Last week, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) testified at the Natural Resources Committee at a hearing on the importance of passing H.R. 5441, the bipartisan Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act. LaLota also questioned Chris Pickerell from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County on the importance of reauthorizing the program.
“As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Long Island Sound Caucus, I was proud to speak in support of my bill to reauthorize the Long Island Sound Program. Every Long Islander knows how important our waterways are to our way of life, creating good paying jobs and giving our families a great way to spend quality time together,” said LaLota. “Protecting the Sound has been one of my top priorities in D.C. and today we are one step closer to reauthorizing this important program. I am committed to working with all of my colleagues to pass this legislation as soon as possible.”
To watch LaLota’s testimony, click HERE. To watch LaLota’s questioning, click HERE.
Background:
Last week, LaLota testified at the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in support of including a reauthorization of the Long Island Sound Program in the biannual Water Resources Development Act.
In September, LaLota introduced the Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act with Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT). In March, LaLota and Courtney were named Co-Chairs of the Long Island Sound Caucus. In January 2023, LaLota’s amendment to protect the Sound and waters off the coast of Long Island from oil and gas drilling passed the House as a part of a larger energy bill.
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 the major environmental problems affecting the Long Island Sound. The LISS brings together the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New York State, Connecticut, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions to help restore and protect the Long Island Sound, including the watershed, which spans up towards New Hampshire and Vermont into Canada.