U.S. Congressman Don Young has emphasized the health of the environment and the fishing industry in legislation he is currently sponsoring. The key legislation that his office has chosen to celebrate via press releases focus on the Alaskan fishing industry, as well as the well-being of the environment.
Among the Acts that his office has touted are:
- The Genetically Engineered Salmon Labeling Act
- The Prevention of Escapement of Genetically Altered Salmon in the United States Act
- The Keep Finfish Free Act
With regards to the Keep Finfish Free Act, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored alongside three Democrats, the aim is to prohibit the Secretary of Interior and Secretary of Commerce from authorizing commercial finish aquaculture operations in the Federal Exclusive Economic Zone, unless specifically authorized by Congress.: “The fishing industry is critical to Alaska’s economy, culture, and way of life. Every year, countless families across the country sit down at their dinner tables to enjoy Alaskan salmon, halibut, and other delicious seafood. We must be doing all we can to protect the health and integrity of our state’s wild fish stock.”
Young’s office also says that the lawmaker is committed to championing legislation requiring the labeling of genetically engineered fish, as well as legislation to amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to “better work” for Alaska.
Young’s press release added: “We can waste no time in standing up and fighting for the health of our fisheries. That is why I have proudly introduced legislation in the first weeks of the 117th Congress to protect the integrity of our seafood, fight the threat of genetically modified fish, and ensure that federal bureaucrats cannot harm coastal communities by haphazardly designating new marine sanctuaries.”