[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 145 (Tuesday, November 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2002

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Environmental Defense Center of Santa Barbara, California.
  This year, the EDC celebrates its 25th Anniversary. The Central Coast 
of California and our nation have benefited in countless ways from its 
leadership. This organization has been a pioneer and champion of 
environmental and health issues in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis 
Obispo counties. EDC provides invaluable legal services, advocacy and 
public education on behalf of a variety of environmental causes.
  There are many issues where the EDC's leadership has been 
indispensable for our community--improving water quality, protecting 
endangered species, promoting access to public lands. But I would like 
to highlight one issue in particular--the fight to end new oil drilling 
off our beautiful coastline. This is an area where the EDC's expertise 
is unrivaled and where its counsel to me has been incredibly valuable.
  As the U.S. Representative for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo 
counties--and the newly elected Representative for the new 23rd 
Congressional district which encompasses the coastal communities in 
those two counties and Ventura County--I have made the fight to stop 
new offshore oil drilling a top priority.
  We have reached a consensus here on the Central Coast that we do not 
want any more drilling off our coast. We do not want the 36 leases 
developed and we do not want the life of the current rigs extended. We 
understand all too well the risk to both our environment and our 
tourist-based economy that more oil development means. And we are all 
committed to winning this fight against more oil drilling.
  EDC's historic leadership in this struggle, in-depth knowledge of the 
issue, and bright, aggressive attorneys has been an indispensable 
resource for me as I wage our fight in Washington.
  This year we took an historic first step by getting the House of 
Representatives to vote in favor of stopping new drilling off our 
coast. I want to thank the EDC for all its help in getting my amendment 
passed.
  I send my best wishes to the EDC and all of its staff and supporters 
and look forward to working together to advance our common goals in 
Washington and on the Central Coast. Good luck on the next 25 years!

                          ____________________