Dear Chairwoman
Resor and Chairman Smizik,
In Massachusetts,
we are defined, in large part, by our existence on water. The Atlantic
Ocean is part of our history and our heritage. For centuries, our
Atlantic waters have been used for fishing, recreation and navigation. In
recent years, proposals for other uses, from gas pipelines and liquefied
natural gas facilities to desalinization projects and wind and wave energy
projects have dramatically increased. These new proposals raise concerns about
how to manage our marine resources amidst diverse proposals and intensified
development pressures.
Historically, decisions about how to manage our
ocean resources have been handled on a resource by resource, case by case, reactive
basis. However, this approach is inadequate to face the complexity of the
proposals and challenges facing our Atlantic waters in the 21st century. The coast is getting
more crowded while pollution closes our beaches, fish are disappearing, whales
are threatened and more and more new ocean uses are proposed every day.
We need to take
charge now of how we use our ocean before it's too late. A coordinated plan
will help all of us make the best decisions for our ocean's future. A plan will
account for all ocean uses and make sure that ocean resources are healthy and
productive for generations to come. If we don't act now, it will be too late.
Our ability to enjoy and protect our ocean will be jeopardized by chaotic
decision-making, putting our economic future and our children's ocean legacy at
risk.
The Massachusetts
Oceans Act (S. 529 – Senator O’Leary), a comprehensive and holistic approach to
ocean management and resource protection, would coordinate and monitor all
ocean-related activity. This bill would
make Massachusetts
a national leader in ocean resource conservation and provide a model for other
states.
We urge you to give
S. 529 a favorable report to ensure a healthy and productive Atlantic
for all of us.
Sincerely,
Jen Baker
Advocate, Environment
Massachusetts
