James Oberstar: “I rise in support of H.R. 3313, the Long Island Sound Restoration Act. The Long Island Sound is a unique, urban…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3313, the Long Island Sound Restoration Act. The Long Island Sound is a unique, urban watershed nestled among one of the most densely populated regions of this country. Like many of the salt-water estuaries along the coast of the United States, the Long Island Sound supports a variety of uses and demands, including providing vital habitat to numerous fish and wildlife species, as well as recreational and commercial activities. However, increasing pressures from residential, industrial, and agricultural development have dramatically altered the natural conditions of this region, and have increased the discharge of pollutants into the Sound. In 1987, upon the realization that additional efforts were needed to protect our Nation's salt-water estuaries, Congress authorized the establishment of the National Estuaries Program (NEP), within EPA, to restore and protect these resources. The Long Island Sound was one of the original waterbodies to be designated as an Estuary of National Significance under the NEP.”