As the calendar year winds down and another session of Congress is heading to a close, the time is now to voice your support for the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act, (S.1214, H.R. 2565). Please consider personally reaching out to your Members of Congress in their home districts and Washington D.C. offices in the next couple of weeks to express your support for S. 1214 and H.R. 2565, and to request that your Senators and House Members cosponsor this important legislation. The National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will implement efforts through the National Fish Habitat Action Plan to clean-up critical waterways, providing a more green and healthy environment. The Act will also help to slow and reverse the listing of threatened and endangered fish species. The Action Plan provides a framework for maintaining and restoring fish habitat in freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats in all 50 states and U.S. Territories. The Action Plan’s voluntary, non-regulatory incentives will result in long-term sustainable progress, with stakeholder partnerships and federal agencies being the keys for success. This landmark legislation would put into focus the scientific and conservation capabilities of stakeholders including; States, Federal agencies, Tribes, industry, conservation organizations, and local communities and other stakeholders to improve the condition of fish habitat nationwide through partnerships, science, and on-the-ground projects.
SARP is also asking that you reach out to your partners as well as members of your organizations to request their assistance in contacting Members of Congress and requesting co-sponsorship of the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act. Additional co-sponsors, particularly this spring and early summer, are critical for helping the legislation gain momentum and move toward House markup, House and Senate floor consideration, and final enactment.
What can you do to encourage support of the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act?
Send an Action Alert to partners, organization members, and Fish Habitat Partnership stakeholders encouraging them to contact Members of Congress in support of the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act.
Draft a legislative letter in support of S. 1214 and H.R. 2565 that you can tailor for your specific Fish Habitat Partnership or organization.
Pledge your support for the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act through an e-letter through NFHAP partner, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) click here. The ASA letter can also be personalized, highlighting the important aquatic resource needs of your region/state.
Resources available through the National Fish Habitat Conservation Toolkit available by clicking here will empower you to make a difference in assuring the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act will gain support in the 111th Congress. The Adobe (PDF) portfolio contains the following four documents.
1) Four-page outreach piece (PDF)
2) National Fish Habitat Conservation Act Summary (PDF)
3) National Fish Habitat Conservation Act Talking Points (PDF)
4) National Fish Habitat Conservation Act modifiable Legislative support letter (MS Word)
We encourage you to use these resources in your local communities to help advocate for the passage of the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act (S.1214, H.R. 2565).
SARP thanks you for your help in supporting this critical piece of legislation, as it is imperative for the further implementation of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan to help conserve fish habitat and fish populations throughout the United States and U.S. Territories. Please do your part today and help make the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act become a reality with enactment in the 111th Congress.