In March, the National Audubon Society brought staff members representing 32 states to the Capital Fly-In event in Washington, D.C. Audubon Mid-Atlantic and federal policy staff met with our congressional representatives to speak about ongoing and future environmental commitments to the region. 

During the two days on Capitol Hill, Audubon Mid-Atlantic's Executive Director Suzanne Biemiller, Policy Director Jim Brown, and Delaware River Policy Fellow Agung Putra met with members and staff of the region’s congressional delegation, including Representatives Fitzpatrick, Dean, Boyle, Thompson, Reschenthaler, Bresnahan, and Senator Fetterman of Pennsylvania, as well as Representatives McLean-Daly, Harris, Ivey, Olszewski, and Senator Van Hollen of Maryland. In these meetings, staff discussed Audubon’s federal legislative priorities, emphasizing the importance of continued investments in conservation and habitat restoration. The Audubon team also described Mid-Atlantic programs to create healthier forests and watersheds and restore coastal marshes in Maryland. Additionally, they highlighted the need for more renewable energy projects to meet growing electricity demands in the region.  

Each legislative office was eager to learn about Audubon’s regional work. These meetings also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular communication with our federal delegation in Washington, D.C. 

Also in March, Agung Putra attended the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed’s (CDRW) annual Hill Day. During this event, Audubon and partners met with congressional offices to advocate for funding priorities in the Delaware River Watershed. This included asking for support for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act, as well as continued federal appropriations for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.  Audubon Mid-Atlantic and partners will continue to engage with federal legislators, including Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), who co-chairs the Delaware Watershed caucus, to increase support for the protection and restoration of the Delaware River Basin.  

 To learn more about our state legislative priorities in 2025, please visit this page for Maryland legislation, and this page for Pennsylvania legislation.