[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1973]]
           INTRODUCTION OF THE GEORGES BANK PRESERVATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 2008

  Mr. MARKEY. Madam Speaker, I am introducing the Georges Bank 
Preservation Act today because America's most valuable fishery and one 
of the Nation's most important marine areas, Georges Bank, will be in 
the crosshairs of the oil and gas industry when the moratorium on 
offshore drilling expires October 1. Georges Bank is a fragile 
environmental region that is already recovering from other recent 
pressures like over-fishing. Allowing oil and gas drilling in Georges 
Bank could forever destroy this ecosystem and our nation's most 
important fishery.
  This legislation would prohibit the Federal Government from issuing 
any lease authorizing exploration, development, or production of oil or 
natural gas in Georges Bank. Keeping protections against drilling in 
Georges Bank would affect less than 2 percent of Federal land on the 
outer Continental Shelf. The legislation would also protect any areas 
designated as marine national monuments or national marine sanctuaries, 
including the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary 
off the coast of Massachusetts. The language in the Georges Bank 
Preservation Act is identical to what was included in H.R. 6899, which 
has already passed the House in an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 
236-189.
  The Northeast fishery landings are valued at approximately $800 
million annually and Georges Bank is the key to the region. New 
Bedford, MA is by far the most productive fishing port in the United 
States, in terms of value of catch. Its $268 million catch in 2007 was 
nearly equal to the combined value of the catches of Dutch Harbor, AK 
and Kodiak Harbor, AK--the second and third most valuable fishing ports 
in the Nation. New Bedford has been number 1 for 8 straight years. Last 
year, commercial fishing brought nearly $350 million into Massachusetts 
alone.
  There has been a moratorium on fishing in areas of Georges Bank for 
over a decade and we are seeing signs of recovery. If we were to allow 
oil drilling at this critical time in the recovery of Georges Bank, it 
would be disastrous to the full restoration of this critical marine 
habitat.
  Canada--which has a claim to approximately one-fifth of Georges 
Bank--recognizes the region's importance and fragility and has a 
moratorium on drilling in the area through 2012. We need to send a 
signal to Canada that we too will keep in place the protections against 
drilling in this unique marine ecosystem.
  Georges Bank is geologically and biologically unique. Warm and cold 
currents come together and circulate to help make the shallow water's 
depth, temperature, and nutrient content perfect for life. Georges Bank 
is home to more than 100 species of fish and shellfish, including cod, 
haddock, yellowtail flounder, herring, and sea scallops.
  While I will continue to fight for a full extension of the moratorium 
on offshore drilling on the east and west coasts of the United States, 
I am introducing this bill today--along with my colleagues in the 
Massachusetts delegation, to highlight the vital importance of 
protecting the Georges Banks and other particularly sensitive offshore 
lands from the environmental hazards associated with oil and natural 
gas exploration and production.
  We must not let Big Oil claim one of New England's most important 
economic and environmental treasures. The Georges Bank Preservation Act 
will prevent the oil and gas industry from invading America's most 
precious fishery and one of our Nation's most unique marine habitats.

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