientific issues; and
``(ix) raise national awareness of the significance of the
Puget Sound.
``(B) Puget sound federal action plan.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of
enactment of this section, the Puget Sound Federal Leadership
Task Force shall develop and approve a Federal Action Plan
that leverages Federal programs across agencies and serves to
coordinate diverse programs and priorities for the
restoration and protection of the Puget Sound.
``(ii) Revision of puget sound federal action plan.--Not
less often than once every 5 years after the date of approval
of the Federal Action Plan under clause (i), the Puget Sound
Federal Leadership Task Force shall review, and revise as
appropriate, the Federal Action Plan.
``(C) Feedback by federal agencies.--In facilitating
feedback under subparagraph (A)(ii)(III), the Puget Sound
Federal Leadership Task Force shall request Federal agencies
to consider, at a minimum, possible Federal actions within
the Puget Sound region designed to--
``(i) further the goals, targets, and actions of the Action
Agenda, the Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk
Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control
Program;
``(ii) as applicable, implement and enforce this Act, the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, and all other Federal laws
that contribute to the restoration and protection of the
Puget Sound, including those that protect Tribal treaty
rights;
``(iii) prevent the introduction and spread of invasive
species;
``(iv) protect marine and wildlife habitats;
``(v) protect, restore, and conserve forests, wetlands,
riparian zones, and nearshore waters;
``(vi) promote resilience to climate change and ocean
acidification effects;
``(vii) restore fisheries so that they are sustainable and
productive;
``(viii) preserve biodiversity;
``(ix) restore and protect ecosystem services that provide
clean water, filter toxic chemicals, and increase ecosystem
resilience; and
``(x) improve water quality, including by preventing and
managing stormwater runoff, incorporating erosion control
techniques and trash capture devices, using sustainable
stormwater practices, and mitigating and minimizing nonpoint
source pollution, including marine litter.
``(4) Participation of state advisory committee and puget
sound tribal management conference.--The Puget Sound Federal
Leadership Task Force shall carry out its duties with input
from, and in collaboration with, the State Advisory Committee
and the Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference, including
by seeking advice and recommendations on the actions,
progress, and issues pertaining to the restoration and
protection of the Puget Sound.
``(5) Meetings.--
``(A) Initial meeting.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership
Task Force shall meet not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this section--
``(i) to determine if all Federal agencies are properly
represented;
``(ii) to establish the bylaws of the Puget Sound Federal
Leadership Task Force;
``(iii) to establish necessary working groups or
committees; and
``(iv) to determine subsequent meeting times, dates, and
logistics.
``(B) Subsequent meetings.--After the initial meeting, the
Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall meet, at a
minimum, twice per year to carry out the duties of the Puget
Sound Federal Leadership Task Force.
``(C) Working group meetings.--A meeting of any established
working group or committee of the Puget Sound Federal
Leadership Task Force shall not be considered a biannual
meeting for purposes of subparagraph (B).
``(D) Joint meetings.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership
Task Force--
``(i) shall offer to meet jointly with the Puget Sound
National Estuary Program Management Conference and the Puget
Sound Tribal Management Conference, at a minimum, once per
year; and
``(ii) may consider such a joint meeting to be a biannual
meeting of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force for
purposes of subparagraph (B).
``(E) Quorum.--A simple majority of the members of the
Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall constitute a
quorum.
``(F) Voting.--For the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task
Force to take an official action, a quorum shall be present,
and at least a two-thirds majority of the members present
shall vote in the affirmative.
``(6) Puget sound federal leadership task force procedures
and advice.--
``(A) Advisors.--The Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task
Force may seek advice and input from any interested,
knowledgeable, or affected party as the Puget Sound Federal
Leadership Task Force determines necessary to perform its
duties.
[[Page H2763]]
``(B) Compensation.--A member of the Puget Sound Federal
Leadership Task Force shall receive no additional
compensation for service as a member on the Puget Sound
Federal Leadership Task Force.
