CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

What Would Tim Walz or J.D. Vance Bring to the Table for Oceans?

In case you missed it, we recently explored Kamala Harris’ and Donald Trump’s ocean priorities to think about how their potential administrations might impact our community. Now that we have two official Vice President candidates—Tim Walz (D-MN) and J.D. Vance (R-OH)—let’s explore their voting records and what they might reveal about their positions on ocean, coastal, and […]

What are Donald Trump’s Ocean Priorities?

From Project 2025 to attention-grabbing rally sound bites, there’s a lot of noise around about Donald Trump. But what can his four years as president tell us about his actual ocean priorities?  A couple of weeks ago, we dove into prospective Democrat nominee Kamala Harris’ background to tease out these themes. As promised, let’s put […]

What are Kamala Harris’ Ocean Priorities?

Over the weekend, U.S. President Joe Biden announced he will not seek reelection, endorsing Vice President (VP) Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate to run in his place. Harris already inherited Biden’s $100 million campaign warchest, which has doubled since Biden’s announcement, as well as his campaign staff and operations. While she has not been […]

How a Fishery Management Dispute Curtailed the Power of Federal Agencies

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) announced several major rulings this week, one of which will have serious implications for ocean and environmental policy. Image: Herring (NOAA Fisheries) In a 6-3 decision, the justices overturned SCOTUS’ 1984 landmark Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council decision, which has informed how courts view agency decisions for […]

ESP Team Member Spotlight: Austen Stovall

Austen Stovall is the newest member of Team ESP. She joined us this spring after completing a Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship in Rep. Jared Huffman’s (D-CA-02) office. During her fellowship, Austen worked on introducing the Help Our Kelp Act, drafting and sending letters to the Biden Administration regarding illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, […]

FY25 President’s Budget Request: Drastic Cuts to NOAA Ocean Programs

President Biden officially released his Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) President’s Budget. And spoiler alert: there are winners and losers from the ocean and science worlds.  The request comes just four days after Biden signed half of the previous year’s funding bills into law. If you subscribe to our Ocean Policy Insights newsletter, you already saw our summary […]

FY24 Spending Bills Released

House and Senate leaders released a six-bill, $435 billion negotiated FY24 spending package on Sunday afternoon. The bills (Agriculture-FDA, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, Interior-Environment, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD) fund NOAA, NSF, EPA, BOEM, MARAD, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other important agencies and programs. The House and Senate must pass these bills by midnight […]

ESP Advisors Welcomes Spring 2024 Policy Fellows

Please join us in welcoming our Spring 2024 Policy Fellows. We’re so lucky to have them! Omisha Manglani recently completed a Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) working on oceans, environment, energy, and climate issues. She has experience with humpback whale bioacoustics, coastal blue carbon, and sustainable fisheries management, and holds […]

ESP Advisors: 2023 Wrapped

It was another great year in ocean policy advocacy! Thank you to the entire ESP Advisors community for all you do. As we turn to 2024 and the upcoming election, be sure to follow the firm to stay looped in on important news and updates.  To help you plan out your year, the ESP Advisors […]

Beyond the Headlines: 6 COP28 Ocean Announcements You Might Have Missed

If you’ve been online this week, chances are you’ve been hit with a wave of articles, social media posts, and a lot of opinions about COP28. Topping the list is the announcement that after extended delayed negotiations, representatives from nearly 200 countries approved a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels—a first for the climate summit. […]

Mike Henry

Mike Henry is a Washington, D.C.-based science and technology policy leader focused on weather, water, and ocean advocacy. He has shaped federal science policy through roles at UCAR, NASA, and the American Institute of Physics, and began his career on the Senate staff of Sen. Ben Cardin.

FAVORITES

Aperol Spritz

Blue Crab 

Based in DC

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

Based in Maryland

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

Based in 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 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

Based in Maryland