We, the U.S. Youth Action Council for the UN Ocean Decade, hereby request our Congressional lawmakers to support the following bills: the End Oil and Gas Tax Subsidies Act of 2023 (H.R. 1483), the Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2023 (H.R.3878 and S.1806), the Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023 (H.R.2950 and S.1381), the Farm Fresh Food for Families Act of 2023 (S. 643), and the Offshore Pipeline Safety Act (H.R. 1441). Support our efforts to achieve a healthier, safer future for us and our children by signing below to urge U.S. Congress members to support these bills.

“The greatest danger to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” —Robert Swan

The 4th Cohort of the U.S. Youth Action Council for the UN Ocean Decade is advocating for transformative policy changes during our upcoming meetings with lawmakers in Washington D.C. from March 18 to 22, 2024, with a focus on protecting our environment and recognizing the interconnectedness of our one-water system. The bills we support highlight not only a commitment to safeguarding the health of our planet and its vital ecosystems, but also the livelihoods of its inhabitants—irrespective of where you live:

• Firstly, the End Oil and Gas Tax Subsidies Act of 2023 (H.R. 1483) aims to eliminate tax subsidies for the oil and gas industry, confronting the primary driver of climate change by repealing deductions on drilling.
• Secondly, Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2023 (H.R.3878 and S.1806) seeks to establish Ocean Innovation Clusters, fostering collaboration and creating sustainable jobs in the ocean sector for coastal communities while combating environmental degradation.
• Thirdly, the Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023 (H.R.2950 and S.1381) empowers the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate for coastal habitat restoration and protection, conserving coral habitats, promoting coastal biodiversity, and contributing to sustainable resource management.
• The Farm Fresh Food for Families Act of 2023 (S. 643) is our fourth initiative, aiming to expand the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers’ Market Program, creating new partnerships between farmers and WIC families to alleviate climate-related food insecurity and support job creation for farmers.
• Finally, the Offshore Pipeline Safety Act (H.R. 1441) enhances regulations on pipelines on the Outer Continental Shelf, mitigating the risk of major offshore oil spills, thereby safeguarding ocean biodiversity and public welfare.

These bills collectively represent a decisive stance in favor of a cleaner, more sustainable future, recognizing the imperative to safeguard our environment and preserve our one-water system. We urge you to support these measures, as they hold the key to securing a healthier and more resilient planet for future generations. Thank you for your consideration and dedication to the protection of our shared water system.