``(C) Travel expenses.--Travel expenses incurred by a
member of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force in
the performance of service on the Puget Sound Federal
Leadership Task Force may be paid by the agency that the
member represents.
``(7) Puget sound federal task force.--
``(A) In general.--On the date of enactment of this
section, the 2016 memorandum of understanding establishing
the Puget Sound Federal Task Force shall cease to be
effective.
``(B) Use of previous work.--The Puget Sound Federal
Leadership Task Force shall, to the extent practicable, use
the work product produced, relied upon, and analyzed by the
Puget Sound Federal Task Force in order to avoid duplicating
the efforts of the Puget Sound Federal Task Force.
``(d) State Advisory Committee.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established a State Advisory
Committee.
``(2) Membership.--The State Advisory Committee shall
consist of up to seven members designated by the governing
body of the Puget Sound Partnership, in consultation with the
Governor of Washington, who will represent Washington State
agencies that have significant roles and responsibilities
related to the restoration and protection of the Puget Sound.
``(e) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Puget Sound
Federal Leadership Task Force, State Advisory Committee, and
any working group or committee of the Puget Sound Federal
Leadership Task Force, shall not be considered an advisory
committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C.
App.).
``(f) Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force Biennial
Report on Puget Sound Restoration and Protection
Activities.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this section, and biennially thereafter, the
Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force, in collaboration
with the Puget Sound Tribal Management Conference and the
State Advisory Committee, shall submit to the President,
Congress, the Governor of Washington, and the governing body
of the Puget Sound Partnership a report that summarizes the
progress, challenges, and milestones of the Puget Sound
Federal Leadership Task Force relating to the restoration and
protection of the Puget Sound.
``(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall include a description of the following:
``(A) The roles and progress of each State, local
government entity, and Federal agency that has jurisdiction
in the Puget Sound region relating to meeting the identified
objectives and priorities of the Action Agenda, the Salmon
Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk Initiative, and the
Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program.
``(B) If available, the roles and progress of Tribal
governments that have jurisdiction in the Puget Sound region
relating to meeting the identified objectives and priorities
of the Action Agenda, the Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty
Rights at Risk Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution
Control Program.
``(C) A summary of specific recommendations concerning
implementation of the Action Agenda and the Federal Action
Plan, including challenges, barriers, and anticipated
milestones, targets, and timelines.
``(D) A summary of progress made by Federal agencies toward
the priorities identified in the Federal Action Plan.
``(g) Crosscut Budget Report.--
``(1) Financial report.--As soon as practicable, but not
later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this
section, and every 5 years thereafter, the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the
Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force, shall, in
conjunction with the annual budget submission of the
President to Congress for the year under section 1105(a) of
title 31, United States Code, submit to Congress and make
available to the public, including on the internet, a
financial report that is certified by the head of each agency
represented by a member of the Puget Sound Federal Leadership
Task Force.
``(2) Contents.--The report shall contain an interagency
crosscut budget relating to Puget Sound restoration and
protection activities that displays--
``(A) the proposed funding for any Federal restoration and
protection activity to be carried out in the succeeding
fiscal year, including any planned interagency or intra-
agency transfer, for each of the Federal agencies that carry
out restoration and protection activities;
``(B) the estimated expenditures for Federal restoration
and protection activities from the preceding 2 fiscal years,
the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal year; and
``(C) the estimated expenditures for Federal environmental
research and monitoring programs from the preceding 2 fiscal
years, the current fiscal year, and the succeeding fiscal
year.
``(3) Included recovery activities.--With respect to
activities described in the report, the report shall only
describe activities that have a total Federal cost of more
than $100,000.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to any
other funds authorized to be appropriated for activities
related to the Puget Sound, there is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
``(i) Tribal Rights and Consultation.--
``(1) Preservation of tribal treaty rights.--Nothing in
this section affects, or is intended to affect, any right
reserved by treaty between the United States and one or more
Indian tribes.
