US Lawmakers Introduce ‘The REEF Act’

US Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) have introduced the Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification (REEF) Act.

The laws would relief the US Navy to prioritize the repurposing of retired vessels into artificial reefs to crimson meat up marine environments and invent both recreational and economic alternatives. The invoice would guarantee Congress is given come seek when a vessel is expected to be retired, offering lawmakers with additional oversight and alternatives to find out in regards to the switch of eligible vessels to state and local governments for artificial reefing applications.

Rubio stated:

“Florida’s marine ecosystems are of foremost importance to the state’s biodiversity, economic system and draw of lifestyles. The REEF Act would invent contemporary alternatives to set the most of retiring navy ships as artificial reefs to the attend of marine lifestyles and Florida’s tourism-based fully mostly economic system.”

And Wicker added:

“Anglers and ecologists alike take into accout that supplying fish and other marine lifestyles with contemporary habitats is huge now not merely for the atmosphere, nonetheless also for the local economies that rely upon fishing and diving. Providing a brand contemporary pathway for retired naval vessels to become artificial reefs is a big draw that Congress can come collectively to crimson meat up our coastal communities.”

Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) introduced bipartisan accomplice laws within the US Rental of Representatives. Based on her:

“As a representative from a coastal district, I do know first-hand that we must set more to crimson meat up our marine ecosystems. I’m proud to introduce a invoice that offers us the chance to set that by giving our retired navy ships a brand contemporary cause, all while creating contemporary recreational alternatives for fishermen and divers that enhance local economies.”