America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act Includes Big Wins for Sportfishing

Today, leaders of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee introduced the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act. This sweeping legislation includes many priorities for the sportfishing industry, including habitat restoration and efforts to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. We are grateful to Chairman Carper, Ranking Member Capito, as well as Senators Cardin, Boozman, Padilla, Wicker, Whitehouse and Mullin for their support of these initiatives.

“The many provisions of the ACE Act have proven themselves valuable for fish habitat, anglers, and America’s sportfishing industry,” said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). “Reauthorizing and improving these critical programs will continue to bolster the $148 billion sportfishing economy and improve habitat for America’s 54.5 million anglers to enjoy.”

Of its many components, the ACE Reauthorization Act reauthorizes the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP), a voluntary, non-regulatory, and locally driven program that funds important on-the-ground aquatic habitat improvements. The bill authorizes $10 million per year for the program.

Since 2006, NFHP has supported over 1,300 projects benefiting fish habitat in all 50 states. These habitat improvements will have direct benefits for anglers and the sportfishing industry.

The ACE Reauthorization Act will also protect the use of traditional fishing tackle by prohibiting the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating lead-based fishing products through 2030.

Additionally, this legislation includes the reauthorization of the Chesapeake Bay Program and authorizes $100 million a year through 2030 for improvements to water quality and habitat in the Bay watershed. The Chesapeake Bay, which drains water from six states and the District of Columbia, is the largest estuary in the United States. Fishing for trout, shad, and striped bass, among the many other gamefish in the watershed, is worth billions of dollars and is a critical economic driver for many communities in the region.

The ACE Act was initially authorized in 2020 and many of its provisions will expire in 2025. We look forward to working with Members of Congress to see that these vital programs continue.