``(2) Consultation.--Nothing in this section affects any
authorization or obligation of a Federal agency to consult
with an Indian tribe under any other provision of law.
``(j) Consistency.--
``(1) In general.--Actions authorized or implemented under
this section shall be consistent with--
``(A) the Salmon Recovery Plans;
``(B) the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program; and
``(C) the water quality standards of the State of
Washington approved by the Administrator under section 303.
``(2) Federal actions.--All Federal agencies represented on
the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force shall act
consistently with the protection of Tribal, treaty-reserved
rights and, to the greatest extent practicable given such
agencies' existing obligations under Federal law, act
consistently with the objectives and priorities of the Action
Agenda, the Salmon Recovery Plans, the Treaty Rights at Risk
Initiative, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control
Program, when--
``(A) conducting Federal agency activities within or
outside the Puget Sound that affect any land or water use or
natural resources of the Puget Sound region, including
activities performed by a contractor for the benefit of a
Federal agency;
``(B) interpreting and enforcing regulations that impact
the restoration and protection of the Puget Sound;
``(C) issuing Federal licenses or permits that impact the
restoration and protection of the Puget Sound; and
``(D) granting Federal assistance to State, local, and
Tribal governments for activities related to the restoration
and protection of the Puget Sound.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and the gentleman from North
Carolina (Mr. Rouzer) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia.
General Leave
Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H.R. 1144, as amended.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia?
There was no objection.
Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1144. The bill establishes a
new regional program within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to
address water pollution concerns in the Puget Sound and authorizes $50
million annually for fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
The Puget Sound has seen significant degradation of water quality and
habitat as a result of human development. This legislation builds on
the successes Puget Sound has seen while part of the National Estuary
Program and incorporates the recommendations of a July 2018 report of
the U.S. Government Accountability Office on the Federal and State
efforts to restore the Sound.
This legislation is vitally important to ensure long-term health of a
watershed that helps provide food, water, and other ecosystem services
for 4.5 million people and contributes to the State's economy.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1144, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, H.R. 1144, the PUGET SOS Act, codifies the
Environmental Protection Agency's existing restoration work in the
Puget Sound and establishes a Puget Sound program office.
Puget Sound was one of the first estuaries designated within the
National Estuary Program in 1987, and EPA has worked with Federal and
non-Federal entities to coordinate restoration efforts. This bill
ensures this important work will continue.
Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
[[Page H2764]]
Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Washington (Mr. Kilmer).
Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of the
Promoting United Government Efforts to Save Our Sound Act, or the PUGET
SOS Act, and I thank my good friend and colleague, Representative
Strickland, for her partnership on this important legislation.
Madam Speaker, those of us who are lucky to call the better
Washington home know that Puget Sound is our most iconic body of water.
Generations of our friends and neighbors have built their lives and
earned their livelihoods on the Sound.
We know the Puget Sound is critical to the environmental and economic
future of our region. And some of our region's most iconic species,
including salmon, orca, and Dungeness crab, rely on a healthy Puget
Sound.
But despite years of efforts to protect and restore Puget Sound, we
still have a lot of work to do to address the significant challenges,
including storm water runoff, habitat loss, and harmful algal blooms,
that continue to threaten this crown jewel of our region's identity and
economy.
That is why I am proud to see the House advance this critical bill,
which will finally bring to bear the coordinated Federal resources
necessary to save our Sound. If we are going to recover our salmon and
orca populations, if we are going to ensure future generations can dig
for clams, if we are going to respect and uphold Tribal treaty rights,
we need the Federal Government to step up and support the work already
being done by the State, Tribes, local communities, and businesses that
all depend on a vibrant and healthy Puget Sound.
Madam Speaker, I am proud that this bill represents meaningful
progress toward these goals. If future generations, including my two
kiddos, are going to have the opportunities to enjoy these treasures
and to build their livelihoods in our region, we have to act now to
protect and restore the Sound.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical bill.
Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Washington (Ms. Strickland).
