In February, Representative María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) and Congressman Ed Case (D-HI) reintroduced a bill to direct the Secretary of the Navy to notify Congress of the pending retirement of any naval vessel that is a viable candidate for artificial reefing. The bill, called the “Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification,” or “REEF Act” incentivizes retired Navy ships to be repurposed into artificial reefs, boosting marine environments, and creating recreational and economic opportunities in the process. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Senate companion to the House bill.
