    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [October 2, 1996]
    [Pages 1742-1743]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation
    Act of 1996
    October 2, 1996

        I have today signed into law H.R. 3060, the ``Antarctic Science,
    Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996.''
        Almost 40 years ago, the United States proposed a treaty among the
    nations carrying out scientific research in Antarctica. The resulting
    Antarctic Treaty establishes this fascinating and remote region of our
    planet as a zone of peace, reserved exclusively for peaceful uses, and
    guarantees freedom of scientific research there.
        The Antarctic Treaty has proven a uniquely successful agreement and
    has spawned an innovative system of supplementary agreements to protect
    the Antarctic environment and conserve its living resources. For these
    reasons, it gives me particular pleasure to sign into law legislation
    that will provide authority for the United States to ratify the most
    recent extension of that system: the Protocol on Environmental
    Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The Protocol sets forth mandatory
    rules for the protection of the environment of Antarctica and the
    promotion of scientific research there.
        The bill that I have signed today implements the provisions of the
    Environmental Protocol. The Senate has already given its advice and
    consent to ratification of the Protocol.
        Enactment of this legislation reaffirms United States leadership in
    Antarctic affairs. Our leadership is expressed in our world class
    research program on the ice, which is helping to answer basic questions
    about the earth. The United States has also provided leadership in the
    innovative diplomacy that has made Antarctica a

    [[Page 1743]]

    shining example of constructive international cooperation.
        I would like to pay particular tribute to those who made this
    legislation possible: the U.S. negotiators who crafted the Protocol and
    the legislators who have provided for its implementation. Congressional
    passage of this legislation reflected the bipartisan partnership that
    has been the hallmark of our Antarctic policy. I would like to pay
    tribute to the House Science Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science,
    and Transportation Committee, which took the initiative to move this
    bill. In particular, I commend Senator John Kerry for his continued
    interest and support for implementation of the Protocol and Chairman Bob
    Walker and Representative George Brown for their initiative in moving
    this important legislation in this Congress. Finally, I would like to
    recognize the leadership of the Vice President on this issue, dating
    back to his days in the Senate.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    October 2, 1996.

    Note: H.R. 3060, approved October 2, was assigned Public Law No. 104-
    227.