[House Report 116-202]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
116th Congress } { Rept. 116-202
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session } { Part 1
======================================================================
SOUTH FLORIDA CLEAN COASTAL WATERS ACT OF 2019
_______
September 11, 2019.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and Ordered to be printed
_______
Ms. Johnson of Texas, from the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 335]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, to whom
was referred the bill (H.R. 335) to require the Inter-Agency
Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia to develop a
plan for reducing, mitigating, and controlling harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia in South Florida, and for other purposes,
having considered the same, report favorably thereon with an
amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
I. Amendment.......................................................2
II. Purpose of the Bill.............................................3
III. Background and Need for the Legislation.........................3
IV. Committee Hearings..............................................5
V. Committee Consideration and Votes...............................5
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill.........................6
VII. Section-By-Section Analysis (By Title and Section)..............6
VIII. Committee Views.................................................7
IX. Cost Estimate...................................................7
X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate.......................7
XI. Federal Mandates Statement......................................8
XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations................8
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives...........8
XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement............................9
XV. Duplication of Federal Programs.................................9
XVI. Earmark Identification..........................................9
XVII. Applicability to the Legislative Branch.........................9
XVIII.Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law..........9
XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported...........9
XX. Exchange of Committee Correspondence...........................15
XXI. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup.......................17
I. Amendment
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act
of 2019''.
SEC. 2. SOUTH FLORIDA HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND HYPOXIA ASSESSMENT AND
ACTION PLAN.
(a) In General.--The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and
Control Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-383; 33 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating sections 605 through 609 as sections 606
through 610, respectively; and
(2) by inserting after section 604 the following:
``SEC. 605. SOUTH FLORIDA HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND HYPOXIA.
``(a) South Florida.--In this section, the term `South Florida'
means--
``(1) all lands and waters within the administrative
boundaries of the South Florida Water Management District;
``(2) regional coastal waters, including Biscayne Bay, the
Caloosahatchee Estuary, Florida Bay, and Indian River Lagoon;
and
``(3) the Florida Reef Tract.
``(b) Integrated Assessment.--Not later than 540 days after the date
of enactment of the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2019, the
Task Force, in accordance with the authority under section 603, shall
complete and submit to Congress and the President an interim integrated
assessment. Not later than 3 years after such date of enactment, the
Task Force shall finalize, and submit to Congress and the President,
such assessment. Such assessment shall examine the causes,
consequences, and potential approaches to reduce harmful algal blooms
and hypoxia in South Florida, and the status of, and gaps within,
current harmful algal bloom and hypoxia research, monitoring,
management, prevention, response, and control activities that directly
affect the region by--
``(1) Federal agencies;
``(2) State agencies;
``(3) regional research consortia;
``(4) academia;
``(5) private industry;
``(6) nongovernmental organizations; and
``(7) Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
5304)).
``(c) Action Plan.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of
2019, the Task Force shall develop and submit to Congress a
plan, based on the integrated assessment under subsection (b),
for reducing, mitigating, and controlling harmful algal blooms
and hypoxia in South Florida.
``(2) Contents.--The plan submitted under paragraph (1)
shall--
``(A) address the monitoring needs identified in the
integrated assessment under subsection (b);
``(B) develop a timeline and budgetary requirements
for deployment of future assets;
``(C) identify requirements for the development and
verification of South Florida harmful algal bloom and
hypoxia models, including--
``(i) all assumptions built into the models;
and
``(ii) data quality methods used to ensure
the best available data are utilized; and
``(D) propose a plan to implement a remote monitoring
network and early warning system for alerting local
communities in the region to harmful algal bloom risks
that may impact human health.
``(3) Requirements.--In developing the action plan, the Task
Force shall--
``(A) consult with the State of Florida, and affected
local and tribal governments;
``(B) consult with representatives from regional
academic, agricultural, industry, and other stakeholder
groups;
``(C) ensure that the plan complements and does not
duplicate activities conducted by other Federal or
State agencies, including the South Florida Ecosystem
Restoration Task Force;
``(D) identify critical research for reducing,
mitigating, and controlling harmful algal bloom events
and their effects;
``(E) evaluate cost-effective, incentive-based
partnership approaches;
``(F) ensure that the plan is technically sound and
cost-effective;
``(G) utilize existing research, assessments,
reports, and program activities;
``(H) publish a summary of the proposed plan in the
Federal Register at least 180 days prior to submitting
the completed plan to Congress; and
``(I) after submitting the completed plan to
Congress, provide biennial progress reports on the
activities toward achieving the objectives of the
plan.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment and Correction.--The table of contents in
section 2 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-
383) is amended by striking the items relating to title VI and
inserting the following new items:
``TITLE VI--HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND HYPOXIA
``Sec. 601. Short title.
``Sec. 602. Findings.
``Sec. 603. Assessments.
``Sec. 603A. National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program.
``Sec. 603B. Comprehensive research plan and action strategy.
``Sec. 604. Northern Gulf of Mexico hypoxia.
``Sec. 605. South Florida harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
``Sec. 606. Great Lakes hypoxia and harmful algal blooms.
``Sec. 607. Protection of States' Rights.
``Sec. 608. Effect on other Federal authority.
``Sec. 609. Definitions.
``Sec. 610. Authorization of appropriations.''.
II. Purpose of the Bill
H.R. 335, sponsored by Rep. Mast, amends the Harmful Algal
Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to require
the Interagency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and
Hypoxia to produce an integrated assessment on the causes,
consequences, and mitigation options for HABs and hypoxia in
South Florida, and to identify gaps in research, monitoring and
management.
It also requires the Task Force to develop an action plan,
in consultation with local stakeholders, in response to the
integrated assessment that details methods for reducing and
mitigating HABs and hypoxia in South Florida, and to provide
progress reports on the implementation of the plan biennially.
The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Soto, Rooney,
Posey, and Waltz.
