Introduction of the Georges Bank Preservation Act

Floor Speech

INTRODUCTION OF THE GEORGES BANK PRESERVATION ACT -- (House of Representatives - February 2, 2009)

Mr. MARKEY. Madam Speaker, today I am reintroducing the Georges Bank Preservation Act in the 111th Congress because Georges Bank, America's most valuable fishery and one of our nation's most important marine areas, remains in the crosshairs of the oil and gas industry. Last year, as a result of opposition from the Bush Administration, the longstanding protections against drilling off the east and west coasts expired. As a result, the American people could now begin to see drill rigs as close as three miles to our beaches and in fragile ecosystems like Georges Bank. Allowing oil and gas drilling in Georges Bank would forever destroy this fragile ecosystem and our nation's most important fishery.

In its final days in office, the Bush Administration issued a draft proposal to conduct offshore oil and gas leasing in the entire North Atlantic Planning area in 2013. This area comprises all federal waters off the coast of New England, including Georges Bank. We know that Georges Bank remains a top target of the oil industry and that is why we must take action to restore the longstanding protections for this special place.

The Georges Bank Preservation Act would prohibit the federal government from allowing exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in Georges Bank. Protecting Georges Bank from drilling would affect less than 2 percent of federal land on the outer Continental Shelf. The legislation would also protect any areas designated as marine national monuments or national marine sanctuaries, such as the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Massachusetts. The language in the Georges Bank Preservation Act has already passed the House last year in an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 236-189 as part of H.R. 6899.

Georges Bank is the heart of the New England fishery and a key economic engine for the region. The Northeast fishery landings are valued at approximately $800 million annually and Georges Bank is the key to the region. New Bedford, Massachusetts is by far the most productive fishing port in the United States, in terms of value of catch, and has held that distinction for the last eight years. Its $268 million catch in 2007 was almost as much as catches from the second and third most valuable ports combined. New Bedford has been the number one fishing port for eight straight years.

We must not let Big Oil claim one of New England's most important economic and environmental treasures. The Georges Bank Preservation Act will prevent the oil and gas industry from destroying this special habitat that is the heart of America's most precious fishery and a uniquely vital marine habitat.

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