The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“INTRODUCTION OF THE CORAL REEF LEGACY ACT OF 2006” mentioning the Department of Interior was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1167-E1168 on June 16, 2006.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF THE CORAL REEF LEGACY ACT OF 2006
______
HON. RICHARD W. POMBO
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the Coral Reef Conservation Legacy Act of 2006, an important environmental conservation bill, during Congressional Oceans Week.
This legislation builds on the foundation of bills introduced earlier this Congress by Senator Inouye and Congressman Faleomavaega. Both of those bills sparked a discussion on coral reef conservation. I appreciate the leadership of these two gentlemen on this issue and I look forward to working with them as the legislation moves through Congress.
The development of the Coral Reef Conservation Legacy Act is a result of a collaborative effort to incorporate comments from a number of coral reef experts within the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, the Coral Reef Task Force, and non-governmental organizations. All of these groups made suggestions on ways to improve the earlier legislation and this bill incorporates a number of their suggestions.
I believe the Coral Reef Conservation Legacy Act will benefit coral reef conservation and will strengthen the roles of the states and territories through community-based planning grants and through the Local Action Strategies. The bill supports the continued use of these successful conservation management tools. To be successful in the long-term it is imperative to have the local and regional entities involved in the conservation of coral reef resources from the start.
This legislation also recognizes the important role the Department of the Interior has played in coral reef conservation and would authorize much needed funding for their activities. This bill, however, does not change the fundamental jurisdictions and roles of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce, but recognizes that the Department of the Interior has a role in this endeavor. In addition the bill continues to support and recognize the accomplishments and conservation efforts of the Department of Commerce. Both agencies have participated in coral reef conservation activities and this bill encourages their continued cooperation and coordination.
While the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 has been very successful in restoring and protecting coral reefs, it has had limitations in its grant program. The Coral Reef Conservation Legacy Act would allow for multi-year cooperative agreements between the Federal Government and other agencies, states, territories, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. This multi-year authority will allow more stability in funding for important projects that might now be finalized in or limited to one year.
This legislation also codifies the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. The Task Force has been an important voice for coral reef activities and has coordinated the activities in support of coral reef conservation. This codification recognizes the important work of the Task Force and the indispensable role they have played in the conservation of coral reefs.
The Coral Reef Conservation Legacy Act will continue the ongoing efforts to protect and restore coral reefs. I look forward to working with my colleagues as this bill moves through the legislative process.
____________________
