[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 57 (Thursday, April 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF PETER M. DOUGLAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 19, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my 
colleagues, Representatives Baca, Berman, Capps, Chu, Costa, S. Davis, 
Eshoo, Farr, Filner, Garamendi, Hahn, Honda, Lee, Lofgren, Matsui, 
McNerney, Miller, Napolitano, Pelosi, Richardson, Roybal-Allard, 
Loretta Sanchez, Schiff, Speier, Stark, Waters, Waxman, and Woolsey to 
pay tribute to the life of Peter M. Douglas, who recently passed away 
at the age of 69. Peter was best known as the longtime director of the 
California Coastal Commission, serving more than 25 years to protect 
the incredible California coastline. Peter's devotion to the 
conservation of this finite and precious resource will benefit 
generations to come.
  Peter was born in Berlin, Germany on Aug. 22, 1942. His family's home 
was destroyed by Allied bombers in 1944. He immigrated by sea to the 
United States in 1950, and it was on this trip that he began a lifelong 
love of the ocean. Peter grew up in Southern California, and in 1965 
earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, and later a law degree from 
the University of California at Los Angeles.
  Peter worked for former Democratic Assemblyman Alan Sieroty from Los 
Angeles, and he was tasked with writing coastal protection legislation. 
In response to oil spills and heavy coastal development, the public 
passed Proposition 20 in 1972, which formed the California Coastal 
Commission. Peter also helped craft the bipartisan Coastal Act in 1976, 
and the next year joined the commission as deputy director. In 1985, 
Peter was appointed executive director and served in that role until 
his recent death.
  Peter was instrumental in blocking offshore oil drilling and leasing, 
preventing unchecked development along California's 1,100-mile coast 
line, and ensuring public access to beaches. His efforts were often 
controversial, and members of both parties at times tried to remove him 
from his post. However, he never swayed from his commitment and passion 
to protect California coasts.
  There is no doubt that California's incredible coastline bears 
Peter's mark. His influence on coastal issues has been profound, and 
has set standards for how such a valuable resource can be both used and 
protected.
  Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in paying tribute to 
the life of Peter M. Douglas, a steadfast protector of the California 
coast and a true environmental steward.

                          ____________________