III. Background and Need for the Legislation
A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is an explosion of growth of a
colony of algae within an ocean or freshwater ecosystem that
produces toxins or other harmful effects on wildlife or
humans.\1\ Depending on the species of algae and the aquatic
and atmospheric conditions, HABs can produce toxins that may
harm or kill organisms ranging from fish, and other aquatic
life, to land inhabitants like birds and mammals, including
pets. HABs negatively affect human health as well, and rarely,
they have caused human illnesses and even death. HABs can
obstruct the gills of fish, cover corals and aquatic
vegetation, and contaminate shellfish and drinking water.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\NOAA, ``What is a harmful algal bloom?'' April 27, 2016. https:/
/www.noaa.gov/what-is-harmful-algal-bloom
\2\Ibid.
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When massive algae blooms die and sink to the bottom, the
decomposition of the bloom by bacteria consumes dissolved
oxygen in the water, creating a condition of hypoxia, or low
oxygen.\3\ Since most organisms require oxygen to survive,
hypoxic waters can cause harm or even death to aquatic
organisms affected by the hypoxia.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\Ibid.
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Marine and freshwater HABs have been reported in every
state in the United States.\4\ HABs negatively affects human
health and ecosystems. This can also impact coastal economies,
particularly the fishing and tourism industries.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/hab/
\5\Ibid.
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Research shows that climate change will cause significant
changes to marine conditions, which overall will increase the
frequency, geographic distribution, and intensity of HABs.
Warming water, salinity changes, more dissolved carbon dioxide,
and sea level rise, will all make conditions more favorable to
some species of harmful algae.\6\ Nutrient pollution from
upstream human sources such as agriculture, urban runoff, and
lawn fertilizers also exacerbates HABs; adding extra nitrogen
and phosphorus pollution causes algae to grow faster than
ecosystems can handle.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/climate-change-and-
harmful-algal-blooms
\7\https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/issue
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Florida experiences HABs in both its marine and
freshwater systems annually. In the summer, red tide and brown
tide blooms occur in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic
Ocean along the East coast of Florida, as well as in the Indian
River Lagoon system that is also along the Atlantic Coast of
Florida. Red tide causes eye and respiratory ailments for
coastal residents, large fish kills, and bright crimson
water.\8\ Though brown tide has not been found to cause human
health concerns, it kills fish and shellfish as well as
seagrasses crucial to water quality and protection for fish.\9\
Lake Okeechobee and its surrounding rivers, canals, and
estuaries, the Indian River Lagoon, the Everglades, and the
Atlantic and Gulf coasts, experience toxic blue-green algal
blooms, which cause eye, skin, and respiratory
irritation.\10\\11\ The red, brown, and blue-green blooms have
been intensifying in recent years due to increased nutrient
pollution and climate change.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/redtide-florida/
\9\https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/monitoring/historical-events/
brown-tide
\10\https://miami.cbslocal.com/2019/06/07/blue-green-algae-bloom-
florida-lake-okeechobee
\11\https://fl.audubon.org/crisis-indian-river-lagoon-solutions-
imperiled-ecosystem
\12\https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/
The%20Effects%20of%20Climate%20Change
%20on%20Florida%27s%20Ocean%20and%20Coastal%20Resources_0.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
conducts research on marine HABs to better understand the
conditions under which they form, and NOAA's satellite, buoy,
and other observations contribute to detection, forecasting and
warnings for HABS.\13\ The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Research and Control Act of 1998 (HABHRCA) authorized
appropriations for NOAA to conduct research, monitoring,
education, and management activities to reduce HABs. In
addition, HABHRCA created the Inter-Agency Task Force on
Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia to develop action plans
combatting HABs and hypoxia. The HABHRCA reauthorizations of
2004, 2014, and 2017 reasserted and expanded this mandate.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\https://www.noaa.gov/what-is-harmful-algal-bloom
\14\https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/research/stressor-impacts-
mitigationhabhrca/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the 2014 amendments to HABHRCA, Congress directed the
Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia to
submit an integrated assessment each for the Great Lakes and
northern Gulf of Mexico that examines the causes, impacts, and
potential mitigation strategies for HABs and hypoxia in those
areas, and to create and submit to Congress a plan for each to
carry out mitigation actions.\15\ H.R 335 identifies the need
for a similar combination of integrated assessment and action
plan, in order to examine and combat the intensifying HABs and
hypoxia conditions in South Florida.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\15\https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-113s1254eah/pdf/
BILLS-113s1254eah.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. Committee Hearings
For the purposes of section 103(i) of H. Res. 6 of the
116th Congress, the following hearings were used to develop the
legislation:
On March 7, 2019, the Honorable Lizzie Fletcher presiding
over the Environment Subcommittee of the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology held a hearing focused on climate change
impacts on our nation's oceans and coasts, where harmful algal
blooms were discussed as a major associated impact. There were
four witnesses: (1) Dr. Sarah Cooley, Director of the Ocean
Acidification Program at Ocean Conservancy. Dr. Cooley provided
testimony on the science of ocean warming, acidification, and
deoxygenation and resulting impacts to marine ecosystems and
human, including more frequent or toxic HABs. (2) Dr. Radley
Horton, Lamont Associate Research Professor at Columbia
University Earth Institute's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
Dr. Horton testified on sea level rise projections and impacts
to coastal communities. (3) Dr. Thomas K. Frazer, Professor and
Director of the School of Natural Resources and Environment at
the University of Florida, testified on the impacts of climate
change to fisheries and the need for increased federal
investment in research. In response to a question from Mr.
Crist on the causes of severity of the most recent red tide
outbreak in Florida, Dr. Frazer highlighted the need for better
observations in areas with HABs. (4) Ms. Margaret A. Pilaro,
Executive Director of the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers
Association. Ms. Pilaro provided testimony on how
acidification, HABs, ocean warming, hypoxia, and other trends
affect shellfish hatcheries and how their industry has started
to adapt.
