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 Updated Beach Protection Act News
On July 28th, the Beach Protection Act, as part of a larger bill, S. 3297, Entitled "Advancing America's Priorities Act", was debated on the Senate Floor. The Senate failed to obtain cloture on the package.
(Jul 29, 2008)
Beach Protection Act of 2008 Passes Senate EPW Committee
On May 21st, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed the Beach Protection Act of 2008.
(May 23, 2008)
Oceans-21 (HR 21) Needs Support!
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is asking CWN member organizations to actively support Oceans-21 (HR 21). The U.S. House Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans subcommittee will bring this bill up for mark-up in April, if the votes are there.
NRDC is hopeful that the bill will have the necessary congressional support, but
additional pressure is needed.
(Mar 17, 2008)
Update on the Beach Protection Act of 2007
Update on Beach Act
Beach Bill Markup Took Place on Halloween
H.R. 2537, the "Beach Protection Act of 2007," was reviewed and marked up by the House & Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on October 31. Expectations were that Committee Chairman James Oberstar (MN) will offer a bipartisan substitute, which should move through the Committee rather easily.
(Nov 5, 2007)
Beach Act of 2007
Beach Act (H.R. 2537, S. 1506) reauthorization efforts are gaining steam in the House of Representatives. The bill contains critical grant funds (albeit small) needed to assist coastal areas with beach monitoring and environmental protection efforts. More details on the bill follow in the background section.
(Sep 30, 2007)
RELEASED: NRDC's "Testing the Waters 2007"
On August 7th, 2007 Natural Resources Defense Council released the 17th edition of Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches.
(Aug 8, 2007)
NRDC's "Testing the Waters" 2007 Public Release
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is preparing to publicly release "Testing the Waters", NRDC's seminal publication detailing an annual survey of water quality at U.S. beaches.
Clean Water Network members working on coastal issues can play a vital role in the release of this important report.
(Jul 31, 2007)
Beach Act 0f 2007 Hearing on Capitol Hill
The US Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation Safety, Infrastructure Security, and Water Quality held a hearing on June 27th entitled, "Protecting Water Quality at America's Beaches."
(Jun 29, 2007)
NRDC’s Beach Bums and Buddies list request
The following request for beach information is from Tonya McLean who is working with Nancy Stoner from the Natural Resources Defense Council, a long time Clean Water Network steering committee member.
(Jun 29, 2007)
EPA Grants $10 Million for Beach Protection
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches/grants/
In early January, the EPA announced that it will grant $10 million to 35 coastal states and 5 territories for beach water-quality monitoring and public notification programs. Based on such monitoring programs, local authorities can post advisories or closures whenever bacteria reach unhealthy levels. In addition, monitoring helps to identify possible steps to reduce pollution. The size of grants to each state will vary based upon the amount of beaches and the extent to which they are used. Follow the link to see the EPA’s full announcement and the expected allocations for each state.
(Jan 30, 2007)
Special Notice for California Members
Help create Marine Protected Areas on the California Coast! Under the 1999 Marine Life Protection Act, California is required to adopt an improved network of marine protected areas. The Ocean Conservancy and others are working to ensure effective protection of marine ecosystems along the California coast. An initial network of marine protected areas along the central coast of California is expected to be adopted in March 2007 and planning for the rest of the coast is underway. If you or your organization would like to get involved, or would like more information, please contact Tim Eichenberg at The Ocean Conservancy at teichenberg@oceanconservancy.org, or by phone at 415-979-0900 x12. Also check out www.oceanconservancy.org to read about the recent success of the Central CA Coast campaign!
(Nov 30, 2006)
Say No to Clean Water Act Exemptions for Ballast Water from Ships
The Senate is considering a bill that exempts ballast water discharges from Clean Water Act regulation. Ballast water discharges from ships are the largest source of aquatic invasive species. The damage associated with aquatic invasive species to natural habitats and infrastructure is increasing.
(May 31, 2006)
Please Help Our Friends and Colleagues Harmed by Hurricanes Rita & Katrina
http://cleanwaternetwork.org/members/DisplayContent.cfm?ContentID=343&ContentTypeID=1PageFormat=DisplayContent
In an effort to assist Clean Water Network members impacted by Hurricanes Rita & Katrina, CWN is posting links and the contact information of our members’ located along the Gulf Coast. To learn how you can help, click on the "Members" link at the top of the Homepage. We encourage everyone to help valuable Gulf Coast groups by sending them donations so that they can return to work as soon as possible.
(Sep 27, 2005)
Big Oceans Bill (BOB) is Introduced in the House as OCEANS 21!
This bi-partisan bill charts a new course in the effort to save our seas.
(Aug 13, 2004)
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