What’s the status of that bill I advocated for?

You advocated for: billions of dollars for climate action

Here’s what happened: This year, Congress worked together to pass the landmark, bipartisan infrastructure bill into law, and Congress is currently working in the Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act. We will have more money in the coming years for climate action and research, and you’ll see climate action in many federal projects this coming year. Your support for funding made these historic wins possible!

You advocated for: the bipartisan infrastructure bill

Here’s what happened: In a huge and historic win, the infrastructure bill became law! It provides:

• $1 billion to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) over the next five years, investing in efforts to clean up toxic hotspots in the Great Lakes, address invasive species, restore fish and wildlife habitats and species, and reduce nonpoint-source pollution (which is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, then emptying pollution in waterways).
• $50 billion for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure to fund things like the removal of lead service lines and addressing PFAS (manmade persistent chemicals) contamination which Shedd Aquarium worked closely on advancing with Great Lakes Mayors.
• Historic investments in sustainable energy infrastructure from advancing solar energy to $5 billion in new federal funding over five years for electric and low emission school buses.

You advocated for: the Build Back Better Act

Here’s what happened: The Build Back Better Act passed out of the House and is now under consideration in the Senate. This is a once-in-a-generation investment to rebuild and restore our ocean and Great Lakes, securing $555 billion in equitable solutions that address historic environmental injustices while protecting the precious biodiversity of our blue planet's ocean and Great Lakes. This is an unprecedented investment in coastal restoration, sustainable energy solutions and the next generation of conservationists. This bill incorporates many elements outlined in the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act. More must be done, and we will continue to work to ensure these types of strategic investments will be supported by Congress in order to build our economies back stronger while restoring the health of our ocean and coasts.

You advocated for: the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act

Here’s what happened: Congressional representatives received 366 letters from Surgers to support this bill! Many core elements of this urgently needed bill that address both Great Lakes and Ocean climate solutions have been incorporated into both the infrastructure law as well as Build Back Better bill that has passed the House of Representatives. This bill is viewed by many as one of the best-described ways to tackle climate change. We continue to work to ensure we address the urgent threat of climate change through science-driven legislation such as this.

You advocated for: the America the Beautiful initiative

Here’s what happened: Just recently, the Surge community sent over 70 letters to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to voice your support for advancing environmental justice, outdoor equity and protecting 30% of land and water by 2030. The White House, the Environmental Protection Agency, NOAA and the Department of Interior’s executive leadership have noted the leadership role aquariums and our supporters have played in advancing all-of-government initiative. Together we will continue this work in 2022, and we look forward to sharing more opportunities to tell the world why you care about it!

You advocated for: the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act (BFFPPA)

Here’s what happened: Together, we sent nearly 500 letters to Congress supporting this bill, and our collective efforts are making a difference. In December, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) released a groundbreaking report on the U.S.’s role in global ocean plastic waste. This report lays out the science to support our work on BFFPPA, and it shows that when we work together, we have an important impact.

You advocated for: the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act

Here’s what happened: Over 100 letters from Surgers helped support this bill that Illinois Senator Dick Durbin championed and introduced at Shedd Aquarium. We recently learned that a companion bill will be launched in the House of Representatives. We are building substantial bi-partisan support for this effort and look forward to its adoption in 2022.