Pallone Announces Launch of Bipartisan Coastal Communities Caucus for the 119th Congress

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D, NJ-06) joined Representatives David Rouzer (R, NC-07) and John Rutherford (R, FL-05) in launching the bipartisan Coastal Communities Caucus for the 119th Congress. The caucus is a bipartisan group highlighting the unique concerns of those who live, work, and do business along America's coasts, including the Atlantic, Pacific, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, and island states and territories.

The launch event, held on Capitol Hill, featured a panel of community leaders and state and local officials, including representatives from New Jersey, who provided insight into the economic, environmental, and infrastructure needs of coastal regions. Pallone emphasized that the Coastal Communities Caucus will serve as a resource for lawmakers seeking to develop policies that protect coastal economies, ecosystems, and communities.

"Growing up on the Jersey Shore, I've seen firsthand how vital our coastal communities are-not just to New Jersey's economy, but to the entire country," Pallone said. "From strengthening storm resilience and providing healthy fisheries to supporting a thriving tourism industry, our coastal communities face distinct challenges that require tailored solutions. Our caucus will ensure those challenges remain a bipartisan priority in Congress, so we can continue advocating for the people who live and work along our shores and the millions who visit them each year."

The Coastal Communities Caucus provides Members of Congress with education and networking opportunities to facilitate bipartisan cooperation on legislative solutions that bolster coastal economies, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen infrastructure.

Today's event included:

• Grace Hanlon, Executive Director, Jersey Shore Partnership
• Derek Brockbank, Executive Director, Coastal States Organization
• Nick Angarone, New Jersey Chief Resilience Officer
• Alex Reed, Director, Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
• Amber Westerbur, Program Manager, Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• Gary Jones, Director, Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors
• Nicole Elko, Executive Director, American Shore and Beach Preservation Association

"A thriving and resilient coast is critical to New Jersey's communities and economy," said Nick Angarone, New Jersey Chief Resilience Officer and Coastal Manager. "I am grateful for the opportunity to bring attention to the growing challenges faced by our coastal communities at today's Coastal Communities Caucus launch event, and look forward to working together towards long-term solutions for our vulnerable coasts."

"The American Shore & Beach Preservation Association applauds the Coastal Communities Caucus for educating Members of Congress to the economic benefits of U.S. shores and beaches. For example, beach tourists annually generate $520 billion in economic output, $240 billion in direct spending, and $36 bil­lion in taxes to federal, state, and local governments. Continued federal investment in our nation's coastal infrastructure is critical to sustain this important economic engine." - Nicole Elko, Ph.D., Executive Director, and American Shore & Beach Preservation Association

"America's coastal communities are an economic driver producing $10 trillion and goods and services, and home to 40% of the American population. They are represented at the state and congressional level by Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. Coastal States Organization is pleased to support the Congressional Coastal Communities Caucus, which convenes Members of Congress to discuss the unique concerns of those who live, work, and do business along the coast, and seek bipartisan solutions to support these important communities." - Derek Brockbank, Executive Director, Coastal States Organization

"As a Floridian, I know just how important our coastal communities are to our state and our country," said Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL-05). "In Northeast Florida, we are blessed to have miles of coastline, running along the Atlantic Ocean, and shorelines along the intracoastal waterways and St. Johns River. We are also not strangers to natural disasters and dangerous algal blooms that threaten the livelihood and wellbeing of our coastal communities. I remain committed to working with local, state, and federal leaders, including my fellow members of the House Coastal Communities Caucus, to protect our coastline. It's critical we ensure our water quality and beaches stay healthy so all Floridians, and Americans who visit our shores, can enjoy everything our beautiful state has to offer."

"As a key pillar of our economy and the nation's leading textile producer, North Carolina's textile industry is vital. It sustains thousands of jobs, strengthens rural communities, and fuels innovation. The bipartisan Textile Caucus is committed to protecting our domestic industry, advocating for fair trade, and supporting America's cotton growers," said Congressman Rouzer (R-NC-07)