V. Committee Consideration and Votes
As summarized in Section IV of this report, the
Subcommittee on Environment heard testimony in the 116th
Congress relevant to the activities authorized in H.R. 335 at a
hearing held on March 7, 2019.
On January 8, 2019, Representative Brian Mast introduced
H.R. 335, the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2019,
to produce an integrated assessment on the causes,
consequences, and potential mitigation options to reduce HABs
and hypoxia in South Florida, and to develop a subsequent
mitigation plan.
On July 23, 2019 the House Committee on Science, Space and
Technology met to consider H.R. 335 and three energy research
and development bills. The Committee considered the following
amendment to the bill:
1. Mr. Waltz offered a manager's amendment that
broadens the definition of South Florida to reflect the
interconnectedness of Lake Okeechobee, the Indian River
Lagoon, the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and other bodies
of water in South Florida to ensure that all of these
affected water bodies are eligible for the integrated
assessment and action plan required by the bill. The
amendment also makes several other minor changes to the
bill based on technical assistance from NOAA. The
amendment was agreed to by a voice vote.
Ms. Johnson moved that the Committee favorably report the
bill, H.R. 335, as amended, to the House with the
recommendation that the bill be approved. The motion was agreed
to by a voice vote.
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill
H.R. 335 requires the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful
Algal Blooms and Hypoxia to produce an integrated assessment on
the causes, consequences, and potential mitigation options to
reduce HABs and hypoxia in South Florida, and to develop a plan
for reducing, mitigating, and controlling harmful algal blooms
and hypoxia in South Florida, among other purposes.
VII. Section-by-Section Analysis (by Title and Section)
Section 1. Short title
South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2019
Section 2. South Florida Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia assessment
and action plan
This section amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Research and Control Act of 1998 to require the Interagency
Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Hypoxia to
produce an integrated assessment on the causes, consequences,
and potential mitigation options to reduce HABs and hypoxia in
South Florida, as well as identify the current status and gaps
in research, monitoring, and management efforts. An interim
integrated assessment is required to be submitted to Congress
and the President 540 days after enactment of the bill, with
the final assessment report required to be submitted no later
than 3 years after the bill's enactment.
This section also requires the Task Force to develop an
action plan based on the integrated assessment that details
methods for reducing, mitigating, and controlling HABs and
hypoxia in South Florida. This includes proposing a monitoring
network and early warning system, as well as a timeline and
budget requirements for implementation of such strategies. In
developing the plan, the Task Force is required to consult with
State, affected local and tribal governments, and non-federal
stakeholder groups such as academia and industry; ensure the
plan does not duplicate existing efforts; and evaluate
approaches that are cost-effective and partnership based. A
summary of the proposed plan must be published in the Federal
Register at least 180 before submitting to Congress. The Task
Force is required to submit the action plan to Congress no
later than 2 years after enactment of the bill, followed by
biennial progress reports on activities toward achieving the
plan.
VIII. Committee Views
The Committee recognizes the unique need of South Florida
to develop a blueprint for action to mitigate HABs, which will
help federal, state, and local decision makers mobilize and
coordinate actions around this issue. South Florida has been
suffering from economically and ecologically costly HABs in its
marine and freshwater bodies for decades, and the problem is
intensifying with climate change and fertilizer runoff from
farms and lawns. For example, in 2018, a toxic red tide bloom
in South Florida caused mass mortality of dolphins, manatees,
and fish, and $130 million in damage to local businesses.
The Committee believes that an integrated assessment and
action plan for this region will strengthen federal research in
this area, resulting in improved forecasts and responses to
HABs. The Inter-agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and
Hypoxia has created integrated assessments and action plans for
other regions in the past, namely the northern Gulf of Mexico
and the Great Lakes, with great success in improving knowledge
of those areas and coordinating stakeholders around action. The
amended version of H.R. 335 incorporates technical assistance
from NOAA and broadens the definition of South Florida to
include additional freshwater bodies, coastal waters, and the
Florida Reef Tract to ensure all water bodies affected by the
most common types of HABs are eligible for evaluated in the
assessment.
IX. Cost Estimate
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee adopts as its own the
estimate of new budget authority, entitlement authority, or tax
expenditures or revenues contained in the cost estimate
prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office
pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of
1974.
X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, August 6, 2019.
Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson,
Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Madam Chairwoman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 335, the South
Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2019.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Robert Reese.
Sincerely,
Mark P. Hadley
(For Phillip L. Swagel, Director).
Enclosure.
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
H.R. 335 would amend the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Research and Control Act of 1998 to direct the interagency task
force on harmful algal blooms to develop and submit to the
Congress within two years a plan to reduce, mitigate, and
control harmful algal blooms in southern Florida. The
interagency task force includes the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the Environmental Protection
Agency, the Department of the Interior, the Department of
Agriculture, and other agencies.
Using information on the cost of completing similar
reports, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 335 would cost
less than $500,000 over the 2019-2024 period. Any such spending
would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Robert Reese.
The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy
Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.
XI. Federal Mandates Statement
H.R. 335 contains no unfunded mandates.
XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
The Committee's oversight findings and recommendations are
reflected in the body of this report.
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives
The goal of H.R. 335 is to require the Inter-Agency Task
Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia (Task Force) to
produce an integrated assessment on the causes, consequences,
and potential mitigation options to reduce HABs and hypoxia in
South Florida. Congress and the President will receive an
interim assessment 540 days after the enactment of the bill and
the final assessment no later than 3 years after enactment of
the bill. The goal is also to require the Task Force to develop
a plan for reducing, mitigating, and controlling harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia in South Florida. A summary of the proposed
plan must be published in the Federal Register at least 180
before submitting to Congress. The Task Force is required to
submit the action plan to Congress no later than 2 years after
enactment of the bill, followed by biennial progress reports on
activities toward achieving the plan.
XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement
H.R. 335 does not create any advisory committees.
XV. Duplication of Federal Programs
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that no provision
of H.R. 335 establishes or reauthorizes a program of the
federal government known to be duplicative of another federal
program, including any program that was included in a report to
Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139 or the
most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.
XVI. Earmark Identification
Pursuant to clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI, the
Committee finds that H.R. 335 contains no earmarks, limited tax
benefits, or limited tariff benefits.
XVII. Applicability to the Legislative Branch
The Committee finds that H.R. 335 does not relate to the
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of
the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).
XVIII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law
This bill is not intended to preempt any state, local, or
tribal law.
XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, and existing law in which no
change is proposed is shown in roman):
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, and existing law in which no
change is proposed is shown in roman):
COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1998
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
* * * * * * *
[TITLE VI--HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND HYPOXIA
[Sec. 601. Short title.
[Sec. 602. Findings.
[Sec. 603. Assessments.
[Sec. 604. Northern Gulf of Mexico hypoxia.
[Sec. 605. Authorization of appropriations.
[Sec. 606. Protection of States' rights.]
Title VI--Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia
Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Findings.
Sec. 603. Assessments.
Sec. 603A. National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program.
Sec. 603B. Comprehensive research plan and action strategy.
Sec. 604. Northern Gulf of Mexico hypoxia.
Sec. 605. South Florida harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
Sec. 606. Great Lakes hypoxia and harmful algal blooms.
Sec. 607. Protection of States' Rights.
Sec. 608. Effect on other Federal authority.
Sec. 609. Definitions.
Sec. 610. Authorization of appropriations.
* * * * * * *
TITLE VI--HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND HYPOXIA
* * * * * * *
SEC. 605. SOUTH FLORIDA HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND HYPOXIA.
(a) South Florida.--In this section, the term ``South
Florida'' means--
(1) all lands and waters within the administrative
boundaries of the South Florida Water Management
District;
(2) regional coastal waters, including Biscayne Bay,
the Caloosahatchee Estuary, Florida Bay, and Indian
River Lagoon; and
(3) the Florida Reef Tract.
(b) Integrated Assessment.--Not later than 540 days after the
date of enactment of the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act
of 2019, the Task Force, in accordance with the authority under
section 603, shall complete and submit to Congress and the
President an interim integrated assessment. Not later than 3
years after such date of enactment, the Task Force shall
finalize, and submit to Congress and the President, such
assessment. Such assessment shall examine the causes,
consequences, and potential approaches to reduce harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia in South Florida, and the status of, and
gaps within, current harmful algal bloom and hypoxia research,
monitoring, management, prevention, response, and control
activities that directly affect the region by--
(1) Federal agencies;
(2) State agencies;
(3) regional research consortia;
(4) academia;
(5) private industry;
(6) nongovernmental organizations; and
(7) Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(25 U.S.C. 5304)).
(c) Action Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of the enactment of the South Florida Clean
Coastal Waters Act of 2019, the Task Force shall
develop and submit to Congress a plan, based on the
integrated assessment under subsection (b), for
reducing, mitigating, and controlling harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia in South Florida.
(2) Contents.--The plan submitted under paragraph (1)
shall--
(A) address the monitoring needs identified
in the integrated assessment under subsection
(b);
(B) develop a timeline and budgetary
requirements for deployment of future assets;
(C) identify requirements for the development
and verification of South Florida harmful algal
bloom and hypoxia models, including--
(i) all assumptions built into the
models; and
(ii) data quality methods used to
ensure the best available data are
utilized; and
(D) propose a plan to implement a remote
monitoring network and early warning system for
alerting local communities in the region to
harmful algal bloom risks that may impact human
health.
(3) Requirements.--In developing the action plan, the
Task Force shall--
(A) consult with the State of Florida, and
affected local and tribal governments;
(B) consult with representatives from
regional academic, agricultural, industry, and
other stakeholder groups;
(C) ensure that the plan complements and does
not duplicate activities conducted by other
Federal or State agencies, including the South
Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force;
(D) identify critical research for reducing,
mitigating, and controlling harmful algal bloom
events and their effects;
(E) evaluate cost-effective, incentive-based
partnership approaches;
(F) ensure that the plan is technically sound
and cost-effective;
(G) utilize existing research, assessments,
reports, and program activities;
(H) publish a summary of the proposed plan in
the Federal Register at least 180 days prior to
submitting the completed plan to Congress; and
(I) after submitting the completed plan to
Congress, provide biennial progress reports on
the activities toward achieving the objectives
of the plan.
SEC. [605.] 606. GREAT LAKES HYPOXIA AND HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS.
(a) Integrated Assessment.--Not later than 18 months after
the date of enactment of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Research and Control Amendments Act of 2014, the Task Force, in
accordance with the authority under section 603, shall complete
and submit to the Congress and the President an integrated
assessment that examines the causes, consequences, and
approaches to reduce hypoxia and harmful algal blooms in the
Great Lakes, including the status of and gaps within current
research, monitoring, management, prevention, response, and
control activities by--
(1) Federal agencies;
(2) State agencies;
(3) regional research consortia;
(4) academia;
(5) private industry; and
(6) nongovernmental organizations.
(b) Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of the Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2014,
the Task Force shall develop and submit to the Congress
a plan, based on the integrated assessment under
subsection (a), for reducing, mitigating, and
controlling hypoxia and harmful algal blooms in the
Great Lakes.
(2) Contents.--The plan shall--
(A) address the monitoring needs identified
in the integrated assessment under subsection
(a);
(B) develop a timeline and budgetary
requirements for deployment of future assets;
(C) identify requirements for the development
and verification of Great Lakes hypoxia and
harmful algal bloom models, including--
(i) all assumptions built into the
models; and
(ii) data quality methods used to
ensure the best available data are
utilized; and
(D) describe efforts to improve the
assessment of the impacts of hypoxia and
harmful algal blooms by--
(i) characterizing current and past
biological conditions in ecosystems
affected by hypoxia and harmful algal
blooms; and
(ii) quantifying effects, including
economic effects, at the population and
community levels.
