Legislation moves Mississippi Sound one step closer to protection 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WKRG) — The Mississippi Sound is one step closer to being protected after proposed legislation advanced through committee.

According to a release, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed legislation to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to include Mississippi in the National Estuary Program.

“This is a major win for Mississippi,” Rep. Mike Ezell said. “The Mississippi Sound is vital to our seafood industry, tourism, and the livelihoods of countless coastal families. This legislation ensures Mississippi gets a fair shake by requiring the EPA to evaluate our estuary for national designation and support.

"By advancing this bill out of committee, we’re taking a critical step toward strengthening the health and economy of Mississippi’s coast for futur