The publication is reproduced in full below:
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:
``(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.
``(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.
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.
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.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 104
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
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