    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [December 9, 1999]
    [Page 2246]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System
    Act
    December 9, 1999

        I am pleased to sign into law S. 1866, the ``John H. Chafee Coastal
    Barrier Resources System Act.'' Renaming the Coastal Barrier Resources
    System in Senator Chafee's honor is an appropriate tribute to a man who
    worked so hard--and so successfully--to find common ground in the
    struggle to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.
        Senator Chafee authored the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, a law
    which protects pristine and fragile coastal barriers from development by
    restricting Federal expenditures that would otherwise encourage such
    development. This Act has successfully minimized the loss of human life
    by discouraging development in high-risk areas. It also has reduced the
    wasteful expenditures of Federal resources and protected the natural
    resources associated with coastal barriers. Today, approximately 3
    million acres of fragile coastal barrier lands are part of the Coastal
    Barrier Resources System created by the Act.
        Senator Chafee's legacy of achievements in environmental protection
    is extraordinary and far ranging. He worked tirelessly to ensure the
    protection of our land, air, and water and he took special pride in the
    success of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act. For this reason, it is
    especially fitting that we honor Senator Chafee by renaming the Coastal
    Barrier Resources System as the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources
    System.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    December 9, 1999.

    Note: H.R. 1866, approved December 9, was assigned Public Law No. 106-
    167.