ESP Advisors

We loved this valentine from House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (and kudos to a GREAT comms team)!

"There's a lot of uncertainty about whether folks should continue work" - our client Debra Hernandez, Executive Director of the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) about the recent federal funding freeze. SECOORA, the southeast region of IOOS Association, gets federal funding primarily through NOAA to collect ocean data for the public, including critical information for hurricane models, localized flooding, rip tides, harmful algal blooms, and more. https://lnkd.in/gawFw7eC

3 for 3: Spend 3 minutes with Emily S. Patrolia and get caught up on the top 3 things you need to know about what's happening in DC. Our team is firing on all cylinders to help our clients successfully navigate these churning waters.

Feeling lost in the midst of fast-moving federal policy changes? Our team of U.S. ocean policy experts are here to help. In furtherance of our mission to pave the way for ocean and coastal change-makers, ESP Advisors have two exciting new offers to support the community. 1. Our team is making Ocean Policy Insights, our weekly report on all things federal ocean & coastal policy, free to all in 2025. Anyone can sign up at oceanpolicy.substack.com. Please spread the word. 2. We created a new non-lobbying and affordable offering (meaning fewer restrictions on funds for certain organizations) to make our expertise accessible to more people. This strategy and education offering helps ocean and coastal organizations stay informed and make more sophisticated decisions for their federal policy engagement. Check out our website to learn more and to sign up: https://lnkd.in/e42GeVmA

Last night the Trump administration released a memo calling for the pause of all federal financial assistance as of 5pm today. States, agencies, and organizations are scrambling to figure out what it means for them. Check out this video from Emily S. Patrolia breaking down the powers of the executive branch vs. Congress when it comes to federal dollars. And ICYMI, make sure to read our blog post for more: https://lnkd.in/e8s7fZ9J

There’s a battle brewing between President Trump and Congress over who really controls the federal budget. In some of Trump’s first executive orders of his second term, he called for a pause on the disbursement of particular funding already appropriated by Congress. And Trump’s pick for Budget Director, Russell Vought, said during his nomination hearings that he plans to fight to withhold funds that Congress previously appropriated in law. This could have major impacts on how agencies are funded and the balance of power in DC—but is it legal? What would the implications be for ocean and coastal priorities? Emily S. Patrolia breaks it down:

Exciting news! Our team made the decision to make our weekly ocean and coastal policy report FREE for everyone. Help us spread the word! Let your friends and colleagues know they can sign up at oceanpolicy.substack.com. This week's edition includes a summary of President Trump's sweeping executive orders, news from the agencies, updates on ocean and coastal bills, and more! News Highlights: – President Donald Trump, sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, began his term by issuing sweeping executive orders—including rolling back climate policies, freezing regulations, revoking DEI programs, withdrawing from international agreements, and establishing the Department of Government Efficiency—while announcing key federal appointees and nominees. – Former President Biden and NOAA announced the designation of the marine portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, a 582,570 square-mile area in the Pacific Ocean, as America’s 18th national marine sanctuary. – NOAA announced its withdrawal of proposed speed limits for vessels smaller than 65 feet in waters used by North Atlantic right whales.

The budget reconciliation dance is upon us and we're going to be hearing a lot more about it in the coming weeks. Republicans are expected to use reconciliation to progress their agenda, including rescinding funding for Democrat-passed priorities like climate infrastructure spending in the Inflation Reduction Act. Where are we at and what's on the table? What does "Byrdable" mean? And how does this process actually work? Sarah Keartes breaks it down on our blog!

Happy New Year from ESP Advisors! Check out our latest post from Emily S. Patrolia as we reflect on the ocean-related bills passed at the end of the 118th Congress and look ahead to the 119th Congress. https://lnkd.in/eDQqSV3Q

Congress is in DC for the final week of the year with major outstanding items to address. As of now, continuing resolution text hasn't been released. While we're waiting for an update, catch up on this week's ocean policy news! Highlights: – For the first time since 1983, the United States is releasing an updated National Aquaculture Development Plan. – The Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 (S.4367) passed the full House. Differences will have to be reconciled before the bill is sent to the president’s desk for signature. – Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01) launched a bid for the top Democratic spot on the House Committee on Natural Resources, joining Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) in the race for the position. – NOAA released the final management plan and environmental impact statement for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.