Natural Resources Committee

This House resolution expresses support for designating the week of September 19 through September 26, 2026, as National Estuaries Week to raise public awareness about the importance of these coastal ecosystems. The bill highlights that estuaries support a significant portion of the U.S. population and economy while providing critical services such as flood control, water filtration, and habitat for fish and wildlife. It acknowledges ongoing threats to estuary health, including pollution and sea level changes, and recognizes the efforts of government agencies, organizations, and individuals working to protect and restore these areas.

This bill establishes the Historic Greenwood District - Black Wall Street National Monument in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to preserve and interpret the history of the Greenwood District (known as "Black Wall Street"), the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and their significance to Oklahoma and U.S. history. It defines the monument's boundary using a specific map, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land via donation or purchase, and requires a management plan within three years. The bill creates an 11-member advisory commission composed of 7 descendants of 1921 Greenwood residents, 3 historic preservation experts, and 1 Tulsa mayoral appointee, serving for up to 10 years. The monument will be managed by the National Park Service under standard park system rules, with no impact on private property rights within the designated area.

HR 2323, the Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act, would expand Big Bend National Park by adding approximately 6,100 acres of land. The Secretary of the Interior may acquire this land through donation or exchange (not eminent domain), using a specific map dated November 2022. Once acquired, the land becomes part of the park and is managed under existing laws. The map must be publicly available for inspection at National Park Service offices.

This bill, titled the Restore Florida Water Independence Act of 2026, aims to streamline environmental permitting for the State of Florida by recognizing a specific federal biological opinion as fully compliant with the Endangered Species Act. By deeming this existing document sufficient, the legislation eliminates the need for additional federal consultations regarding dredge and fill projects under the Clean Water Act. The primary effect is to allow the Environmental Protection Agency to approve Florida's request to manage its own state-level permitting program without further federal oversight on these specific environmental matters.

This bill establishes a federal program to address the invasive golden mussel, which threatens water infrastructure and ecosystems. It directs the Task Force to develop a demonstration program focused on research, control methods, and early warning systems for infested areas like the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, with a $15 million annual funding authorization from 2026-2030. Key provisions include grants for developing technologies to remove mussels from water intakes, pipelines, and boat hulls, plus guidelines for watercraft inspections to prevent spread. The program requires collaboration with states, ports, and research institutions to share control strategies and coordinate efforts.