Figures, Mast, Larsen, Haridopolos, Bonamici, LaLota Introduce Bipartisan ESTUARIES Act to Reauthorize EPA’s National Estuary Program

WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) led a bipartisan group of members including, Reps. Brian Mast (FL-21), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Nick LaLota (NY-01), in introducing 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. Rep. Figures also played a key role in advancing the bicameral effort, as Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced the Senate companion bill.

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.

"Millions of Americans living in underserved and climate-vulnerable coastal communities like those in my district, depend on estuaries for drinking water, food, jobs, and protection from storms," said Rep. Figures. "These ecosystems are among the most productive and economically valuable in the country. The National Estuary Program works because it brings scientists, local leaders, and residents together to protect the ecosystems that sustain them, and that is exactly the kind of partnership we need more of, and the ESTUARIES Act will ensure it remains strong for years to come."

"On the Treasure Coast, we have one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America, and protecting our water and environment is our way of life," said Rep. Mast. "I'm committed to securing a clean and healthy environment for all, and I strongly support this legislation to reauthorize the National Estuary Program to strengthen restoration and economic growth in vital coastal areas."

"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."

"The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America, and it plays a vital role in Florida's environment, economy, and way of life," said Rep. Haridopolos. "Reauthorizing the National Estuary Program means continued support for the local partnerships and science-based solutions that are helping restore the Lagoon's health. I'm proud to support this bipartisan bill to ensure that one of Florida's greatest natural treasures is protected for future generations."

"Estuaries are among the most productive and valuable ecosystems in the country, supporting local economies, protecting communities from flooding, and providing critical habitat for fish and wildlife," said Rep. Bonamici. "I'm pleased to join my fellow Estuary Caucus co-chairs in introducing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the National Estuary Program, which has delivered decades of proven results in restoration and resilience. By investing in these vital coastal areas, we're strengthening science-driven conservation and sustainable economic growth in communities across the country."

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."