Ahead of the 2025 Planet Forward Summit, Founding Director Frank Sesno had the opportunity to speak with Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) about strategies for environmental bipartisanship in Congress.

As Co-chair of the House Oceans Caucus, Bonamici dove into her work to introduce the Blue Carbon for Our Planet Act, which was later strategically renamed to the Coastal Restoration Act to further broaden support.

“Blue Carbon means the blue economy, the ocean economy, the water economy. But the word ‘carbon’ sometimes concerned people. And particularly some Republicans who thought it was somehow a restriction on what they could do, rather than a positive step. So I don’t mind changing the title of the bill,” she said.

Bonamici stresses the use of language that emphasizes voters’ financial concerns and everyday experiences, yet still supports broad environmental action. Watch above!