LoBiondo & Larsen Introduce National Estuary Program Reauthorization

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) today introduced the "National Estuary Program Reauthorization Act" to reauthorize the National Estuary Program (NEP) through 2020.

Established in 1987, the NEP's goal is to improve the quality of estuaries by developing plans for attaining or maintaining water quality. This includes protection of public water supplies and the protection of indigenous populations of shellfish, fish, and wildlife. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the nation's estuaries provide habitat for 75% of the U.S. commercial fish catch and 80-90% of the recreational fish catch.

"This legislation is of vital importance to my South Jersey residents who have an economic and environmental stake in protecting a cherished local resource in the Delaware Estuary. The local residents involved in The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary have done a tremendous job to not only protect and enhance the Delaware Estuary, but also to raise public awareness about the need to act responsibly and care for this unique ecosystem. It has been an honor to work closely with them and I look forward to continue our efforts in the years to come," said LoBiondo. "I also appreciate Representative Larsen's continued partnership on this issue that will keep our waters clean for future generations."

"In the Pacific Northwest, we know that healthy estuaries like the Puget Sound support healthy fish, birds and other wildlife, as well as important economic activity such as trade, fishing, tourism and outdoor recreation. That is why I have long supported estuary restoration in the Pacific Northwest. For example, the Qwuloolt Estuary Restoration Project will be one of the largest tidal marsh restoration projects ever completed in Washington state when it is finished. I am pleased to work with Rep. LoBiondo on this bipartisan bill that will ensure local organizations across the country can continue their work to protect and restore estuaries to keep these habitats vital today and for future generations," Rep. Larsen said.

Located in South Jersey, Delaware, and Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Delaware Estuary is home to the second largest concentration of migrating shorebirds in the Western Hemisphere, as well as dozens of protected species, and the largest population of horseshoe crabs in the world. The estuary is also home to over 5 million people and some of the largest refineries and chemical manufacturers on the East Coast. LoBiondo has worked closely with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, the group charged with improving the water quality of the estuary.

The Puget Sound in Washington state is the second largest estuary in the United States, and is home to hundreds of endangered and threatened plant and animal species, including orcas and wild salmon. It is a critical part of the region's economy. Larsen works with the Puget Sound Partnership and other local groups towards environmental protection and recovery for the Sound.

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary and Puget Sound are two of 28 designated NEP organizations.

In final days of the 113th Congress, the House passed LoBiondo and Larsen's legislation to reauthorize the NEP. Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate failed to consider the bill. This is the same legislation introduced last Congress though the authorization period is now set to expire in 2020. The bipartisan legislation would also reduce federal spending while ensuring that money goes directly to NEP partner organizations.

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