State leaders seek bill to restore and conserve our nation's coral reefs

FORT MYERS, Fla. — In an effort to protect paradise all over the United States, several state leaders are teaming up with other leaders to introduce a bill to restore and conserve our nation's coral reefs. Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio from Florida along with Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono from Hawaii are behind legislation called the "Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2019." It will reauthorize and update the "Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000." The new legislation will authorize five years of directed federal funding, provide technical assistance, and it will also encourage new partnerships as well as update the U.S. coral reef task force.