[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 72 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 72

 Acknowledging the severity of the wetland loss occurring in Louisiana 
   and supporting the observance of World Wetlands Day in the United 
                                States.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            February 6, 2007

Ms. Landrieu submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
             the Committee on Environment and Public Works

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Acknowledging the severity of the wetland loss occurring in Louisiana 
   and supporting the observance of World Wetlands Day in the United 
                                States.

Whereas Louisiana's coastal wetlands are among the Nation's most diverse and 
        productive ecosystems, home to ospreys, egrets, alligators, shellfish, 
        turtles, sea grasses, and bald cypress trees;
Whereas Louisiana's wetlands are eroding at a rate of 25 square miles per year 
        and, as a result of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, and Hurricane 
        Rita on September 24, 2005, 217 square miles of wetlands were turned 
        into open water, significantly advancing Louisiana's wetlands loss;
Whereas the State has lost 2,100 square miles of coastal wetlands since the 
        1930s and is expected to lose another 500 square miles over the next 50 
        years if nothing is done to mitigate wetland loss;
Whereas 2,000,000 residents, more than 50 percent of the State's population, 
        live within Louisiana's coastal zone;
Whereas Louisiana's working wetlands provide protection for coastal communities 
        and for oil and gas pipelines that serve as the major energy artery in 
        the United States, delivering more than 25 percent of the Nation's 
        energy;
Whereas wetland ecosystems throughout the United States are threatened by 
        erosion, invasive species, runoff, and habitat loss; and
Whereas World Wetlands Day is celebrated around the world on February 2 of each 
        year by government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and groups 
        of citizens in the global community: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) acknowledges the severity of the wetland loss occurring 
        in Louisiana;
            (2) recognizes and supports the observance of World 
        Wetlands Day in the United States; and
            (3) supports efforts to raise awareness about the critical 
        need to sustain and preserve wetlands in Louisiana, the United 
        States, and throughout the world.
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