Ms. STRICKLAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1144,
the PUGET SOS Act, which I am honored to co-lead with Congressman
Kilmer, who I thank for working on this bill over the years. I also
thank the Puget Sound Partnership and Northwest Indian Fisheries
Commission for all their help. I am proud to work with you to restore
Puget Sound.
Madam Speaker, as a western Washington native, I know how critical
the health of the Puget Sound is to our region--economically,
culturally, and environmentally.
The Sound is an economic engine creating over $30 billion in economic
activity and supporting nearly 150,000 jobs. It is a biodiversity
hotspot, home to over 7,000 different species, including 200 different
types of fish. It is a sacred resource for Tribal nations throughout
the region who rely on the flora and fauna the Sound supports for their
lives and livelihoods. And it is a cultural treasure, with the salmon,
shellfish, orca, and others which live in the ecosystem, that is
fundamental to the history and identity of the Pacific Northwest.
For years, this ecosystem has been on the brink of danger, and we are
at a tipping point. As the human population continues to grow
significantly, the risks and strain on Puget Sound intensify.
This legislation takes much-needed, timely steps to secure the health
of the Puget Sound now and into the future by establishing a dedicated
program office within the EPA and codifying the Puget Sound Federal
Task Force. Together, these groups will develop a Federal action plan
to preserve and restore this most critical national maritime treasure.
Washingtonians view and use Puget Sound the way Marylanders view the
Chesapeake Bay and how Michiganders view the Great Lakes. It is well
past time the Federal Government does as well.
If we really want to make an impact, and support hundreds of
thousands of jobs while trying to save orcas and salmon, we must act
now.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1300
Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, the Puget Sound watershed has long provided food,
clean water, and other ecosystem benefits for 4.5 million people and a
wide variety of species as well. The region is essential to the State's
economy. Human development and other actions have degraded the water
quality and habitat of the Sound, including that of critical species
like salmon and orca whales.
The Puget Sound was deemed an Estuary of National Significance in
1988, and in 2018, GAO determined that further investment and a program
with clear leadership and coordination of objectives is crucial to
achieving the long-term restoration and protection goals of this
diverse and dynamic ecosystem.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to
the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers), the ranking member on
the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding, and I want to also thank my colleague from Washington State
(Mr. Kilmer) for his attention to the Puget Sound, and his commitment
to putting us on a better path.
The Puget Sound is in crisis. The salmon in Puget Sound, the salmon
that are most crucial to the orcas, are in crisis. You can see right
here; this is the State of Salmon report. This is the graphic
Washington State of Salmon report, and it says that the Puget Sound
Chinook, the Puget Sound steelhead--over here--are in crisis.
And I might just point out, the Snake River Chinook are actually
approaching goal. The Snake River steelhead are making progress. It is
part of the reason that I believe the Puget Sound SOS Act is so
important, to bring much needed oversight and enforcement of Federal
pollution standards in Puget Sound. But we must do more.
Despite NOAA's research indicating that these salmon stocks are the
most critical to our orcas, the State of Washington continues to allow
outdated sewage treatment plants to illegally dump raw sewage into the
Sound, creating conditions that are literally suffocating the salmon.
Over the years, 80 sewage treatment plants have illegally dumped
toxins into the Sound, and now the Washington State Department of
Ecology is considering permits to allow 58 plants to continue poisoning
the water. It is unacceptable.
By establishing a Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office, I
hope this bill will finally push the EPA to hold the State of
Washington accountable for the damage that unchecked pollution in the
Sound is doing for our endangered salmon and orcas.
It is also critically important that we stop this pollution at its
source so that the money we are authorizing for the Puget Sound
Recovery Act is actually effective.
Madam Speaker, I am urging leadership in my State, stop the sewage,
save our Sound, save our salmon, save our orcas.
Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, in closing, H.R. 1144 would continue the
EPA's management of a competitive grant program to support projects
that protect and restore the Puget Sound.
Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this
legislation, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1144, 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. PERRY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
[[Page H2765]]
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion
are postponed.
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