Mike Thompson: “I thank Mr. Huffman for doing this amendment and for yielding me time. Mr. Chair, the northern California coastline…”

“I thank Mr. Huffman for doing this amendment and for yielding me time. Mr. Chair, the northern California coastline includes some of the most scenic and biodiverse waters in the world. As one of the five most significant upwellings in the world, California's north coast is home to nutrient-rich surface waters critical to maintaining vast biodiversity. This coastline is home to dozens of marine mammals, over a hundred species of seabirds and shorebirds, and a tremendous number of fish species, which include salmon, striped bass, halibut, tuna, and many more. An oilspill off this coast could devastate both the marine life and the local economy. It would crush the fishing community and local tourism. This amendment deserves to be passed.”