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Thursday, October 31, 2024

Rouzer, Joyce, Pallone, Sykes Introduce Bill to Preserve America’s Beaches

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Congressman David Rouzer | David Rouzer Official Website

Congressman David Rouzer | David Rouzer Official Website

WASHINGTON, DC - Representatives David Rouzer (R-NC-07), Dave Joyce (R-OH-14), Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), and Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13) have reintroduced the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, a bill aimed at preserving America's beaches. This bipartisan legislation provides funding to state and local governments to test, monitor, and identify contamination in recreational waters.

Congressman Rouzer emphasized the importance of clean and safe coastal recreational waters, stating, "North Carolina's Seventh District is fortunate to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country which provide significant recreational and economic benefits for our coastal communities." He expressed his pride in supporting the BEACH Act and ensuring the well-being of those who live and vacation in Southeastern North Carolina.

Congressman Joyce highlighted the economic impact of beaches in Ohio, stating, "Every year, Ohio families and tourists across the country flock to the Great Lakes to enjoy the beaches, spurring economic growth in the region." He urged his colleagues in Congress to advance the BEACH Act to protect these natural treasures for future generations.

Congressman Pallone expressed his support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting public health and giving beachgoers peace of mind. He said, "New Jersey's beaches are a treasure, and this bill will help make sure they remain clean and safe." Pallone also mentioned the bill's provisions for improving the water quality monitoring system and granting states and communities greater flexibility in addressing local conditions.

Congresswoman Sykes emphasized the significance of Lake Erie as a natural resource in Ohio, stating, "Lake Erie is one of Ohio's most prized natural resources, supporting industries, agriculture, and tourism throughout Northeast Ohio." She expressed gratitude for partnering with Representatives Joyce and Pallone to ensure the cleanliness and safety of Lake Erie for the people of Ohio's 13th District.

The BEACH Act was established in 2000 to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop guidelines for testing, monitoring, and notifying the public of possible coastal recreation water problems such as contamination. It also provides grant funding to state, local, and tribal governments to protect beachgoers from contaminated water at coastal beaches.

The reintroduced BEACH Act reauthorizes the program at $30 million for FY2024 – FY2028, maintaining the previously authorized level. It also expands the eligible uses of BEACH Act grants to include the identification of sources of contamination. Currently, funds are allocated for monitoring and notification of contamination, but not for identifying sources. This expansion will address the root causes of contamination issues that are already being monitored.

Additionally, the legislation expands the eligible testing locations to include shallow recreational waters adjacent to beaches where children and the elderly typically play and swim, as they are more at risk for contamination.

The reintroduction of the BEACH Act demonstrates a bipartisan effort to preserve America's beaches and protect public health. By providing funding for testing, monitoring, and identifying contamination, this legislation ensures that beachgoers can enjoy clean and safe recreational waters.

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