WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), will increase resources available for coastal restoration and resilience efforts, by sending revenue generated from offshore wind back to coastal states and lifting the revenue sharing cap under the 2006 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act.
“As we prepare for another above-average hurricane season, we desperately need to invest in restoring and boosting resilience of the wetlands, dunes, and other natural defenses that safeguard coastal communities and ecosystems,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We applaud Senator Whitehouse and Senator Cassidy for their tireless leadership to help ensure that coastal states receive the resources necessary to restore coastal and marine habitat, boost community resilience, and recover fish and wildlife populations.”
The bill will send a percentage of revenues to the National Ocean and Coastal Security Fund, which supports research and restoration activities, including investment in protective natural infrastructure projects, through both a formula program and a competitive grant-based program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The legislation also lifts the existing cap on stateside Land and Water Conservation Fund revenues, increasing resources for state efforts nationwide to protect national resources.
For more information on the National Wildlife Federation’s work to advance responsibly developed offshore wind energy visit offshorewind.nwf.org
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