In a week when the Supreme Court struck down some executive power in the West Virginia v EPA case, one of the congressional committees that will potentially pick up the pieces of that regulatory power passed a bill addressing energy and water development. Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-D 2) expressed his support for the Fiscal Year 2023 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill during its consideration by the full House Appropriations Committee.
The bill includes a number of measures that maybe familiar for those who have spent any time on the water in south Georgia. Notably, the bill would improve the treatment and management of hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant native to Asia which impacts waterways, growing out of control and potentially choking waterways – both for boat traffic and the animal life that depends on a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Bishop vowed to fight for this provision and others as the appropriations bill makes its way through the full U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
“This bill will fund major investments that help ensure American energy independence and lower energy costs. It also supports the Army Corps of Engineers and its work with communities across the country on major water infrastructure projects that make us more resilient to flooding, help avoid drought, and ensure clean water for families and businesses,” said Congressman Bishop. “This bill provides $2,000,000 to monitor, survey, and control hydrilla in order to help places, like Lake Seminole, manage this invasive species and improve accessibility and the economic well-being of impacted waterways for families, businesses, and communities.”
Hydrilla has somewhat of a love-hate relationship for fishermen. It is sometimes considered a good bass fishing spot, as it hosts aquatic insects and some fish species. But it can harm fisheries, drinking water supplies, utilities and flood control systems.
“Congressman Bishop is a long-time advocate and strong supporter of our rivers and lakes and the citizens of southwest Georgia. His work toward controlling hydrilla is vital for tourism, economic development, and overall quality of life. Hydrilla has tremendously adverse effects on water quality, power generation, wildlife and native plant health, recreational boating, and recreational and professional fishing,” said Philip Clayton, Executive Director of TriRivers Waterway Development Association. “We are always grateful for Congressman Bishop’s interest in and support of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin.”
There is some other big spending in Energy and Water funding bill which includes:
- $48.2 billion for the Department of Energy to incorporate clean energy technologies, reduce cybersecurity risk, support research to develop new energy technology, along with a several other projects (likely part of a way forward after the West Virginia v EPA ruling)
- $451 million in funding for water resources projects authorized in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, under the Department of Interior and Bureau of Reclamation
- $54 million designated for rural water projects – most of Georgia’s lakes are managed as part of energy production but the state could see some of this funding.
- $33 million for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission in order to address economic needs of distressed portions of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
