Alexandria, VA – June 21, 2024 – On the heels of its passage in the U.S. Senate last month, the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act was introduced today by Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA). The bipartisan legislation includes many provisions that will support the sportfishing industry and recreational anglers.

“Provisions within the ACE Act like the National Fish Habitat Partnership are invaluable for America’s 54.5 million anglers and $148 billion sportfishing economy,” said Glenn Hughes, President of the American Sportfishing Association. “Reauthorizing these critical programs will result in direct and immediate benefits for our waterways, fish and recreational anglers. We are grateful to Reps. Wittman, Kiggans, Dingell and Thompson for leading this important effort.”


The Chesapeake Bay, America’s largest estuary, drains waters from six states and the District of Columbia. By reauthorizing the Chesapeake Bay Program, Congress will continue to help states in the watershed meet their pollution reduction goals and improve water quality for prized species such as trout and striped bass.

Also included in ACE is a provision that would protect the use of traditional fishing tackle, including lead sinkers and jigs, on public lands and waters through 2030. The use of traditional tackle reduces the cost barrier to entry for many anglers.

The National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) has supported more than 1,300 on-the-ground habitat restoration projects since its founding. The ACE Act will reauthorize funding for this voluntary, non-regulatory, and locally driven program to continue for another five years and build on the achievements since its founding in 2006.

The ACE Act was initially passed in 2020 and is set to expire in 2025. We look forward to working with other Members of Congress to see this legislation pass and these critical programs continued.

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