Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on four bills that would encourage effective coordination and collaboration to solve pressing environmental challenges, expand opportunities for outdoor recreation and fishing and protect resources in the Long Island Sound and off the Alabama Gulf Coast. Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) issued the following statement in response:

"Today's hearing covered environmental challenges we face. The four bills covered today offer protections for aquatic resources, help educate younger people about the value of fishing, and strengthen important programs such as the Long Island Sound Initiative. Our Subcommittee is working together to support resource management and expanded recreational opportunities."

Background

Today's hearing focused on bills that protect resources and expand outdoor opportunities. These bills continue the committee's work to responsibly manage our resources and encourage outdoor recreation access for both current and future generations.

H.R. 897, the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Ala.), would designate the underwater forest off the coast of Gulf Shores Alabama as a National Marine Sanctuary while balancing the other vital industries that operate in the Gulf.

H.R. 3925, the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2023, introduced by U.S. Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), would encourage America's youth to fish by creating a grant program that would allow nonprofits, educational institutions, state, local and Tribal governments, and Native Hawaiian organizations to apply for grant funding that could be used to purchase fishing equipment and cover costs associated with youth fishing activities.

H.R. 5441, the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2023, introduced by U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), is a bipartisan bill that would reauthorize the Long Island Sound Office and the funding programs of the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006 through Fiscal Year 2028 and at current authorization levels. The Long Island Sound is a vital source of recreation and economic activity for New York. 

H.R. 6235, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2023, introduced by U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), would reauthorize the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act and would make significant changes to respond to these threats more effectively.