Volume 152, No. 58 covering the 2nd Session of the 109th Congress (2005 - 2006) was published by the Congressional Record.
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.
“GULF OF MEXICO RESTORATION AND PROTECTION ACT” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Senate section on pages S4522 on May 12, 2006.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
GULF OF MEXICO RESTORATION AND PROTECTION ACT
Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I have been pleased to join with my distinguished colleagues, Senator Martinez and Senator Landrieu, in introducing bipartisan legislation that will take a very significant step forward in restoring and protecting the Gulf of Mexico.
I want to highlight how important the Gulf of Mexico is to our country. The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest body of water in the world, and the Gulf region covers approximately 600,000 square miles. The Gulf of Mexico contains 7 of this Nation's top 10 ports in terms of tonnage or cargo value, 4 of the top 7 fishing ports in the Nation, yields more finfish, shrimp, and shellfish annually than the south and mid-Atlantic, Chesapeake, and New England areas combined, and supports a $20 billion annual tourism industry.
Sadly, over many years, the resource productivity and water quality of the Gulf of Mexico and its watershed have been diminished by nonpoint source pollution largely resulting from pollutant transport along the nearly 2,300-mile-long Mississippi River. I believe many Americans would be surprised to know that the Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico Program, the only Federal program solely focused on protecting the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico, is neither authorized nor adequately funded to perform critical program functions vital to protecting and restoring one of this country's greatest natural resources.
The Gulf of Mexico Restoration and Protection Act will authorize the Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico Program to undertake specific nonregulatory functions, and authorize annual appropriations to support activities designed to improve Gulf of Mexico water quality and marine resource productivity. With an 18-year track record of success, the Gulf of Mexico Program proves that it is not only possible but also practical to manage our natural resources through collaborative, nonregulatory approaches that leverage support, resources, and capabilities from Federal, State, nonprofit, and private sector partners. Unfortunately, the Gulf of Mexico Program is struggling with a very limited budget and a staff comprised largely of people ``on loan'' from other Federal agencies. The historic storm season of 2005 gravely worsened the situation by placing increased demand on the program's technical services, and I expect this pressure will continue to rise as the gulf coast rebuilds.
I commend the EPA Gulf of Mexico Program and its Federal, State, nonprofit, and private sector partners for doing so much with so little for so long. However, it is impractical to expect this to continue in perpetuity. Now is the time to take actions to ensure the Gulf of Mexico is protected for continued economic productivity, recreation, and to make certain this great water body remains a place of beauty and enjoyment for current and future generations.
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