Lynn C. Woolsey: “A strong American future depends on the sound stewardship of our oceans. Nowhere is the ocean more magnificent and…”

“A strong American future depends on the sound stewardship of our oceans. Nowhere is the ocean more magnificent and majestic than off of northern California's Sonoma County coast. These are some of the most abundant waters on Earth, but much of the area is vulnerable to ``drill, baby, drill'' enthusiasts. That's why I have offered a bill to more than double the size of our existing national marine sanctuary off these coastal areas, giving these waters the permanent protection they need to protect them from oil and gas exploration. This legislation is a win-win--a pro-environment and pro-economic recovery bill. It is a conservation imperative, and it would provide a boost to our commercial fishing industry and to our local tourism industry. In recognition of World Ocean Day, I urge my colleagues to sign on to my bill, H.R. 192, the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Protection and Modification Act. ____________________”