Salazar REEF Act Provisions Signed into Law in Defense Act (NDAA)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congress passed H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which included language from Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s REEF Act (H.R. 950), which she introduced with Reps. Ed Case (D-HI) and Mike Waltz (R-FL). The bill is awaiting signature by President Biden.
The Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification (REEF) Act helps retired Navy ships be repurposed into artificial reefs, which boosts marine environments, creates recreational opportunities, promotes tourism, and supports our veterans.
“Representing a coastal district, I know the incredible environmental benefits artificial reefing can bring to marine ecosystems,” said Representative Salazar (FL-27). “With these new policies in place, states like Florida can recycle more decommissioned ships in a major win for our environment, our veterans, and our economy.”
Congressman Waltz was instrumental in securing this language in the bill during its consideration in the House Armed Services Committee.
“Floridians are proud of our coral reefs,” said Representative Waltz (FL-06). “Better coordination between the U.S. Navy and our state wildlife agencies to provide habitat for coral via scuttled retired vessels, such as the USS Mindanao off Daytona Beach, will only help bolster our local economies through greater recreational fishing and tourism. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Salazar on this initiative.”
Specifically, the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 2670 included a section titled “Congressional notification regarding pending retirement of naval vessels viable for artificial reefing.” In this report, Congress recognizes the need to improve how the Navy interacts with States when transferring vessels that are viable for artificial reefing. It also identifies an annual mechanism to list naval vessels set for disposal and directs the Secretary of the Navy to brief Congress on the Navy’s artificial reefing process.
“Creating artificial reefs using excess naval vessels will help restore and preserve our fragile ocean ecosystem and create opportunities for those who want to explore the biodiversity that surround a sunken structure,” said Representative Case (HI-01), the co-introducer of the provision. “There are a number of structures, including small boats and planes, in waters off my home state that both restore our threatened marine ecosystem and draw those who want to experience our marine life up-close and understand how it must be preserved. Our provision will expand on these opportunities throughout our country.”
“We thank Congresswoman Salazar and Congressman Waltz for their efforts to secure a decommissioned Navy vessel as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida. The language in the NDAA will begin a conversation on the best vessels that could be available for artificial reefing, which means more incredible recreational fishing and diving opportunities for Florida’s residents and visitors,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Florida has been a leader in artificial reefing and these new provisions will help Florida secure more retired ships moving forward. These ships would otherwise be dismantled at a scrapyard.
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