Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C.—This week, the Senate unanimously passed Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio’s Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act, which would direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to formally enroll the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP) into the National Estuary Program as an “Estuary of National Significance.” The legislation would federally designate the PPBEP to leverage federal dollars, in coordination with funding by state and local governments, to address water quality and resource challenges in the estuary. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Estuary Program is non-regulatory, and the legislation now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Senator Rick Scott expressed his satisfaction with the Senate's decision, stating, “The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act will take important steps in our fight to protect and preserve Florida’s environment and natural resources. I am proud that our good bill was unanimously passed by the Senate last night and look forward to its passage in the House so it can be quickly signed into law.”

Senator Marco Rubio highlighted the significance of the National Estuary Program and the potential benefits for the Pensacola and Perdido Bays, saying, “Enrolling the PPBEP in the National Estuary Program will provide critical support for restoration, conservation, and monitoring efforts in Pensacola and Perdido Bays and enhance economic activity in the Florida Panhandle. I urge my colleagues in the House to quickly pass this bill.”

The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program also expressed gratitude for the legislative development. Executive Director Matt Posner commended Senators Rubio and Scott, stating, “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Rubio and Senator Scott, the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program stands to be designated as the first new National Estuary Program created in 30 years. Connection to our natural resources is central to our way of life and is a primary driver of our regional economy. Designation as a National Estuary Program provides a transformational opportunity to invest in the restoration and conservation of our estuaries and watersheds for generations to come.”

Chairman of the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program Board of Directors, Mike Kohler, conveyed appreciation for the senators' efforts, stating, “On behalf of the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program Board of Directors, we are grateful for the leadership Senator Rubio and Senator Scott have demonstrated in pursuit of National Estuary Program designation for Pensacola and Perdido Bays. We look forward to the bill clearing the House and being signed into law so the Estuary Program can continue to execute on its critical mission.”