(3) Requirements.--In developing the plan, the Task
Force shall--
(A) coordinate with State and local
governments;
(B) consult with representatives from
academic, agricultural, industry, and other
stakeholder groups, including relevant Canadian
agencies;
(C) ensure that the plan complements and does
not duplicate activities conducted by other
Federal or State agencies;
(D) identify critical research for reducing,
mitigating, and controlling hypoxia events and
their effects;
(E) evaluate cost-effective, incentive-based
partnership approaches;
(F) ensure that the plan is technically sound
and cost effective;
(G) utilize existing research, assessments,
reports, and program activities;
(H) publish a summary of the proposed plan in
the Federal Register at least 180 days prior to
submitting the completed plan to Congress; and
(I) after submitting the completed plan to
Congress, provide biennial progress reports on
the activities toward achieving the objectives
of the plan.
SEC. [606.] 607. PROTECTION OF STATES' RIGHTS.
(a) Nothing in this title shall be interpreted to adversely
affect existing State regulatory or enforcement power which has
been granted to any State through the Clean Water Act or
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
(b) Nothing in this title shall be interpreted to expand the
regulatory or enforcement power of the Federal Government which
has been delegated to any State through the Clean Water Act or
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
SEC. [607.] 608. EFFECT ON OTHER FEDERAL AUTHORITY.
(a) Authority Preserved.--Nothing in this title supersedes or
limits the authority of any agency to carry out its
responsibilities and missions under other laws.
(b) Regulatory Authority.--Nothing in this title may be
construed as establishing new regulatory authority for any
agency.
SEC. [608.] 609. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Action strategy.--The term ``Action Strategy''
means the comprehensive research plan and action
strategy established under section 603B.
(2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency.
(3) Harmful algal bloom.--The term ``harmful algal
bloom'' means marine and freshwater phytoplankton that
proliferate to high concentrations, resulting in
nuisance conditions or harmful impacts on marine and
aquatic ecosystems, coastal communities, and human
health through the production of toxic compounds or
other biological, chemical, and physical impacts of the
algae outbreak.
(4) Hypoxia.--The term ``hypoxia'' means a condition
where low dissolved oxygen in aquatic systems causes
stress or death to resident organisms.
(5) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the national
harmful algal bloom and hypoxia program established
under section 603A.
(6) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the
several States of the United States, the District of
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, any other territory or
possession of the United States, and any Indian tribe.
(7) Task force.--The term ``Task Force'' means the
Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and
Hypoxia under section 603(a).
(8) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary''
means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere.
(9) United states coastal waters.--The term ``United
States coastal waters'' includes the Great Lakes.
SEC. [609.] 610. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Under Secretary to carry out sections 603A and 603B
$20,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, and
$20,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
(b) Extramural Research Activities.--The Under Secretary
shall ensure that a substantial portion of funds appropriated
pursuant to subsection (a) that are used for research purposes
are allocated to extramural research activities. For each
fiscal year, the Under Secretary shall publish a list of all
grant recipients and the amounts for all of the funds allocated
for research purposes, specifying those allocated for
extramural research activities.
* * * * * * *
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
XXI. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup
______
2019
MARKUPS:
H.R. 3597, SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2019;
H.R. 3607, FOSSIL ENERGY RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2019;
H.R. 3609, WIND ENERGY RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2019; AND
H.R. 335, SOUTH FLORIDA CLEAN
COASTAL WATERS ACT OF 2019
=======================================================================
MARKUP
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
JULY 24, 2019
__________
Serial No. CP: 116-6
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Available via the World Wide Web: http://science.house.gov
COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY
HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas, Chairwoman
ZOE LOFGREN, California FRANK D. LUCAS, Oklahoma,
DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois Ranking Member
SUZANNE BONAMICI, Oregon MO BROOKS, Alabama
AMI BERA, California, BILL PPOSEY, Florida
Vice Chair RANDY WEBER, Texas
CONOR LAMB, Pennsylvania BRIAN BABIN, Texas
LIZZIE FLETCHER, Texas ANDY BIGGS, Arizona
HALEY STEVENS, Michigan ROGER MARSHALL, Kansas
KENDRA HORN, Oklahoma RALPH NORMAN, South Carolina
MIKIE SHERRILL, New Jersey MICHAEL CLOUD, Texas
BRAD SHERMAN, California TROY BALDERSON, Ohio
STEVE COHEN, Tennessee PETE OLSON, Texas
JERRY McNERNEY, California ANTHONY GONZALEZ, Ohio
ED PERLMUTTER, Colorado MICHAEL WALTZ, Florida
PAUL TONKO, New York JIM BAIRD, Indiana
BILL FOSTER, Illinois JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER, Washington
DON BEYER, Virginia JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON, Puerto
CHARLIE CRIST, Florida Rico
SEAN CASTEN, Illinois VACANCY
KATIE HILL, California
BEN McADAMS, Utah
JENNIFER WEXTON, Virginia
C O N T E N T S
July 24, 2019
Page
H.R. 3597--Solar Energy Research and Development Act of 2019..... 1
H.R. 3607--Fossil Energy Research and Development Act of 2019.... 1
H.R. 3609--Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2019...... 1
H.R. 335--South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2019......... 1
MARKUPS:
H.R. 3597, SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2019;
H.R. 3607, FOSSIL ENERGY RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2019;
H.R. 3609, WIND ENERGY RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2019; AND
H.R. 335, SOUTH FLORIDA CLEAN
COASTAL WATERS ACT OF 2019
----------
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019
House of Representatives,
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
Washington, D.C.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:07 a.m., in
room 2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Eddie
Bernice Johnson [Chairwoman of the Committee] presiding.
