CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

Happy New Year From ESP Advisors

With a new year and the start of the 118th Congress, there is so much ahead of us. The team at ESP Advisors will continue to learn and grow together as we work to energize the ocean community, policy leaders, and the public so that marine ecosystems and economies get the attention and funding they […]

Ocean Bills Riding the Omni Wave

In addition to the $1.7 trillion in annual spending (our summary here), the FY23 omnibus also served as a vehicle for slew of additional ocean- and environment- related bills. These bills add to the long list of other ocean bills that made it through on the recently passed National Defense Authorization Act (our summary here). […]

FY22 Omnibus: What’s in it for Oceans?

Last night the Senate passed the $1.5 trillion bill that includes aid to Ukraine and provides federal funding through September 30, the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. It now heads to the White House for President Joe Biden’s signature today. Congress moved at lightning speed to fund the government this week, spurred by bipartisan […]

Ocean Package Included in Must-Pass Defense Bill

Update (December 16, 2022): The Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on December 15, 2022 by a margin of 83-11. The must-pass annual defense bill now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature. The Senate considered two amendments, including Senator Manchin’s (D-WV) controversial permitting proposal. Ultimately, both amendments were blocked, leaving the […]

Election Updates for the Ocean and Environment Community

Tomorrow is Election Day and pundits are predicting record voter turnout, with more than 40 million early ballots already cast. Our offices will be closed tomorrow so our team can vote and volunteer at the polls. We encourage you to make sure your voice is heard; voting is one of the best ways to tell […]

2023 Appropriations Update: Senate Draft Bills and Next Steps

After several fits and starts, Congress passed a stopgap funding bill today to avoid a government shutdown and keep federal agencies open until December 16, 2022. The stopgap bill funds the government at last year’s levels, but it remains to be seen how Congress will fund federal priorities in fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Appropriators and […]

2023 Appropriations Update: Senate Draft Bills and Next Step

After several fits and starts, Congress passed a stopgap funding bill today to avoid a government shutdown and keep federal agencies open until December 16, 2022. The stopgap bill funds the government at last year’s levels, but it remains to be seen how Congress will fund federal priorities in fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Appropriators and […]

The New BBB: Ocean Provisions and Next Steps

Update: President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 into law during a signing ceremony at the White House on August 16. In August, Democrats in Congress passed an almost $740 billion reconciliation package called the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The Act raises corporate taxes, boosts IRS enforcement, extends healthcare subsidies for three years, […]

The New BBB: Ocean Provisions and Next Steps

Update: President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 into law during a signing ceremony at the White House on August 16. In August, Democrats in Congress passed an almost $740 billion reconciliation package called the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The Act raises corporate taxes, boosts IRS enforcement, extends healthcare subsidies for three years, […]

CHIPS-Plus, Fish-Minus: An Update on the American Competitiveness Bill

Spoiler: Only a few ocean- and fish-related provisions remain in the final version. Update: President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 into law during a signing ceremony at the White House on August 9. Congress just passed a new version of the American innovation and competitiveness legislation, now called “CHIPS and Science.” […]

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