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Critical Oceans Law Passes First Hurdle

WASHINGTON (April 24, 2008) - The legislation known as Oceans-21 (H.R. 21) passed the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans yesterday by a vote of 11 to 3. 
 
The following is a statement by Roberta Elias, oceans advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC):
 
“Oceans-21 passing out of subcommittee is a clear sign that Congress is ready to take clear, sensible action to finally protect our oceans and coasts and the resources and economies they support. This vote shows that Oceans-21 has the momentum needed to become the law we desperately need to make sure we have abundant fish and clean beaches for our children and grandchildren.
 
“Oceans-21 provides the necessary tools for the government to make smarter decisions and take effective actions. It does this by establishing a national ocean vision, providing a way to implement that vision at the federal and regional levels, and putting in place the leaders and funding to do it. When Oceans-21 becomes law, our nation will be a better place and our future more secure.”
 

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, nonprofit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has 1.2 million members and online activists, served from offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Beijing.


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