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H.R. 897 118th Congress House

Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act

Official title: To provide for the establishment of the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary, and for other purposes.

Introduced: February 9, 2023 See on congress.gov
Environmental Protection Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAdvisory bodiesAlabamaAquatic ecology
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Department of CommerceEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchEnvironmental educationEnvironmental regulatory proceduresForests, forestry, treesGovernment information and archivesGulf of MexicoHistoric sites and heritage areasHunting and fishingMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesMarine and inland water transportationOutdoor recreationParks, recreation areas, trailsWildlife conservation and habitat protection
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This bill died when the 118th Congress ended
It never became law before the 118th Congress (2023–2024) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 17 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jul 9, 2024
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jul 8, 2024
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Jul 8, 2024
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 349 - 19 (Roll no. 336). (text: CR H4463)
Jul 8, 2024
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4470-4471)
Jul 8, 2024
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Jul 8, 2024
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 897.
Jul 8, 2024
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4463-4464)
Jul 8, 2024
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Jun 27, 2024
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 462.
Jun 27, 2024
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-560.
May 7, 2024
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
May 7, 2024
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
May 7, 2024
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Discharged
Jan 18, 2024
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Feb 21, 2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.
Feb 9, 2023
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Feb 9, 2023
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Jul 8, 2024 House · vote #336 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended Passed 349–19 See who voted →
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 Latest action July 9, 2024

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act

This bill designates an ancient cypress forest in the Gulf of Mexico as the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.

In the sanctuary, the following activities are prohibited:

  • 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.

However, the prohibitions do not apply to

  • 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;
  • exploration, development, or production of oil or gas projects authorized before this bill's enactment; and
  • certain other activities authorized by the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must develop a comprehensive management plan for the sanctuary. NOAA must also establish an advisory council for the sanctuary.

 Related & companion bills 2
  • HR 6148 Reintroduction of Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act
  • S 4816 Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act
 Bill text 4 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
 Cosponsors 6
All 6 Democratic 3 Republican 1
Jackson, Jeff
· Oct 3, 2023
 D
Doggett, Lloyd
Texas · Aug 1, 2023
 R
Wittman, Robert J.
Virginia · Feb 21, 2023
Graves, Garret
· Feb 9, 2023
 D
Moulton, Seth
Massachusetts · Feb 9, 2023
 D
Sewell, Terri A.
Alabama · Feb 9, 2023
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 897: Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act. 118th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/118-HR-897/
MLA
"H.R. 897: Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act." 118th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/118-HR-897/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 897, 118th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/118-HR-897/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 897: Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/118-HR-897/)
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