WASHINGTON, DC – The following statement was issued by Reggie Paros, Director of Government Relations at Ocean Conservancy, in reaction to the March 31^st announcement of President Biden’s American Jobs Plan:

“We’re very excited that the American Jobs Plan includes important ocean-based investments to spur job creation, economic development, fight climate change and ensure a healthy ocean. Investments in port infrastructure will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, clean up our environment and reduce pollution levels in port communities, all while creating new jobs. Coastal restoration will similarly put people back to work in sustainable industries that will ensure our ocean ecosystems and coastal communities are resilient in the face of climate change. Earlier this week, we were also thrilled to see the Biden administration’s commitment to addressing climate change by setting a goal to advance offshore wind. These are big wins for our ocean and coasts, but we can’t stop here. We are ready to continue working with the Biden administration and Congress to provide needed investments for our ocean and everyone who relies on it.”

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Reggie Paros is available for interviews upon request.

Notes to Editors:

• The American Jobs Plan includes $17 billion in freight investments, which ports fall under.
• The American Jobs Plan says Congress needs to invest in coastal resilience. Representative Bonamici sent a dear colleague letter calling for $10 billion in coastal restoration funding.
• On Monday, the Biden administration announced a goal of achieving 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 and invests research dollars to do so smartly, as well as making important investments in port infrastructure upgrades, and a commitment to data sharing to ensure greater transparency. Funding commitments include:
  • $230 million in funding for port and intermodal infrastructure-related projects through the Port Infrastructure Development Program.
  • $1 million in funding to further understand the effects of wind on the ocean, local communities and economies as well as opportunities to optimize ocean co-use.
  • $8 million to 15 research projects for structure innovation, supply chain development, electrical systems innovation and mitigation of conflicts.

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit http://www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.