U.S. House passes bill protecting underwater forest off Alabama coast

Journalist Ben Raines, Alabama Coastal Foundation have lobbied for federal protection of 60,000-year-old submerged cypress trees

BY RUTH MAYO
Reporting Intern
ruth@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 7/12/24

On July 8, U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl's (R-AL) Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate. The bill …

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U.S. House passes bill protecting underwater forest off Alabama coast

Journalist Ben Raines, Alabama Coastal Foundation have lobbied for federal protection of 60,000-year-old submerged cypress trees

Posted

On July 8, U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl's (R-AL) Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate.

The bill ensures the protection of a 60,000-year-old underwater cypress tree forest that was discovered off the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2004. The underwater forest functions as a coral reef now, providing habitat for all sorts of marine life, such as fish, crabs, sharks, sea turtles and even octopuses. The bill works to protect these underwater homes from exploitation and degradation while also allowing visitors to enjoy the site.

"The area will be designated as a marine sanctuary to prevent any harmful commercial activity that could ruin the ecosystem," Carl said. "I understand the importance of healthy recreational activity, which plays a major role in our coast's economy, and this bill guarantees protection and access for our hunters and anglers."


Actions such as the removal of cypress tree salvage, the use of explosives or drilling and lowering certain intrusive devices or seabed cables that could lead to the destruction of the site would be prohibited if the bill passes both chambers and is signed by the president.

Permitted actions laid out through the bill include vital public operations and recreational activities, such as fishing and diving. Construction of reef structures and any pre-existing oil and gas projects authorized prior to the enactment of the bill are also permitted.

Ben Raines, local journalist and filmmaker, in partnership with the Alabama Coastal Foundation, produced "The Underwater Forest" in 2018, a documentary featuring the discovery of the forest. Gulf Coast Media previously reported on Raines' visit to Washington D.C. in January where he was joined by Carl to testify on the importance of its federal protection.

"One of the first things that happened when I first wrote about the forest is a furniture company offered me $10,000 for the coordinates, and that has only accelerated," Raines said at the hearing, previously reported by Gulf Coast Media. "The idea that these furniture companies who have already applied for permits within the State of Alabama would be allowed to take these things (trees) up to make coffee tables is absurd. This really is a natural wonder, like the Grand Canyon or something like that."

ACF has been introducing legislation to Congress since 2020, when Bradley Byrne served as representative for Alabama's Congressional District 1, to have the forest area designated as a National Marine Sanctuary, director Mark Berte previously told GCM. Carl has introduced the bill each year since.

"The good news is that each year, we have had more people, no matter their political perspective, learn about this amazing natural wonder and take action to let others know so it can be protected," Berte said in January.

The Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act was passed under a suspension of the rules, which is commonly used for bills that are not controversial. In a suspension ruling, a supermajority of two-thirds is required for the bill to pass, and floor debate is limited to 40 minutes with amendments not allowed on the floor.

The bill passed the House with a 349-19 vote with 64 not voting. It was approved unanimously by Alabama's representatives, with Barry Moore not voting. House Democrats also approved it unanimously.

On July 9, the bill was received by the Senate, read twice and then referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

"I look forward to working with the U.S. Senate to get this bill to the president's desk," Carl said, "as this legislation greatly impacts Alabama by protecting and preserving our beautiful coastal environment."