House Transportation Committee Advances Figures’ Bipartisan Estuaries Bill

WASHINGTON - Today, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed Rep. Shomari C. Figures' bipartisan bill, 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.

Figures is the first freshman Democrat on this committee to see a standalone bill successfully advance.

"As a freshman member, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work in a bipartisan way on an issue that is vital to my constituents in Alabama's 2nd congressional district, particularly in my hometown of Mobile, Alabama," said Rep. Figures. "Mobile Bay, which is home to a thriving estuary program, plays an essential role in supporting our economy, our environment, and our way of life."

The NEP is a non-regulatory program that supports locally driven efforts to restore and protect the environmental and economic health of 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.

The ESTUARIES Act is co-led by Ranking Member Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Reps. Brian Mast (FL-21), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Nick LaLota (NY-01).

"The Puget Sound is the largest estuary by water volume and plays a vital role in Washington's environment, culture and maritime economy, which is why I co-lead the estuaries caucus and cosponsored the ESTUARIES Act to protect and restore estuaries across the country," said Ranking Member Larsen. "Thank you to Representative Shomari Figures for his leadership on this important legislation to reauthorize the EPA's National Estuary Program and support these critical natural resources. I hope it receives a swift vote by the full House."

The bill is also cosponsored by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Troy Carter (LA-02), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), George Latimer (NY-16), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), Michael Lawler (NY-17), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Seth Moulton (MA-06), John Garamendi (CA-08), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Mike Ezell (MS-04).

The ESTUARIES Act must pass Congress and be signed into law by the president before it can take effect.