Chairwoman Johnson. Good morning. The Committee will come
to order. And without objection, the Chair is authorized to
declare recess at any time. Pursuant to Committee rule 2(e) and
House rule XI, the Chair announces that she may postpone roll
call votes.
Pursuant to the notice, the Committee meets to consider the
following measures: H.R. 3597, the Solar Energy Research and
Development Act of 2019; H.R. 3607, the Fossil Energy Research
and Development Act of 2019; H.R. 3609, the Wind Energy
Research and Development Act of 2019; and H.R. 335, the South
Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2019.
Welcome to today's markup of four bipartisan bills. The
first three bills, H.R. 3597 and 3607, as well as 3609, all
deal with various aspects of research, development, and
demonstration of advanced energy technology. All of these bills
directly address the growing issue of climate change by
focusing the Federal Government's energy research efforts
toward cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Our Committee has held five hearings this Congress on
various topics related to climate change. We've heard firsthand
of the dangers to our society from increases in extreme heat,
extreme weather, droughts, rising oceans, and the many other
dangers associated with climate change. These climate change
impacts are not just problems in the future. Our communities
are already being affected by climate change. If we don't take
serious steps to address this problem, our people are going to
needlessly suffer as the effects of climate get worse. I say
``needlessly suffer'' because we have the power to address
climate change before worse impacts occur.
Supporting the three energy research bills today is part of
that effort. These bills support continuous investment in these
critical areas of energy research: Solar power, wind power, and
fossil fuel power. It is abundantly clear that we will need
more renewable energy connected to our grid if we are going to
reduce carbon emissions in America. H.R. 3597 and H.R. 3609
provide for sustained investments in solar and wind research
and development (R&D) to help drive down the costs of these
technologies, and to help get them into the market. I want to
recognize the bills' sponsors, Mr. McAdams and Mr. Tonko, for
their hard work on these bills.
It is also abundantly clear that fossil energy will
continue to be a part of our electric grid for some time to
come. Without real and sustained investments in research and
development to more cleanly utilize fossil fuels, it would be
extremely difficult to meaningfully cut carbon dioxide
emissions from our power sector.
H.R. 3607 calls for these investments, and I want to
recognize my colleague from Texas, Mr. Veasey, for his efforts
in moving this legislation forward.
These three bills are all endorsed by industry trade groups
like the Chamber of Commerce, the Solar Industry Association,
the Wind Energy Association, and the Carbon Utilization
Research Council. And they're also endorsed by environmental
organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).
Finally, scientific societies like the American Chemical
Society have also endorsed these bills. I hope folks can take a
moment to realize how unusual it is to have these different
organizations endorse the same bills. I'll ask that the full
list of endorsements be placed into the record.
[The information referred to follows:]
Chairwoman Johnson. And finally, we are considering H.R.
335, which is sponsored by Mr. Mast from Florida. This bill
addresses harmful algal blooms, and I support Mr. Mast's
efforts to address the problem.
[The prepared statement of Chairwoman Johnson follows:]
Welcome to today's markup of four good bipartisan bills. The first
three bills: H.R. 3597, H.R. 3607, and H.R. 3609, all deal with various
aspects of research, development, and demonstration of advanced energy
technology. All of these bills directly address the growing issue of
climate change by focusing the Federal Government's energy research
efforts toward cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Our Committee has held five hearings this Congress on various
topics related to climate change. We have heard first-hand of the
dangers to our society from increases in extreme heat, extreme weather,
droughts, rising oceans, and the many other dangers associated with
climate change. These climate change impacts are not just problems in
the future. Our communities are already being affected by climate
change. If we don't take serious steps to address this problem, our
people are going to needlessly suffer as the effects of climate get
worse.
I say ``needlessly suffer'' because we have the power to address
climate change before the worst impacts occur. Supporting the three
energy research bills before us today is part of that effort. These
bills support continued investment in three critical areas of energy
research: solar power, wind power, and fossil fuel power.
It is abundantly clear that we will need more renewable energy
connected to our grid if we are going to reduce carbon emissions in
America. H.R. 3597 and H.R. 3609 provide for sustained investments in
solar and wind research and development to help drive down the costs of
these technologies, and help get them into the market. I want to
recognize the bill sponsors, Mr. McAdams and Mr. Tonko for their hard
work on these bills.
It is also abundantly clear that fossil energy will continue to be
a part of our electric grid for some time to come. Without real and
sustained investments in research and development to more cleanly
utilize fossil fuels, it will be extremely difficult to meaningfully
cut carbon dioxide emissions from our power sector. H.R. 3607 calls for
these investments, and I want to recognize my colleague from Texas, Mr.
Veasey, for his efforts in moving this legislation forward. These three
bills are all endorsed by industry trade groups like the Chamber of
Commerce, the Solar Industry Association, the Wind Energy Association,
and the Carbon Utilization Research Council. They are also endorsed by
environmental organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council
and the Environmental Defense Fund. Finally scientific societies like
the American Chemical Society have also endorsed these bills. I hope
folks can take a moment to realize how unusual it is to have those
different organizations endorse the same bills. I'll ask that the full
list of endorsements be placed into the record.
Finally, we are considering H.R. 335, which is sponsored by Mr.
Mast from Florida. This bill addresses harmful algal blooms, and I
support Mr. Mast's efforts to address the problem.
Chairwoman Johnson. I now recognize our Ranking Member for
his opening statements.
Mr. Lucas. Thank you, Chairwoman Johnson, for holding this
markup.
Today, we consider four pieces of legislation, three of
which are bills the Committee is, as of this moment, unable to
reach a bipartisan agreement on. I'm disappointed that we
haven't made more progress in reaching a bipartisan consensus,
especially since this Committee has one of the best track
records in Congress of passing productive, bipartisan
legislation.
