Suffolk Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Reps. Nick LaLota (NY-01) and Joe Courtney (CT-03), Co-Chairs of the Long Island Sound Caucus, released a statement following the House Natural Resources Committee's passage of their bipartisan Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act. The bill aims to reauthorize the Long Island Sound Program to ensure the protection and preservation of the Sound.

“Today, after months of hard work, I’m thrilled to see our bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Long Island Sound program come one step closer to becoming law. As a vital piece of our economy, the Sound is critical to the daily life of thousands of Long Islanders,” said LaLota. “The Long Island Sound Program is too important to Long Island communities and must be reauthorized immediately. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Long Island Sound Caucus, I look forward to ensuring this bill passes the House as soon as possible.”

“Today’s bipartisan action on the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act is a very encouraging boost to the long-term efforts to preserve and manage this unique tidal estuary. This 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 in advancing this bill through the Natural Resources Committee. I look forward to voting for it on the House Floor.”

“Despite its proximity to New York City, Long Island offers a variety of wildlife habitats in need of maintenance and upkeep,” said Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee. “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 Rep. LaLota for implementing these sound solutions to ensure good stewardship over essential habitats.”

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

Background:

The Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act would reauthorize the Long Island Sound Program through 2028.

In 1985, Congress created the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) to identify and address major environmental problems affecting the Long Island Sound. The LISS brings together entities such as EPA, New York State, Connecticut, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions aiming at restoring and protecting both The Long island sound itself as well as its watershed that spans up towards New Hampshire & Vermont into Canada.

In September 2023, LaLota introduced this bipartisan act with an aim at ensuring protection & preservation efforts remain intact.

In January 2024 he testified before two committees advocating for inclusion within broader legislative frameworks.

Earlier this month he secured $40 million towards addressing key environmental issues impacting long island sound via EPA funding.