This week, Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02), Shomari C. Figures (AL-02), Brian Mast (FL-21), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Nick LaLota (NY-01) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Enhancing Science, Treatment, and Upkeep of America’s Resilient and Important Estuarine Systems (ESTUARIES Act), to reauthorize the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Estuary Program (NEP) through 2031.

The NEP is a non-regulatory program that supports locally driven efforts to restore and protect the environmental and economic health of 28 estuaries of national significance, where rivers meet the sea, including Mobile Bay. The reauthorization ensures continued federal support for this critical program, which has protected vital habitats, improved water quality, and fostered regional resilience since its creation in 1987.

“Protecting and restoring Puget Sound, the nation’s largest estuary by water volume, is essential to Washington’s environment, culture and maritime economy,” said Rep. Larsen. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan ESTUARIES Act to reauthorize the National Estuary Program and continue investing in the health of our nation’s estuaries.”

This bill is endorsed by the Association of National Estuary Programs and the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program.

“The National Estuary Program is one of the smartest investments Congress can make in clean water, resilient infrastructure, and local economies,” said Joyce Novak, Chair of the Association of National Estuary Programs. “Reauthorizing the NEP ensures that coastal communities can continue to lead with science, partner across sectors, and deliver real results where they matter most. We thank our bipartisan champions in Congress for recognizing the power of this program to protect both ecosystems and economies."

“The National Estuary Program has a long history of bi-partisan support in the State of Alabama, with champions from both sides of the aisle,” said Roberta Swann, Director of the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program. “This public-private partnership gives coastal Alabama communities local control over their natural resources, leading to better outcomes for long-term management and creating value by balancing conservation with development. Mobile Bay NEP’s collective impact model means more people, who are tied to the waters through economy, or history, or just because it makes their life better, have buy-in for the wise stewardship of our estuaries and coasts. Whether from communities, local governments, research institutions, or business and industry, we all benefit when we work together to protect the waters we share.”

Read the full announcement here.

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