Congressman Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) has announced that legislation to help protect and promote the Underwater Forest in the Gulf of Mexico has officially passed the U.S. House of Representatives as of Monday.
Per the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act, authored by Carl, the 60,000-year-old forest located a few miles off the coast of Gulf Shores would be classified as a National Marine Sanctuary. The legislation would also place a ban on removing or harvesting any parts of the forest and bring oil and gas drilling in the area to a halt. Several recreational activities at the site would still be permitted.
My bill to protect the ancient underwater forest off the coast of Alabama has passed the House! It ensures the 60,000-year-old forest is preserved and protects responsible recreational activities!
It’s a huge win for all Alabamians, and I am proud to be the leader on this issue! pic.twitter.com/H68R4wAZQg
— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) July 8, 2024
“Just like Yellowstone or Yosemite, this forest should be accessible tourists while protecting from disruptive activities and this bill does just that.”
All members of the Alabama congressional delegation voted in favor of the bill with the exception of Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), who was marked as not voting.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
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