[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 194 (Monday, November 27, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5596-S5597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JONATHAN STONE

 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President I rise today to honor my 
constituent, Jonathan Stone.
  Save The Bay is a nonprofit organization in Rhode Island that has, 
for 50 years, been dedicated to protecting and improving Narragansett 
Bay and all the waters that flow into it. Jonathan served as executive 
director of Save The Bay for 15 of those years, from 2008 to June of 
2023.
  During this time, Jonathan challenged everyone at Save The Bay to 
think creatively and tackle the most challenging issues facing Rhode 
Island's beautiful Narragansett Bay. His leadership strengthened the 
legal, advocacy, restoration, and education capacity of the 
organization, and built a strong foundation for its next 50 years. The 
Narragansett Bay watershed includes 400 miles of coastline and

[[Page S5597]]

stretches 1,705 square miles inland, covering most of Rhode Island and 
much of Massachusetts. Its 3,500 miles of streams and rivers carry 
water into the bay from over a hundred towns and cities. This 
extraordinary natural resource needs constant care and stewardship.
  Under Jonathan's leadership, Save The Bay successfully challenged 
proposals that threatened the bay, like the construction of an LNG 
terminal in Mount Hope Bay and a proposal to fill 33 acres of the 
Providence River. Save The Bay also championed several environmental 
legislative victories in Rhode Island, including landmark legislation 
to phase out cesspools, provide new wetlands protections, and create 
and fund a large-scale climate and resilience effort. With Jonathan at 
the helm, the organization expanded its reach by establishing a 
statewide coordinator for the International Coastal Cleanup and 
creating the Narragansett Bay Riverkeeper Program.
  Jonathan led Save The Bay through the development and successful 
implementation of two strategic plans and created a third that set 
ambitious goals for water quality and habitat restoration, marine 
science education programs, diversity/equity/inclusion, and climate 
change advocacy. During his tenure, Save The Bay launched two new 
vessels, MV Elizabeth Morris and MV Rosemary Quinn to grow its marine 
science education programs, along with its public education programs: 
nature, seal watch, and lighthouse tours. Jonathan also led the 
organization's vision for building a new, state-of-the-art aquarium in 
downtown Newport, which is set to open in early 2024.
  Through this all, he has been a kind and honorable friend. I applaud 
Jonathan for his steadfast leadership in protecting and working towards 
a fully swimmable, fishable, healthy Narragansett Bay, accessible to 
all. I wish him joy and success in his next endeavors.

                          ____________________