E-Newsletter: Protecting Our Region's Natural Resources

Statement

Dear Friend,

Knowing of your interest in protecting our region's environmental assets, I want to provide you a brief update on my recent actions in Congress to preserve our natural resources.

Virginia's Second Congressional District is home to the Back Bay, the Chesapeake Bay, the Lynnhaven River, the James River, and scores of inlets and bays on the Eastern Shore. These natural resources are both ecologically and economically important to our region and the Commonwealth. They provide homes, food, and shelter for fish, shellfish, birds, and other wildlife that contribute to our renowned seafood, tourism, and recreational industries.

We have a moral obligation to ensure that our children and grandchildren have clean air, water, and soil and a booming economy that benefits from robust and healthy natural resources. I believe significant progress toward that goal has been made. We've re-opened over 42% of the Lynnhaven River to shellfish harvest; restored underwater grasses along the Eastern Shore; and seen a more recent surge in underwater grasses in Back Bay, which will lead to improved water quality and more fish and shellfish.

But of course, there is more work to be done. That is why I voted in favor of H.R. 2954, the Public Access and Lands Improvement Act. This legislation facilitates clean-up of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by improving the management, accountability, transparency, and efficiency of restoration efforts. I consider important legislative initiatives such as H.R. 2954 with my Chesapeake Bay Advisory Board, which regularly convenes to discuss substantive ways the federal government can help improve the Bay. In addition, I host an annual "State of the Bay' event to bring together experts and Bay lovers to move forward bay restoration efforts. More information on this event will be forthcoming.

It is important to me that I keep you fully informed regarding how I am serving you in Congress. Please visit my website at Rigell.house.gov and sign up for my e-newsletter, "The Rigell Report." I also encourage you to join me on Facebook at facebook.com/RepScottRigell. Both sites feature timely updates on the votes I am taking on the House floor.

In closing, please know that I consider it a high honor to serve and represent you and your family in Congress.

Mindful that I work for you, I remain

Yours in Freedom,
Scott Rigell

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