CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

Pocket Rescissions Could Quietly Gut Ocean and Science Funding

The term “pocket rescission” doesn’t make headlines often—but it should. This little-known budget tactic could quietly cancel millions in congressionally approved funds before they’re ever spent. In fiscal year 2025, it’s shaping up to be a real threat for ocean, coastal, and science programs.

Congress Pushes Back on Trump’s NOAA Cuts But Stormy Seas Loom

Congress released its FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) appropriations bills, offering early insight into the future of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). While NOAA’s organizational structure remains intact in both spending bills despite Trump’s request, the House and Senate lay out diverging visions for its mission and resources. Dive in with us on […]

Republicans’ Budget Reconciliation Bill: Ocean Funding Impacts & Key Changes

On July 4, President Trump signed a sweeping $3.3 trillion budget reconciliation bill into law—capping off a marathon of overnight votes in Congress just ahead of Independence Day. Passed along party lines with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, the bill pairs $4.5 trillion in tax cuts with $1.2 trillion […]

NOAA’s FY26 Budget Request: Major Cuts, Shifting Priorities, & What Comes Next

The Trump Administration’s FY26 budget request proposes sweeping changes to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), marking a clear shift in both structure and strategy. With a proposed 28% overall funding cut—and entire programs and offices on the chopping block—the request would transform NOAA into a leaner, more centralized agency focused on core service […]

Introducing our New Associate: Q&A With Caroline Roche

Please join us in welcoming Caroline Roche. Caroline was a Water Conservation Intern for the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), where she worked closely with both the freshwater policy and ocean policy teams. Most recently, Caroline completed a communications and government affairs internship with Restore America’s Estuaries, strengthening her experience with coastal and […]

What’s in a Name? Budget Request, Recission, and Reconciliation — Three VERY Different Things

If you’re confused by the barrage of budget terms in federal news these days—budget request, budget recission, budget reconciliation—you’re not alone. These processes may sound similar, but they carry very different meanings and consequences. Understanding them is essential if your work intersects with federal funding for ocean or science priorities. Here’s your quick guide to […]

How Ocean Lobbyists Can Help: Marine Policy Lobbying with ESP Advisors

Why Hire a Federal Advocacy Team that Specializes in the Ocean? If you’ve been watching the news, you probably think the federal government struggles to get anything done. But DC is like the ocean; below the surface chaos are steady currents of activity that run deep.  Engaging in DC does not mean stepping into gridlock. […]

White House Proposes Drastic NOAA Cuts, Threatening Weather and Ocean Science

On Friday, April 11, an internal memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) revealed a proposal to significantly restructure the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), slashing its budget by approximately $1.7 billion—from $6.1 billion to $4.5 billion. The draft plan for the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) President’s Budget includes cutting […]

Five Years of ESP Advisors: Elevating Ocean Priorities In Turbulent Times

Five years ago, I took a leap of faith. After years of witnessing the ocean community struggle to capture the attention it deserved in Washington, I knew something had to change. The need was clear: ocean and coastal organizations required high-level advocacy and strategic government relations, but the resources, expertise, and relationships to make that […]

Introducing our New Fellow: Q&A With Claudia Deeg

Please join us in welcoming Claudia Deeg as our 2025 Spring Policy Fellow! Claudia was most recently a Knauss Sea Grant Fellow with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and on the Environment & Public Works Committee where she co-managed a portfolio including oceans, plastics, environment, and agriculture issues. She has a background working in public interest […]

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Brandon Elsner

Brandon Elsner is a government affairs professional with extensive experience shaping federal policy in oceans, science, environment, and infrastructure. He most recently directed federal strategic services at Waggoner Engineering, helping communities secure significant federal funding for water, transportation, and economic development projects. Brandon previously held senior advisory roles at NOAA and the White House Council on Environmental Quality and was a Legislative Assistant for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).

FAVORITES

Thai Boba Tea

Orca

Greater DC area

Marianne Brisson

Marianne helps mission-driven organizations scale their impact through streamlined operations, project leadership, and strategic communications. She leads ESP’s day-to-day operations and ensures firm-wide success. Marianne previously served as Policy and Operations Advisor to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

FAVORITES

Hot latte with oatmilk

Nudibranch

Based in Oregon

Monaliza Manalinding

Monaliza has over three years of experience supporting small businesses professionals and managing fast-paced administrative operations. She brings strong skills in client relations, scheduling, and marketing support, ensuring efficient workflows and exceptional service across all facets of the firm.

FAVORITES

Ginger Tea

Sea turtles

Davao City, Philippines

Sarah Keartes

Sarah brings a decade of media relations and science communication expertise to her role at ESP Advisors. Before joining ESP, she reported on marine and coastal science for outlets including National Geographic News, PBS Digital Studios, and Hakai Magazine.

FAVORITES

Iced tea

Scalloped hammerhead

Based in Oregon

Cat Elia

With over a decade of experience bringing clients’ visions to reality, Cat specializes in marketing and brand development. As both a designer and artist, she excels in visual storytelling and graphic strategy.

FAVORITES

Iced coffee with milk

Frog fish

Based on the West Coast

Caroline Roche

Caroline brings sharp policy instincts and a passion for coastal resilience to ESP Advisors. At the White House Council on Environmental Quality, she supported both the freshwater and ocean policy teams. Most recently, she worked on communications and government affairs for Restore America’s Estuaries, deepening her expertise in habitat protection and federal engagement. Caroline holds a dual degree in Political Science and Fine Art from George Washington University.

FAVORITES

Unsweetened Iced Green Tea

Beluga Whale

Based in Washington, DC

Austen Stovall

Austen Stovall’s background is in coral reef ecology, nature-based solutions, and coastal management. She most recently worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) on his oceans and fisheries portfolio. Austen holds a master’s degree in coastal science and policy from UC Santa Cruz.

FAVORITES

Iced oat milk latte with coconut syrup

Corals

Based in DC

Kat Montgomery

Kat draws upon her ocean policy expertise and years of experience managing projects, programs, and teams to catalyze success for ESP Advisors and our clients. Most recently, Kat served as staff for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), former Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

FAVORITES

Cappuccino with sugar

Seahorse

Based in Virginia

Emily Patrolia

Emily Patrolia founded ESP Advisors to address the need for sophisticated government and public affairs services in the community she holds dear. Emily uses her advocacy and congressional experience and deep understanding of environmental science to lead the firm in all its endeavors.

FAVORITES

Cappuccino

Yeti crab

Based in DC

tttttttt

We are a small but mighty team working to build a culture that leans into vulnerability, clarity, integrity, and transparency. Open communication, collaboration, and relationship building are of the utmost importance to our team. While our work is hard-charging and relies on exceptional attention to detail and deadline management, we remain dedicated to the wellbeing of our staff. Our goal is to ensure our team members are fulfilled both personally and professionally.

PAMELA DAY TAPSCOTT

Pamela Day has over 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill. As Chief of Staff for the late Congressman Don Young (R-AK), father of many initiatives and laws that govern ocean resources today, Pamela managed the annual appropriations process and oversaw 16 original bills that were signed into law.

FAVORITES

Coffee

Otter

Maryland