Now, I want to be clear. These three bills are well-
intentioned. I believe there is still a chance for
bipartisanship in the future. Matter of fact, I expect it. But
the fact is, our job in Congress is to set priorities and focus
our limited Federal funds where we can see the best return on
investment. Unfortunately, the bills we'll consider today don't
meet that standard. Instead, they offer aspirational funding
levels that we simply cannot afford.
Now, we're reporting the bill.
H.R. 335.
Chairwoman Johnson. OK. We'll move now to I think the last
bill, H.R. 335. We'll now consider the South Florida Clean
Coastal Waters Act of 2019. The clerk will report the bill.
The Clerk. H.R. 335, a bill.
[The bill follows:]
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Chairwoman Johnson. Without objection, the bill is
considered as read and open to amendment at any point.
I recognize myself for a brief statement on the bill.
H.R. 335, the bipartisan South Florida Clean Coastal Waters
Act of 2019, authorizes a scientific assessment and action plan
to help address the problem of harmful algal blooms or HABs in
south Florida. The assessment and action plan will be conducted
by the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control
Task Force, which was established in 1998 and consists of 13
Federal agencies. The assessment and action plan will help
identify research gaps and detailed methods for mitigating and
controlling the HABs and hypoxia in south Florida. These
documents will help serve as a blueprint for Federal, State,
and local decisionmakers and other stakeholders to coordinate
actions to reduce these HABs and hypoxia in the region.
South Florida has been suffering from the economically and
ecologically costly blooms of harmful algae in both its marine
and freshwater systems for years. It's only gotten worse in
recent years. In 2018, a toxic red tide algal bloom persisted
for well over a year. This bloom caused mass mortality of
marine life, including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and
hundreds of tons of dead fish to be collected from the beaches.
It also caused local businesses at least $130 million in
damages. Red tide and other types of HABs also pose health
risks to humans from direct exposure and from eating infected
seafood.
This bill takes an important step in helping address the
HABs and the hypoxia issue in south Florida, and I urge my
colleagues to support it.
Does anyone else wish to be recognized?
Ms. Bonamici.
Ms. Bonamici. I move to strike the last word.
Chairwoman Johnson. The Chair recognizes Ms. Bonamici.
Ms. Bonamici. Thank you very much, Chairwoman Johnson and
Members.
I'm the co-Chair of both the House Oceans Caucus and the
congressional Estuary Caucus, so I'm glad our Committee is
considering this bipartisan legislation to strengthen efforts
to predict and monitor harmful algal blooms in marine and
freshwater systems.
I was pleased to work with Congressman Posey to reauthorize
the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act
in 2014 and again last Congress, but there are still
opportunities to strengthen Federal research efforts so we can
better forecast and respond to blooms and recognize the
distinct effects of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia on our
oceans, estuaries, and waterways.
The South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2019 is an
important step to improve regional assessments of these
progressing environmental stressors. Harmful algal blooms,
HABs, affect marine coastal estuary and freshwater systems in
all 50 States and U.S. territories. HABs can occur naturally
and in response to certain environment stressors such as
increased nutrient runoff, pollution, and changes in water
flow. The presence of these blooms is expected to increase
substantially as a result of climate change and warming water
temperatures.
HABs result in significant economic losses for our
communities that rely on fishing, shellfish harvesting,
tourism. In northwest Oregon, HABs have made our State's prized
Dungeness crabs toxic. They've deprived fishing communities of
income. The blooms have also stifled recreation activities on
the Willamette River in Oregon and limited access to clean
drinking water for residents of Salem, Oregon. And it wasn't
too long ago that I heard about Lake Okeechobee in Florida
being described as looking like guacamole.
And as the algae die and decompose, they consume oxygen,
leaving waterways in a hypoxic state that can result in the
formation of dead zones where marine life cannot survive.
According to the West Coast Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia
Science Panel, Oregon now has a hypoxia season much like the
wildfire season. We must improve our understanding of harmful
algal blooms and develop a stronger strategy to help
communities better predict and reduce the number of harmful
algal blooms and hypoxic events.
I'm working on another bill to strengthen Federal support
for these important research programs at NOAA (National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration), and I look forward to working
with Congressman Posey, Congressman Mast, and others to clarify
that the scientific assessments of marine and freshwater
harmful algal blooms required under current law should have a
regional focus so all communities, including those in the
greater Everglades region, have the information necessary to
respond to HABs and hypoxia.
I thank Congressman Mast for his leadership on this bill. I
urge all my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Chairwoman Johnson. Thank you very much.
The Chair now recognizes Ms. Sherrill.
Ms. Sherrill. Thank you, Madam Chair.
And thank you to Congressman Mast and to the Chairwoman for
your bipartisan work on this important issue.
Last week, I visited Lake Hopatcong, which is the largest
freshwater lake in New Jersey. In June, the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection issued an advisory
against swimming in Lake Hopatcong and three other New Jersey
lakes due to a harmful algal bloom or HAB.
During the visit, I met with residents, business owners,
and local leaders to discuss the impact this outbreak is having
on the community. Imagine during the heat wave this past week
to live on a beautiful lake and not be able to jump in and
swim, waterski, kayak, or paddleboard.
But this is not just about the loss of a recreational
resource. The economic ripple effects on local businesses are
devastating as fewer and fewer visitors travel to the lake due
to the HAB. Local marina owners have seen their boat rental
businesses plummet to a few boats each weekend despite the fact
that the lake is still open to boats. The marina owners I spoke
with estimate they are losing $20,000 per weekend. The story
was the same for local restaurant owners. The community fears
that the summer season is over for them already and worry about
how this or future HAB outbreaks will continue to affect
tourism in the coming years.
So it's essential that we conduct additional research to
better understand how and why these blooms form and to improve
detection and forecasting of these events.
