Us Congress Senate Bill SR820

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/16/24

Caption

A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of September 21 through September 28, 2024, as "National Estuaries Week".

Impact

The resolution highlights that estuarine regions, while covering only 13 percent of the land area in the continental United States, accommodate nearly 40 percent of the population and provide 39 percent of the jobs in the country. This underscores the inherent connection between estuarine health and the overall economic vitality of coastal communities. By promoting National Estuaries Week, the resolution seeks to reinforce the ongoing efforts for preservation and restoration of these critical ecosystems, which face threats from pollution, climate change, and habitat loss.

Summary

SR820 is a resolution that expresses support for the designation of the week of September 21 through September 28, 2024, as 'National Estuaries Week.' The resolution emphasizes the importance of estuaries in supporting biodiversity, providing critical habitat for various species, and sustaining economic activities such as commercial and recreational fishing. The recognition of this week aims to increase public awareness of the vital role estuaries play in ecological health as well as in the economy of the United States, which includes a significant contribution to job creation and economic output.

Contention

Although the resolution is primarily supportive in nature, the underlying issues surrounding estuarine management and conservation could evoke differing opinions among stakeholders. Discussions may arise regarding the adequacy of existing federal and state policies aimed at protecting estuarine environments, the financing of restoration projects, and managing competing interests between development and conservation efforts. The acknowledgment of threats to estuaries, such as climate change and pollution, is likely to provoke debate about the best paths forward to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.