CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

VIDEO: What Happens During a Government Shutdown?

With the 2023 federal funding deadline just around the corner, it looks likely that Congress will fail to pass a spending bill in time to avoid a government shutdown when the fiscal year ends at midnight on September 30. How did we get here? What happens during a government shutdown? And what are possible paths […]

Deciphering FY24 Appropriations, Budget Caps, and Allocations

On Thursday, June 22, 2023, the Senate Appropriations Committee met to vote on its 12 subcommittee funding allocations, marking another step forward in what has been a tense march towards final decisions around U.S. government spending for the 2024 fiscal year (FY24). Subcommittee allocations establish the cap on spending for each of the appropriations bills […]

NOAA’s IRA Spend Plan: $3.3 billion for Oceans and Coastal Communities

On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an implementation plan for its Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds. The ocean community has been eager for the release of this plan, which details how NOAA will allocate roughly $3.3 billion the agency received from the $740 billion IRA reconciliation package signed […]

Oceans Caucus Briefing: Implementing a Sea of Legislation at NOAA

On Tuesday, April 25, ESP Advisor’s founder and CEO Emily Patrolia moderated a congressional briefing with NOAA leadership. The briefing, which was hosted by the House Oceans Caucus and organized by the Oceans Caucus Foundation, convened leaders from four of the five NOAA line offices to discuss many ocean-related legislative provisions signed into law over […]

Independent NOAA: What is a NOAA Organic Act and Why is Congress Talking About it?

On Tuesday, April 18, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a hearing to discuss draft legislation that would formally establish the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as an agency that exists independently of any cabinet-level department. If passed, the bill—a statutory framework known as an Organic Act—would separate NOAA from its […]

First-ever Ocean Climate Action Plan Released

At the White House Conservation in Action Summit on Tuesday, March 21, the Biden Administration released the first-ever Ocean Climate Action Plan (OCAP), a roadmap for the federal government’s work to enhance the resilience of ocean ecosystems, mitigate climate impacts, promote environmental justice, and support healthy communities and a sustainable ocean economy. The OCAP was […]

ESP Advisors Welcomes New Staff and Policy Fellows

Washington, D.C. Thursday, March 16, 2023 – ESP Advisors is pleased to announce the addition of three new team members. Allison Ludtke joined ESP Advisors as Policy and Communications Manager in November 2022. In this role, she applies blended experience as a journalist-turned-lobbyist to strategy and advocacy work for ESP Advisors’ clients. Most recently, Allison […]

FY24 President’s Budget: Oceans and Environment in Brief

Today, President Biden released his FY24 Budget, a key step in the appropriations process for the 2024 fiscal year. This high-level budget plan will be used by Congress—or not, depending on politics—to inform the appropriations bills that direct federal spending. The White House also released a series of fact sheets highlighting specific proposed investments. While […]

Happy 3rd Birthday ESP Advisors

ESP Advisors is officially three, and what an amazing ride it has been! The work we do to elevate ocean priorities wouldn’t be possible without collaboration, so we want to thank everyone in our community for your continued trust and support. From ocean champions on Capitol Hill to the clients we are so fortunate to […]

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