Don’t Let the Environmental Protection Agency Abandon Manatees

More Florida manatees have already died this year than in either 2024 or 2023 as the species faces growing threats and possible extinction. But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is axing programs that stop wastewater and agricultural runoff from entering Florida’s waterways and harmful algal outbreaks that kill off the seagrass manatees depend on for food.

Tell Congress to intervene and save crucial Environmental Protection Agency programs that protect and save manatees.

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I am alarmed that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is planning for and instituting wholesale cuts to, and elimination of, programs and regulations that protect wildlife like manatees from toxic pollutants. Today, I am calling on you to intervene and make sure the vital programs and regulations that provide the backbone for protecting wildlife and their habitats from toxic pollution are not hollowed out or eliminated. Manatees need clean water, and so do we.

Florida manatees require large amounts of seagrass daily, and can starve or ingest toxic algae if they can’t find this essential food source. The Environmental Protection Agency has been providing research, monitoring, oversight and enforcement in the state to reduce water pollution from sources like wastewater, agriculture, and urban runoff. These efforts are critical for protecting manatee habitats, such as the Indian River Lagoon, where toxic pollution has decimated seagrass. Don’t let the Environmental Protection Agency abandon manatees or the health and safety of all of us.

Unfortunately, manatees are just one of thousands of wildlife species in our country being directly harmed by cuts to or elimination of air and water programs and oversight from the Environmental Protection Agency.

-In April, more than 60 coal-fired power plants were exempted from rules requiring reductions of harmful pollutants including mercury, arsenic, and benzene—a harsh blow to kingfishers and other sensitive avian species.

-Foxes, owls and bald eagles across the country could be lost to rodenticide poisoning as programs and measures to protect them from these highly toxic substances are dropped.

-Ingestion of toxic microplastic threatens hundreds of marine species, including sea turtles, as one of the few highly specialized aquatic research centers faces closure.

-Hundreds and hundreds of programs and protections—in every state—are on the chopping block.

Please speak out in defense of these programs and share your support with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.

Sincerely,
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