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118-s-50118th Congress

Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act of 2024

Sponsored By: Senator Rubio, Marco [R-FL]

Became Law

Summary

Designates Pensacola Bay and Perdido Bay in Florida as estuaries of national significance and brings them into the National Estuary Program while placing short-term limits on EPA implementation funding.

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  • Families and coastal communities: Local residents and conservation groups become eligible for national estuary planning, technical support, and grants under Section 320, but EPA may not use National Estuary Program funds for implementation in FY2024 and FY2025 is limited by a funding test.
  • State and local governments and partners: Florida and local governments can take part in management conferences and develop comprehensive conservation and management plans for these bays under the program, subject to the Act’s funding restrictions.
  • EPA and the National Estuary Program: The law amends the Section 320 list to include Pensacola and Perdido Bays, making them eligible for NEP processes, while conditioning actual grant or plan implementation on appropriations levels.

*Temporarily restricts EPA use of National Estuary Program appropriations for Pensacola and Perdido Bays in FY2024 and ties FY2025 implementation funding to at least a $850,000 increase in program appropriations over FY2023.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Pensacola bays gain national estuary status, funding limited

The law names Pensacola and Perdido Bays in Florida as estuaries of national significance. They are now eligible for National Estuary Program planning, management meetings, and grants. For fiscal year 2024, EPA cannot use program funds for this new designation. For fiscal year 2025, EPA can use funds only if total program funding for FY2025 is at least $850,000 more than FY2023. These funding limits end after FY2025.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Rubio, Marco [R-FL]

FL • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 1/24/2023

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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