[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 243 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]







110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 243

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Clean Beaches Week and the 
   considerable value of beaches and their role in American culture.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 20, 2007

 Mr. Lautenberg (for himself, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Lieberman, Mrs. Dole, 
    Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Biden, Mr. Burr, Mr. Levin, Ms. 
Murkowski, Mr. Kerry, Ms. Snowe, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Lott, Mr. Menendez, 
 Mr. Durbin, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Carper, and Ms. 
Cantwell) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
                               agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Clean Beaches Week and the 
   considerable value of beaches and their role in American culture.

Whereas coastal areas produce 85 percent of all United States tourism dollars 
        and are the leading tourism destination in America;
Whereas over 50 percent of the population of the United States lives in coastal 
        counties;
Whereas the beaches in these coastal counties provide recreational opportunities 
        for numerous Americans and their families who, together with 
        international tourists, make almost 2,000,000,000 trips to the beach 
        each year to fish, sunbathe, boat, swim, surf, and bird-watch;
Whereas beaches are a critical driver of the American economy and its 
        competitiveness in the global economy;
Whereas beaches represent a critical part of our natural heritage and a 
        beautiful part of the American landscape;
Whereas beaches are sensitive ecosystems, susceptible to degradation and 
        alteration from natural forces, sea level rise, pollution, untreated 
        sewage, and improper use;
Whereas members of the Government, the private sector, and nongovernmental 
        organizations, along with citizen volunteers, have worked diligently to 
        clean up and protect our beaches over the years;
Whereas great strides have been made in understanding the science of watersheds 
        and the connections between inland areas and coastal waters;
Whereas the Federal Government should develop science-based policies that are 
        commensurate with that knowledge; and
Whereas a 7-day week, commencing in June and including July 5, will be observed 
        as National Clean Beaches Week: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Clean Beaches 
        Week;
            (2) recognizes the value of beaches to the American way of 
        life and the important contributions of beaches to the economy, 
        recreation, and natural environment of the United States; and
            (3) encourages Americans to work to keep beaches safe and 
        clean for the continued enjoyment of the public and to engage 
        in activities during National Clean Beaches Week that foster 
        stewardship, healthy living, and volunteerism along our 
        coastlines.
                                 <all>