The sportfishing industry applauded the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s unanimous approval of the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act (S. 3791). The bipartisan legislation includes ASA priorities to bolster fish habitat protections and improve access to fishing.
The legislation now goes to the full Senate for a vote.
“The ACE Reauthorization Act will continue to support proven conservation programs in the Chesapeake Bay and beyond,” said Mike Leonard, VP of government affairs at the American Sportfishing Association. “Programs like the National Fish Habitat Partnership and the Chesapeake Bay Program are foundational to the $148 billion sportfishing industry and America’s 54.5 million anglers.”
ACE Reauthorization reauthorizes the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP), a voluntary, non-regulatory and locally driven program that funds fish habitat projects. The bill authorizes $10 million per year for the program.
Since 2006, NFHP has supported over 1,300 projects in all 50 states. These habitat improvements directly benefit anglers and the sportfishing industry. Additionally, the ACE Reauthorization protects the use of traditional fishing tackle by banning regulations on lead tackle by the EPA through at least 2030.
“We would like to thank Chairman Carper, Ranking Member Capito and the rest of the Committee for realizing the benefits these programs have for anglers and businesses that rely on intact fish habitat and clean water,” said Leonard.
Multiple provisions of the ACE were authorized in 2020 and would expire in 2025.
Image courtesy Chesapeake Bay Program
