Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 20 through September 27, 2025, as "National Estuaries Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 733
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-17: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07T20:57:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution, H. Res. 733, expresses the House of Representatives' support for designating the week of September 20 through September 27, 2025, as "National Estuaries Week." Its main goal is to raise awareness about the ecological, economic, and social importance of estuaries (areas where rivers meet the sea, forming partially enclosed coastal bodies of water) and to promote their protection and restoration.
Key Provisions
- Economic and Employment Contributions: Highlights that estuaries support nearly 40% of the U.S. population, 39% of jobs, and 47% of economic output despite covering only 13% of the land. It notes growth in the estuary and ocean economy, including 111,000 new jobs from 2022-2023 and $511 billion in GDP contribution in 2023. Commercial and recreational fishing alone generated $321 billion in sales and supported over 2.3 million jobs in 2022.
- Ecological Importance: Estuaries serve as habitats for fish, wildlife, and endangered species (e.g., Snowy Plover and Saltmarsh Sparrow), supporting 68% of commercial fish catch by value and 80% of recreational fish catch by weight. They provide services like water filtration, flood control, and protection from storms.
- Restoration Benefits and Losses: Cites examples such as restored wetlands removing up to 80% of nitrogen and 70% of phosphorus from runoff, and mangroves/coastal wetlands preventing billions in flood damage during hurricanes (e.g., $1.5 billion in Florida during Hurricane Maria in 2017). It notes historical losses, like over 50% of original wetlands by the 1980s, leading to "dead zones" from pollution and harmful algal blooms.
- Existing Legal Frameworks: References the Clean Water Act (which authorizes plans to protect estuary water quality and wildlife) and the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (which aims to preserve and restore coastal resources, including estuaries).
- Collaborative Efforts: Recognizes the role of 34 states and territories in National Estuary Programs or Reserves, and partnerships among federal, state, local, Tribal governments, organizations, and individuals. Restoration efforts are noted to create 17 jobs per $1 million invested.
- Resolution Actions: The House:
- Supports the designation of National Estuaries Week and its goals.
- Acknowledges estuaries' role in U.S. employment and prosperity.
- Recognizes threats like degradation, pollution, and sea level changes.
- Applauds organizations promoting awareness and restoration.
- Supports scientific study, preservation, protection, and restoration of estuaries.
- Expresses intent to continue working on these issues.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It builds on prior statutes like the Clean Water Act and Coastal Zone Management Act by expressing congressional support but does not amend or enact new requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Encourages federal agencies (e.g., under the Environmental Protection Agency or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to promote estuary awareness and collaborate on restoration, potentially influencing funding priorities without mandating action.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of estuary benefits and threats, potentially inspiring community involvement in conservation and boosting local economies through fishing and tourism. Coastal residents may benefit from highlighted protections against floods and storms.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores U.S. commitment to coastal ecosystem management, which could align with global environmental efforts like those under international agreements on marine conservation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Coastal Communities and Industries: Populations in estuary regions (nearly 40% of U.S. total), fishing sectors (commercial and recreational), and tourism businesses reliant on healthy waterways.
- Government Entities: Federal (e.g., Congress, EPA), state/local governments in 34 coastal and Great Lakes areas, and Tribal nations involved in estuary management.
- Environmental Organizations and Researchers: National and community groups focused on restoration, as well as scientists studying estuary ecosystems.
- Wildlife and General Public: Species dependent on estuaries (e.g., fish, birds) and individuals benefiting from ecosystem services like clean water and flood protection.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding effect and cannot enforce policies; it serves as a symbolic endorsement rather than creating enforceable rights or obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to express views on environmental matters but does not infringe on state powers over land and water use.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) for environmental awareness, potentially signaling future legislative priorities on climate resilience and coastal protection amid ongoing issues like sea level rise and pollution. It fosters goodwill among stakeholders without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (28)
Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-17: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-09-17: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-17: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 20 through September 27, 2025, as "National Estuaries Week". — issued 2025-09-17 — PDF (6 pages)