SCCF: New laws support water quality, fisheries
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that two critical pieces of environmental legislation have become law following President Joe Biden’s signature in January.
WRDA ACT
The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA ’24) is enacted by Congress every two years to authorize water projects and related research activities across the United States. The WRDA ’24 benefits Southwest Florida in multiple ways:
– Contains language deeming the Caloosahatchee River a focus area relating to harmful algal blooms (HABs)
– Language to expand the HAB Demonstration Program to include the Lake Okeechobee Watershed, which will reduce nutrient flow from above Lake Okeechobee.
– Expedites completion of the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration project, which will increase capacity in the watershed and improve the quantity and timing of discharges to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries.
– Expedites completion of the Western Everglades Restoration Project, a Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) project for rehydrating and re-connecting the greater Everglades ecosystem so more clean water can be sent south.
FISHES ACT
The Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation (FISHES) Act expedites disaster relief funds to fisheries workers. The law is relevant to Southwest Florida, where many workers were still waiting on Hurricane Ian relief more than two years later.
“SCCF is excited to celebrate the passage of these two bills. Our staff worked closely with partners to support and advocate for the passage of WRDA ’24 and helped provide important analysis to Rep. Byron Donalds and his staff on the FISHES Act,” Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis said. “With the passage of these bills, we have made great strides toward protecting our coastal ecosystems around Southwest Florida, as well as the responsible fisheries communities that rely on clean water and a healthy environment.”
In addition, Biden protected 625 million acres of ocean from new offshore oil and gas development — including the eastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico. The SCCF reported that it supports the new ban, which is an important move to ensure that marine ecosystems are protected from potential future harm.
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