Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The passage of the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act by the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday, Dec. 9th marks an important moment for the conservation and management of these critical waterways in Northwest Florida and southern Alabama. This legislation, which now awaits President Biden's signature, formally directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate Pensacola and Perdido Bays as “Estuaries of National Significance” and enroll the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP) into the EPA's National Estuary Program. This designation carries significant implications for the region, ensuring enhanced funding, coordinated management, and science-based strategies to address long-standing environmental challenges.

As the first estuary added to the National Estuary Program in more than 30 years, the Pensacola and Perdido Bays will benefit from a model of cooperative federalism that has proven effective in tackling complex environmental issues. The program emphasizes non-regulatory, community-driven solutions informed by scientific research. This approach will allow local governments, stakeholders, and conservation groups to implement projects that improve water quality, restore habitats, and bolster resilience against climate-related threats. Since its inception in 2018, the PPBEP has already secured over $30 million for priority projects, and this new designation promises to amplify its impact by unlocking additional federal and state resources.

The significance of this milestone extends beyond environmental benefits. The health of Pensacola and Perdido Bays is intrinsically tied to the economic vitality of the region, supporting industries such as tourism, fishing, and recreation. By ensuring the long-term sustainability of these estuaries, the legislation safeguards not only the natural resources but also the cultural and economic heritage of the Gulf Coast. Local leaders, including Escambia County Commissioner Mike Kohler and Florida’s Chief Resilience Officer Dr. Wes Brooks, have lauded the act as a transformational opportunity to harmonize growth with conservation. The legislation underscores a bipartisan commitment to environmental stewardship and sets a precedent for future collaborations aimed at preserving the nation's invaluable natural assets.

Below you will find more information from the Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program organizers… 

On Dec. 9, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act, directing the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to formally enroll the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP) into the National Estuary Program and designate Pensacola and Perdido Bays as “Estuaries of National Significance.” The bill passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate in March and now heads to President Biden to be signed into law.

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the legislation to federally designate the PPBEP to leverage federal, state, and local government funding to address water quality and resource challenges in Pensacola and Perdido Bays. 

“I am grateful for the House’s passage of my bill to designate the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program. The EPA’s National Estuary Program has a successful track record of cooperative federalism across the nation, including with the four existing Florida programs. Enrolling the PPBEP into this program will provide critical support for restoration, conservation, and monitoring efforts in Pensacola and Perdido Bays while enhancing economic activity in the Florida Panhandle.” – Senator Marco Rubio.

“The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act will take important steps in our fight to protect and conserve Florida’s environment and natural resources. I am proud that our good bill was passed by the House of Representatives, unanimously passed by the Senate and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law—a major win for Florida’s panhandle.” – Senator Rick Scott

EPA’s National Estuary Program was established by Congress in 1987 to support non-regulatory, science-based, and locally driven programs across the U.S. to address resource management challenges. The PPBEP will be the first new National Estuary Program added to the existing 28 programs in over 30 years.

“This is an overdue recognition of the economic and environmental importance of Pensacola and Perdido Bays to Northwest Florida and our nation. The National Estuary Program designation will supplement current local and state investments that are already generating regional water quality improvements and enhancing the resilience of surrounding local communities.” – Florida’s Chief Resilience Officer Dr. Wes Brooks.

The health and resilience of Pensacola and Perdido Bays are critical to the regional economy. Through the National Estuary Program, local communities are empowered to identify natural resource challenges and implement solutions through science-based, community-driven actions.

“The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary is a vital natural resource for all of North Florida. I’m proud to have worked with Senators Rubio and Scott to pass this legislation, which will provide the resources needed to restore and protect these estuaries. This effort is essential to conserving one of North Florida’s most important environmental and economic treasures.” – Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02)

The designation ensures a commitment to improving water quality and enhancing community resilience in Northwest Florida and southern Alabama through strategic partnerships and investments.

“On behalf of the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program Board of Directors, we are grateful that Congress has acted on the legislation introduced by Senator Rubio and Senator Scott, with the support of Congressman Dunn and Congressman Bean, to designate Pensacola and Perdido Bays as Estuaries of National Significance. This designation represents a transformational opportunity for our communities to support continued growth while improving water quality and ensuring the long-term stewardship of our natural resources. We urge the EPA Administrator to act quickly on enrolling PPBEP into the National Estuary Program so it may continue to execute on its critical mission.” –  Escambia County Commissioner and Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program Board of Directors Chairman Mike Kohler.

Since creation in 2018, PPBEP and its partners have secured over $30 million to implement priority restoration, resilience, and conservation projects in the Pensacola and Perdido Bay watersheds. This action ensures funding and policy decisions made today support the long-term sustainability of the region’s natural resources and economy.

“Designation as a National Estuary Program is a generational investment in the restoration and conservation of our estuaries and watersheds. Children growing up in Northwest Florida today enjoy much of the same quality of life their parents and grandparents grew up with: access to fishing, swimming, and exploring our area’s beautiful natural resources. Thanks to Congress, and the leadership of Senator Rubio and Senator Scott, this designation will allow us to build on existing efforts to ensure investments and decisions made today supports our way of life for generations to come.” – Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program Executive Director Matt Posner.

Many local and national partners have worked for years to secure National Estuary Program designation, recognizing working at the watershed-scale through partnerships is a far more effective and efficient approach to improving water quality, restoring habitat, and supporting community resilience. 

“For more than five years, The Nature Conservancy in Florida has partnered with the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program and the local governments in Northwest Florida to aid in conservation of these vital watersheds. The Pensacola and Perdido watersheds are one of TNC in Florida’s highest priorities and the passage of S.50 will supercharge the effort to designate the region as a National Estuary Program.” – The Nature Conservancy in Florida Executive Director Greg Knecht.

“We welcome the increased prioritization of the Pensacola and Perdido watersheds. The watersheds connect Alabama and Florida’s lands and waters, and the human and natural species that depend on them. With the passage of S.50, we celebrate and look forward to bigger and better partnerships in the future.” – The Nature Conservancy in Alabama Executive Director Mitch Reid.