Representative Sam Farr (D-CA) offered an amendment to H.R. 5055, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, which would have struck a damaging policy rider that prohibited funds from being used to further implement marine planning efforts and the ecosystem-based management components of the National Ocean Policy. The National Ocean Policy directs government agencies with differing mandates to work collaboratively to improve ocean health and also ensures that all competing interests—including conservationists, fishermen, scientists, shipping companies, port managers, energy developers, and those who live and work in ocean communities—have a voice in creating solutions for the many problems facing our oceans. On May 25, the House rejected the Farr amendment by a vote of 189-228 (House roll call vote 253). YES IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE.