This week, Representative Jared Huffman (CA-2) was elected to the top Democrat spot of Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Committee for the 119th Congress. With jurisdiction over public lands, oceans, fisheries, and energy development in the Outer Continental Shelf, as well as several bedrock environmental laws including NEPA, ESA, MMPA, CZMA, and the OCSLA, the Committee wields significant influence on ocean conservation and management.


Huffman’s experience representing California’s northern coast in the 2nd district will serve as critical experience as he leads the Natural Resources Committee Democrats. His district has more Indigenous tribes than any district outside of Alaska; includes a multitude of public lands and waters that are home to protected species and important fisheries; and while experiencing significant climate impacts, is also at the forefront of innovative climate solutions.


As Ranking Member Representative Huffman will play a central role in defending against harmful ocean and environmental policies and the Project 2025 agenda that the incoming Congress and Administration may try to advance. Please help us celebrate Huffman’s election to Ranking Member, where he will build upon Representative Grijalva’s considerable environmental and ocean legacy.


Please use this toolkit to congratulate Representative Huffman for his election to Ranking Member of the Committee on Natural Resources.



Rep. Huffman’s Ocean Climate Action Accomplishments:

  • Spent 10 years leading the Water, Wildlife and Fisheries subcommittee where he championed and helped advance ocean and climate legislation that:

    • advances protections for vulnerable marine life and habitats;

    • prevents offshore drilling in important marine ecosystems; 

    • supports responsibly sited offshore renewable energy;

    • reduces plastic pollution; and

    • boosts climate ready fisheries.

  • Founded the Stop Project 2025 Taskforce to push back on harmful policies outlined in Project 2025, including policies to undermine bedrock environmental laws, expand offshore drilling, disincentivize renewable energy development, eliminate climate offices, and replace career scientists with political loyalists.

  • Conducted oversight on food suppliers and urged the government to reduce the presence of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fish in the US seafood supply chain.


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Basia Marcks, Ph.D.
Program Director 
Ocean Defense Initiative