Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 897) to provide for the establishment of the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 897, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 897, the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act.

Representative Carl's legislation seeks to protect an underwater forest located 10 miles off the coast of Gulf Shores, Alabama, in the Gulf of Mexico.

At roughly 60,000 years old, this forest provides a window into our past in a way that is not found anywhere else on Earth. Protecting this resource is critical for the research efforts that it supports.

This forest was first discovered by local fishermen in 2004 in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan and has received attention from scientists and universities around the world.

H.R. 897 designates the forest as a sanctuary in a manner which embraces the multiple use of our Nation's natural resources. The legislation protects the forest by prohibiting the cutting or removing of the forest's trees while also providing protections for national

security and law enforcement activity, commercial and recreational fishing, and energy production that was previously permitted or authorized.

I commend my colleague, Representative Carl, for his efforts to advance the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 897, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Carl), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Adoption of H.R. 897 will protect the underwater forest in the Gulf of Mexico for future scientific and research efforts while allowing for the multiple uses of the Gulf to continue to occur.

This legislation also ensures that the Department of Commerce and NOAA work with State and local officials in Alabama, including the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This approach to conservation and the protection of natural resources is consistent with the approach that Republicans have taken toward these issues ensuring that the State and local officials are consulted and that voices with varying perspectives are heard and accommodated.

Mr. Speaker, I will just add that this is a very unique opportunity. A little over 20 years ago we had no idea this forest was even there, and because the hurricane had deep waves that scoured the forest floor, they found this marvelous resource of a cypress forest that once grew obviously on dry land when the ocean was at least 60 and probably many feet less deep than it is right now.

To be able to have this to study to tell us more about our past which should inform us about our future is truly remarkable.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I am not recorded for Roll Call No. 336, on Monday, July 8, 2024. Since my first day in office, I have been squarely focused on what I was sent here to do: Represent Floridians of the 2nd Congressional District of Florida. The Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act is long overdue and must be passed into law. This bill will support our coastal waters by designating the ancient cypress forest in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Alabama as the ``Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary,'' and, prohibits the following activities within the sanctuary: cutting, removing, or any kind of subsurface salvage of the cypress trees; lowering certain devices (e.g. dredging) below the surface of the water; detonating explosives below the surface of the water; drilling or coring the seabed; and lowering, laying, positioning, or raising any type of seabed cable or cable-laying device.

I am wholeheartedly supportive of H.R. 897, the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act--as a Representative of a coastal district myself, protecting the forest (between 50,000 to 70,000 years old) is important to preserving the remains of this ancient riverbed. I appreciate the bipartisan effort to protect the forest under the 1972 Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act which would not only federally protect the forest, but also provide more resources for research and ways to sustainably increase eco-tourism opportunities. I also support that the bill provides specific exemptions to allow certain activities, including for: fishing, diving, mooring, or similar recreational or commercial activities; necessary operations of public vessels; construction or placement of artificial reef structures for the purpose of enhancing fishery resources, fishing opportunities, or recreational diving opportunities; and exploration, development, or production of oil or gas projects authorized before this bill's enactment.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 897 (Roll Call No. 336).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 897 would establish the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary, which would safeguard a remarkable and ancient natural reserve.

In 2004, Hurricane Ivan unearthed a well-preserved ancient cypress forest, still rooted in the mud, 60 feet underwater in the Gulf of Mexico, south of Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Scientific analysis of the cypress trees reveals that they are over 50,000 years old, dating back to a time when the sea levels were approximately 400 feet lower than today.

This forest is a unique relic of our planet's past and the only known site where a coastal forest of such antiquity remains preserved.

The Alabama underwater forest is a valuable source of information, offering insights into ancient climate conditions, regional rainfall patterns, insect populations, and plant life on the Gulf Coast before humans inhabited the Americas.

However, its preservation is under threat.

In 2020, a furniture company applied for a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to harvest the ancient cypress wood for profit.

Establishing this marine sanctuary will prevent commercial exploitation and protect this irreplaceable ecosystem for future generations. It will ensure that the site remains undisturbed, allowing for continued scientific research and environmental education.

Additionally, the sanctuary will provide opportunities for ecotourism and research, boosting the local economy while fostering a greater understanding of our natural heritage.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to protect and preserve this unique piece of natural history. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on July 8th and 9th as I needed to attend the funeral services of a close friend.

Had I been present for the following roll call votes, I would have voted Aye on:

Roll Call No. 336, July 8, 2024: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 897, Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act;

Roll Call No. 337, July 8, 2024: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5441, Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act;

Roll Call No. 340, July 9, 2024: On Motion to Recommit--H.R. 7637, Refrigerator Freedom Act; and

Roll Call No. 342, July 9, 2024: On Motion to Recommit--H.R. 7700, Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards Act.

Had I been present for the following roll call votes, I would have voted No on:

Roll Call No. 338, July 9, 2024: On Ordering the Previous Question H. Res. 1341, Providing for consideration of the bills H.R. 8281, Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act; H.R. 8772, Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2025; H.R. 7700, Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards Act; H.R. 7637, Refrigerator Freedom Act; and the joint resolution H.J. Res. 165;

Roll Call No. 339, July 9, 2024: On Agreeing to the Resolution H. Res. 1341, Providing for consideration of the bills H.R. 8281, Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act; H.R. 8772, Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2025; H.R. 7700, Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards Act; H.R. 7637, Refrigerator Freedom Act; and the joint resolution H.J. Res. 165;

Roll Call No. 341, July 9, 2024: On Passage--H.R. 7637, Refrigerator Freedom Act; and

Roll Call No. 343, July 9, 2024: On Passage--H.R. 7700, Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards Act.

Mr. Speaker, my bill, the Alabama Underwater Forestry National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act is an important measure to safeguard Alabama's ancient underwater cypress forest.

Importantly, this bill strikes a balance between conservation and recreational use of this site. By designating the underwater forest as a national marine sanctuary, we are preserving a one-of-a-kind, 60,000- year-old natural marvel. There isn't anything quite like Alabama's underwater forest that has been discovered in terms of the size and the age that we are dealing with here.

The underwater forest offers an opportunity for recreational opportunities such as scuba diving and fishing. The bill ensures that the site remains protected, prohibiting the removal of ancient trees while allowing responsible access for the public. Just like Yellowstone or Yosemite, this forest should be accessible to tourists while protected from disruptive activities--and this bill does just that.

It is critical to recognize the benefits that will ripple through south Alabama's economy. We are not just preserving a natural wonder; we are laying the foundation for sustained economic gains. This legislation ensures the underwater cypress forest remains a source of pride, wonder, and economic opportunity for generations to come.

I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill.