PNN Online: Law, Taxes, Money: Clinton signs Oceans Act of 2000, commission will plan seas management

August 9, 2000

Clinton signs Oceans Act of 2000, commission will plan seas management

By Daniel Pearson

Bill Clinton During a trip to the seaside Martha's Vineyard resort, President Clinton on Monday signed legislation to establish a national advisory board overseeing the balance of economics and ecology in coastal areas and the ocean itself.

The legislation brings together industry, environmentalists, local governments, scientists and scholars to develop recommendations to strengthen and broaden federal ocean policy. Clinton will choose four of the commission members, and will appoint the 12 others with Congress’ approval.

The first meeting of the 16-member commission comes on Jan. 20, 2001, the last day of Clinton's presidential tenure.

"Above all, this bill is about setting a vision to ensure that our beaches are clean, our oceans are protected, and that our coastal economies remain strong," Clinton said. "We know that when we protect our oceans we’re protecting our future."

The Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) supports the new legislation, saying it has been 30 years since the Stratton Commission examined ocean and coastal activities, and that oceans need to be a national priority.

"Today, we applaud President Clinton for taking us one step closer to ensuring that our nation’s oceans and coasts will get the kind of attention they deserve," the CMC statement read.

In 1966, the Stratton Commission was formed to develop a national plan to preserve and conserve the oceans and atmosphere. But the nation’s policies have not been substantially reevaluated since the commission’s efforts -- a process the CMC says is long overdue.

The U.S. generates more than 30 percent of its gross domestic product from coastal areas, where nearly one out of every six jobs is marine-related. It is estimated that close to 60 percent of Americans will live along the nation’s coasts by 2010, the White House reports.

Clinton paid tribute to Sen. Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.) -- the bill’s sponsor -- characterizing the senator as a champion for oceans. The CMC also acknowledged Hollings’ efforts, saying the senator was key to the legislation being approved.