A significant milestone was achieved for environmental conservation and community welfare as the House of Representatives passed the Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation co-sponsored by Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) (pictured left) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D, CT-02) (pictured right). The Act, which seeks to reauthorize the Long Island Sound Program, is designed to bolster the protection and preservation of the Long Island Sound, a vital resource for both New York and Connecticut communities.
The Long Island Sound, a critical tidal estuary that serves as a cornerstone for local economies and ecosystems, has been a focus of conservation efforts for decades. The passing of this legislation marks a continued commitment to maintaining the health and vitality of this unique waterbody.
Congressman LaLota expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to the cause.
“For communities across my district in Suffolk County, the Long Island Sound is much more than just a body of water, it is a way of life that has sustained and provided for our communities for generations,” LaLota stated. “By safeguarding the Sound, we support the local economies that depend on tourism, fishing, and maritime industries. My bill is not just about environmental protection; it is about investing in the future of our communities and the people who rely on the Sound. I am proud to have worked with my colleague from across the Sound and the aisle, Congressman Courtney, to advance this legislation and I look forward to pushing it across the finish line to the President’s desk”.
Congressman Joe Courtney, a co-chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and its importance for local and regional conservation efforts.
“With strong bipartisan support, the House passed Congressman LaLota and I’s Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Reauthorization Act to preserve and manage this unique tidal estuary. Our legislation reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Island Sound Programs for five years to ensure the Sound remains a valuable resource for our communities,” said Courtney. “Congress last established a five-year reauthorization under the then Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act in 2018, and it is necessary for us to renew our commitment to these critical programs. Thank you to Congressman LaLota, fellow Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, for his leadership”.
The Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act aims to continue and enhance the conservation efforts initiated by previous legislation and address any major environmental problems affecting the Long Island Sound. The reauthorization will support various programs managed by the EPA focused on improving water quality, restoring habitats, and fostering sustainable use of the Sound’s resources.
Congressman Bruce Westerman (R, AR-04), Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, commended the bipartisan effort and emphasized the importance of the legislation for habitat conservation.
“Despite its proximity to New York City, Long Island enjoys a variety of wildlife habitats in need of maintenance and upkeep,” Westerman remarked. “The Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2023 will develop conservation programs for the 12 priority habitats included in the Long Island Sound and surrounding areas. I commend Representative LaLota for advancing these solutions to ensure good stewardship over essential habitats”.
As the legislation moves forward, LaLota and Courtney’s collaborative efforts highlight the critical role of bipartisan cooperation in addressing environmental and community concerns. With the Act being pushed towards the President’s desk for signature, its passage represents a significant step forward in preserving the Long Island Sound for future generations.
