LoBiondo & Larsen Applaud Passage of National Estuary Program Reauthorization

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) applauded House passage this evening of the "National Estuary Program Reauthorization Act" (H.R. 944), which they authored. The bipartisan legislation, introduced in February, reauthorizes 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.

"Tonight the House has taken a positive step to promote sensible, cost-effective programs that protect unique ecosystems in South Jersey and across the country. This legislation is of vital importance to communities in my district which have an economic and environmental stake in protecting cherished local resources in the Delaware Estuary and Barnegat Bay Estuary. Working closely with local residents involved in preserving both estuaries, we have had continued success in enhancing the Delaware Estuary and Barnegat Bay Estuary while raising public awareness about the need to act responsibly and care for our natural treasures," said LoBiondo. "I also appreciate Representative Larsen's continued leadership and partnership on this issue that will keep our waters clean for future generations."

"Estuaries are drivers of a healthy environment and a strong economy. I appreciate working with Rep. LoBiondo to ensure local organizations across the country can continue their work to protect and restore estuaries for today and for future generations," Rep. Larsen said.

South Jersey is home to two of the nation's 28 designated NEP organizations: The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary and the Barnegat Bay Partnership. 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 Barnegat Bay watershed is the entire land area that drains to the Barnegat Bay, comprised of eleven (11) sub-watersheds and the barrier island communities. LoBiondo continues to work closely with both local NEP organizations.

The Puget Sound in Washington state is the second largest estuary in the United States, and 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 bipartisan legislation would also reduce federal spending while ensuring that money goes directly to NEP partner organizations. Passed by voice vote in the House, the legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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