April 1, 1971
Page 9163
By Mr. MUSKIE
S. 1458. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the most feasible and desirable means of protecting certain portions of the tidelands, Outer Continental Shelf, seaward areas, Great Lakes of the United States, and the adjoining shorelines thereof as marine preserves, and for other purposes. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.
MARINE RESOURCE PRESERVATION ACT
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I am concerned with the anomalous manner in which we Americans are attempting to conserve and protect the Nation's beaches, marshes, tidelands, coastal zones, and ocean resources. We are suffering from a piecemeal approach.
At this moment, we have no way of setting aside portions of the tidelands and the Outer Continental Shelf for research, recreation, and other specific purposes. But oil leaks and spills continue; coastal land sales make banner headlines.
With respect to beaches and wetlands, we seem to be of two opposing minds. In some areas, we put strict limits upon the use of these resources, permitting no development of any kind. In other areas, we allow frank and open exploitation for private ends.
Already we are witnessing the grave consequences of such catch-as-catch-can national policy. If we continue this approach, we will face within a very few years a staggering cost of restoring and reclaiming these national resources.
Last year, as a first step in developing a balanced national policy for the use of our marine resources, I introduced S. 3516, the Marine Resource Preservation Act of 1970. In my opinion, the need for such a bill has not diminished, and I am reintroducing the bill today.
The bill would authorize the Interior Secretary to recommend the best means of designating portions of the tidelands, Outer Continental Shelf, ocean areas. Great Lakes, and adjoining shorelines as marine preserves.
The bill also would direct the Interior Secretary to enter into agreements with State and local governments on regulations concerning the use of areas designated by the Congress as marine preserves.
Mr. President, I believe there is still time for us to preserve these resources for ourselves and for future generations. But I think we must move now; a piecemeal approach can bring only further damage and degradation.