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Maritime Aquarium Adds Former EPA General Counsel to Board

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. um-adds-former-epa-general-counsel-to-board.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 12:34 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

NORWALK, CT - February 17, 2026 - The Long Island Sound Maritime Aquarium today announced the appointment of Robert Klee to its Board of Trustees, a move widely seen as bolstering the Aquarium's commitment to environmental stewardship and amplifying its conservation efforts. The appointment of a legal expert with Klee's pedigree - a former General Counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) - signals a strategic shift towards proactive environmental policy engagement alongside its established educational and research programs.

Klee's background is deeply rooted in safeguarding the environment. His tenure at the EPA focused significantly on Superfund litigation, dealing with the complex legal challenges of cleaning up the nation's most contaminated sites. This experience will be particularly valuable to the Aquarium as it navigates increasing concerns surrounding pollution in the Long Island Sound and the potential impact of climate change on the local marine ecosystem. Prior to his federal role, as DEEP Commissioner, Klee was at the forefront of Connecticut's environmental protection strategies, managing the state's natural resources, overseeing regulatory compliance, and spearheading initiatives aimed at improving air and water quality.

"This isn't simply about adding another name to the board; it's about injecting a wealth of practical and legal expertise into our governance structure," explained Aquarium Board Chair Paul F. Engel. "Robert's understanding of environmental law, coupled with his experience managing large-scale conservation projects, will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission of conservation, education, and research. We face increasingly complex environmental challenges, and having someone with Robert's background will be crucial in charting a course for the Aquarium's future."

The Long Island Sound is facing a multitude of threats, including rising water temperatures, increased acidification, harmful algal blooms, and persistent pollution from historical industrial activity and contemporary runoff. These challenges not only impact the Sound's delicate ecosystem but also threaten the economic viability of coastal communities that rely on it for fishing, recreation, and tourism. The Maritime Aquarium has long been a champion of Long Island Sound health, conducting vital research, rehabilitating injured marine animals, and educating the public about the importance of marine conservation. Klee's appointment is expected to accelerate these efforts.

Klee himself expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Aquarium's leadership. "The Maritime Aquarium plays a vital role in educating the public and conserving the Long Island Sound, and I'm excited to contribute to its important work," he stated. While he wouldn't detail specific initiatives at this stage, sources close to the Aquarium suggest that Klee is keen to explore opportunities for greater collaboration with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to address the pressing environmental issues facing the Sound. This could include advocating for stronger environmental regulations, supporting innovative restoration projects, and promoting sustainable practices within the local community.

The Aquarium welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually, making it a significant educational resource for the region. Beyond its popular exhibits featuring seals, sharks, and other marine life, the Aquarium offers a range of educational programs for students of all ages, including classroom visits, boat tours, and summer camps. The addition of Klee to the Board is anticipated to enhance these programs, potentially incorporating more in-depth explorations of environmental policy and the legal frameworks governing marine conservation. The Aquarium is also actively involved in several research projects, including studies on the impact of microplastics on marine life and the effectiveness of different restoration techniques. Klee's experience in analyzing complex data and navigating regulatory hurdles will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to these ongoing research initiatives.

The appointment of Robert Klee reflects a growing trend among leading aquariums and zoos to actively engage in environmental advocacy and policy-making. Recognizing that education and research alone are not enough to address the scale of the environmental crisis, these institutions are increasingly leveraging their expertise and influence to drive systemic change. The Long Island Sound Maritime Aquarium, with its new Board member, appears poised to become a leading voice in the fight to protect the Long Island Sound and promote a more sustainable future.