I look forward to working with the Committee in a
bipartisan way to continue advancing HAB research so we can
help communities prepare and prevent adverse environmental,
economic, and health effects associated with the HABs.
Thank you so much, and I yield back.
Chairwoman Johnson. Thank you very much.
Now, we move--any further--Mr. Waltz.
Mr. Waltz. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
Chairwoman Johnson. The clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment No. 1 offered by Mr. Waltz of Florida.
[The amendment of Mr. Waltz follows:]
Amendment to H.R. 335
Offered by Mr. Waltz of Florida
Page 2, line 12, strike ``has the same meaning'' and all that
follows through ``541).'' on line 15 and insert the following:
``means--''
(1) all lands and waters within the administrative
boundaries of the South Florida Water Management
District;
(2) regional coastal waters, including Biscayne Bay,
the Caloosahatchee Estuary, Florida Bay, and Indian
River Lagoon; and
(3) the Florida Reef Tract.
Page 2, line 20, insert ``interim'' after ``President an''.
Page 2, line 21, strike ``assessment that examines'' and
insert the following: ``assessment. Not later than 3 years
after such date of enactment, the Task Force shall finalize,
and submit to Congress and the President, such assessment. Such
assessment shall examine''.
Page 3, line 7, strike ``and'' at the end.
Page 3, line 8, strike the period at the end and insert ``;
and''.
Page 3, after line 8, add the following:
(7) Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(25 U.S.C. 5304)).
Page 4, line 16, strike ``coordinate and''.
Chairwoman Johnson. I ask unanimous consent to dispense
with the reading, and without objection.
Mr. Waltz is recognized.
Mr. Waltz. Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to thank my
colleagues, Congressman Mast and Senator Rubio, for drafting
this important bill, the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act
of 2019 to address the harmful algal blooms and to improve
water quality in our State.
I also want to give credit to Governor DeSantis for
prioritizing clean water and to Congressman Posey for
cosponsoring this manager's amendment.
As the Chairwoman described, red tides and blue-green algae
have plagued Florida in recent years, impacting Lake
Okeechobee, the Everglades, and both the Gulf and Atlantic
coasts. This bill assures that the interagency task force on
harmful algal blooms will produce an integrated assessment on
the causes, consequences, and potential mitigation options to
reduce the blooms. It will identify current gaps in research
and produce an action plan.
The focus of the task force is the Everglades, and the
health of the Everglades obviously impacts water quality of the
entire State. And I think the key point here is that this is a
Statewide issue. For example, Lake Okeechobee feeds into the
Indian River Lagoon on the Atlantic coast. The Indian River
Lagoon stretches as far north as my district in northeast
Florida just south of Daytona, and as a result, the water
quality discharges from Lake Okeechobee have a direct impact on
much of the Atlantic coast.
So the manager's amendment takes that into account and
clarifies that adjacent bodies of water like the Indian River
Lagoon estuary and others are eligible for the assessment and
action plan required by the underlying bill. My hope is that
these best practices will improve water quality management and
prevent HABs across the State.
In my district, we have already seen blue-green algae in
the St. Johns River this year, so that means that it's
spreading north and spreading across the State. And protecting
the Blue Springs in Volusia County in my district is an ongoing
effort. This bill should provide a coherent strategy for
Florida to improve water quality.
Moving forward, Congress should examine the Clean Water
State Revolving Fund formula, especially if there is an effort
to reauthorize the program. Currently, Florida has the third-
lowest allocation-to-population ratio. Given the water
infrastructure needs of the State, frankly, that's
unacceptable.
I want to thank the Chairwoman, the Ranking Member,
Representative Mast, Representative Posey for working with me
on this amendment and assuring that we can move this important
legislation through the Committee. I urge support for the
amendment and passage of the underlying bill.
Madam Chairwoman, I yield the balance of my time.
Chairwoman Johnson. Thank you very much, Mr. Waltz.
I'll offer a few quick comments on the amendment.
The amendment offered by Mr. Waltz makes some improvements
to the bill that take into account technical assistance of
NOAA. The amendment also changes the definition of south
Florida to ensure the assessment and action plan address the
harmful red and brown tides of the west and east coasts of
Florida. I appreciate the minority staff that worked with us to
make this happen, and I support the amendment.
Any further discussion?
If not, the vote occurs on the amendment.
All in favor, say aye.
Those opposed, say nay.
The amendment is adopted.
Now, are there more amendments?
If not, then a reporting quorum being present, I move that
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology report H.R.
335, as amended, to the House with the recommendation that the
bill be approved.
Those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye.
Those opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the bill is favorably reported.
Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon
the table, and I ask unanimous consent that the staff be
authorized to make any necessary technical and conforming
changes to the bill. Without objection, so ordered.
And Members will have 2 subsequent calendar days in which
to submit the supplementary minority or additional views on
this measure.
Now, we're at a point where we will ask for a 10-minute
break, a recess, and we'll come back and vote the postponed
votes. And I would ask all Members to please return for the
markup. Thank you.
[Recess.]
Chairwoman Johnson. The Committee will come to order.
We will start with the Norman amendment on bill H.R. 3597.
And does everybody remember what the Norman amendment was? If
not, vote anyway. The clerk will call the roll.
The Clerk. Chairwoman Johnson?
Chairwoman Johnson. No.
The Clerk. Chairwoman Johnson, no.
Ms. Lofgren?
Ms. Lofgren. No.
The Clerk. Ms. Lofgren, no.
Mr. Lipinski?
Mr. Lipinski. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Lipinski, no.
Ms. Bonamici?
Ms. Bonamici. No.
The Clerk. Ms. Bonamici, no.
Mr. Bera?
Mr. Bera. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Bera, no.
Mr. Lamb?
Mr. Lamb. No.
The Clerk. Mr. Lamb, no.
Mrs. Fletcher?
Mrs. Fletcher. No.
The Clerk. Mrs. Fletcher, no.
Ms. Stevens?
[all]