This week, I had the honor of heading to Washington, D.C. to advocate for something I care deeply about—supporting full funding for NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), protecting our public lands and waters, and championing renewable energy tax credits that help accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.
Thanks to the incredible team at Ocean Conservancy, I joined a group of passionate anglers, conservationists, and business leaders from across the country to make the business case for conservation. Together, we met with policymakers and congressional staffers to share why protecting nature isn’t just about environmental stewardship—it’s smart business.
The ROI of Nature is Real
At Emerger Strategies, we help businesses measure and improve their sustainability performance, all while boosting profits, but the biggest takeaway from this week was this: nature has an ROI. Whether it’s clean water for communities and companies, healthy fisheries for our economy, or stable climate systems that reduce operational risks, investing in conservation delivers tangible financial value. In fact, I would argue that there is no other investment that has a guaranteed return than protecting nature because when nature regenerates we have an abundance of food, clean water and clean air!
When we advocate for NOAA funding, we’re supporting climate data, marine research, and sustainable fisheries management—essential tools for both ecological health and economic resilience. Without stock assessments, we run the risk of increasing regulations and we also run the risk of not properly managing fish stocks across state lines as fish are changing their migratory patterns due to warming ocean temperatures. For example, we are seeing more snook in Charleston and the anglers I advocated with this week from the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast are seeing the same. In fact, they said someone landed a tarpon in Rhode Island last summer! Here’s a look at how NOAA helps South Carolina:
I am lucky to have spent many days and weeks camping, hiking, and fly fishing on public lands. In fact, I was fly fishing in public waters when I came to the realization that everything in nature is interconnected. Just as a mayfly, a hungry trout, and a river ecosystem are connected, so are our businesses and the planet, which is why Emerger Strategies joined Brands for Public Lands. Public lands provide all Americans with a place to connect deeply with nature, inspire us with their beauty, and have the power to transform us. When we push to keep public lands in public hands, we’re ensuring outdoor recreation remains a powerful economic engine for local communities and spiritual refuge for all Americans.
Climate change is real, and is happening in real-time. I spoke with staffers from Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Tim Scott, and Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s offices about the sea level rise that is affecting us in the Lowcountry, and about how I have been rerouted trying to drop my daughter off at school due to sunny day flooding. I also told them about how we helped Z-Man Fishing Products put solar on their roof, who benefitted from the renewable energy tax credits, saves them $80K per year in energy utility costs, and reduced their greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. And when we fight to keep renewable energy tax credits, we’re backing American innovation, job creation, and energy independence.
Why Advocacy Matters for Sustainable Business
As a sustainability consultant, I often say that policy is a key driver of corporate sustainability. If your business operates in the outdoor industry, sells into retail, or depends on natural resources, then advocating for sound environmental policy isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Engaging with policymakers helps ensure that the laws and regulations shaping our economy also reflect the long-term interests of businesses, communities, and ecosystems. That’s why I went to D.C.—not just as an angler, but as a father who wants his children and grandchildren to be able to enjoy our natural resources in perpetuity.
Grateful for the Community
A huge thank you to Ocean Conservancy for organizing this impactful advocacy effort, and to the incredible group of anglers, guides, and business leaders who showed up to tell our story: Jeff Barger, Brian Bennett, Dave Mccoy, Matt Otepka, Daniel Ritz, Woody Bailey, Captain David Monti, Gretchen Stiers, Scott Travers, and George Baldwin. It was powerful to be part of a collective voice speaking for the ocean, science, and the sustainable future we all want to build.
Also, thank you to Senator Tim Scott, Senator Lindsey Scott, and Congresswoman Nancy Mace and their staffers for listening and for supporting the work NOAA does for us here in the Lowcountry.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Whether you’re a business owner, policy nerd, or weekend warrior who loves wild places—your voice matters.
Let’s protect what we love, and prove that conservation and capitalism can work hand in hand.