WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following statement was issued by Janis Searles Jones (@InVeritas_Jones), CEO of Ocean Conservancy:

“Ocean Conservancy congratulates Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo on her nomination to be the next Secretary of Commerce. As Secretary, Governor Raimondo will oversee NOAA – our nation’s premier ocean agency – and help ensure the Agency plays a key role in implementing the Biden administration’s climate agenda.

“Hailing from The Ocean State, Governor Raimondo has a track record of bold action to protect our ocean. As Governor, she established ambitious goals to advance a 100% renewable electricity future for Rhode Island by 2030 to help in the fight against climate change. She also established a Task Force to Tackle Plastics, and has been a key partner in promoting sustainable ocean planning.

“We look forward to leadership in Commerce that will rely on science and evidence-based knowledge to protect ocean ecosystems and coastal communities. Upon her confirmation, Governor Raimondo will have the important task of addressing environmental justice and strengthening ocean observations and weather forecasting to help us aggressively respond to worsening climate change. We look forward to working with Gov. Raimondo to protect our ocean and the communities that rely on it.”