The U.S. Senate Needs to Pass the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Reauthorization Act
As an Estuary of National Significance, the immense value of the Long Island Sound (LIS) cannot be overstated. Twenty million people live within 50 miles of the Sound’s beaches. Residents of New York and Connecticut depend on the Sound for recreational opportunities, including fishing, sailing, and swimming. LI Sound is a critical component to our regional economy, generating $8.25 billion annually.
Despite the Sound’s immense value, it has been degraded by pollution, toxic algae blooms, and other threats. However, we are making progress in the fight for clean water! Funding provided by the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act helps to advance restoration; however, problems persist. The Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act authorization expired in 2023, putting our progress at risk. The U.S. House recently voted to extend the law through 2031, and now the U.S Senate must act to reauthorize this critical legislation to maintain progress in restoring the health of the Long Island Sound. Email your two U.S. Senators today and urge them to support the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act, which will provide up to $65 million annually through 2031.
Background
History of the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act
In 1985, Congress created the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) to identify and address the major environmental problems affecting the Long Island Sound. The LISS is authorized at $40 million annually through the LIS Restoration Act. The LISS is a collaborative effort, which includes government agencies, not-for-profits, and individuals, all working to restore and protect the Sound and its watershed. Through the LISS, a bi-state Comprehensive Management Plan has been developed and is being implemented.
In 2006, Congress passed the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act, which is authorized at $25 million annually. This important legislation identifies key areas surrounding the Sound and provides funding for preservation and public access improvements.
These critically important acts were later combined to create the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act, which provides up to $65 million annually in federal funding for LIS restoration. The Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act expired in 2023—it is critically important that Congress act now to reauthorize this important program!
Progress Has Been Made, but More Work Remains
Federal funding spurred progress in restoring the Sound:
Restored 2,400 acres of coastal habitat within the Sound’s watershed.
Reduced nitrogen pollution by 60%, resulting in a 60% reduction in hypoxia (low levels of oxygen that cannot sustain marine life).
Slashed stormwater pollution by 206 million gallons—significantly improving water quality and restoring marine habitats.
Created 450 miles of new fish passage—pods of dolphins can now be spotted in the Sound during summer months, which is another key indicator of progress!
Although progress has been made, more needs to be done. Hypoxia still persists in summer months, toxic algae blooms are found in harbors and bays, nitrogen from antiquated septic systems are polluting the Sound, and polluted stormwater runoff continues to contaminate the Sound and close beaches.
LIS Funding is in Jeopardy
The Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act authorization expired in 2023, putting future funding for critical programs to protect and restore the Sound in limbo. Reauthorization of the LIS Restoration & Stewardship Act is needed to provide adequate funding to continue programs needed to protect public health, our local economy, and quality of life.
The U.S. House recently voted with strong bipartisan support to reauthorize the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Reauthorization Act as part of the American Water Stewardship Act. This would reauthorize the program at $65 million annually through 2031. Now the U.S. Senate must pass this legislation immediately and fully fund the LIS program!
Thank you for taking action!
Sincerely,
All of us at CCE
