PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
Monday, July 19, 2010
Contact:  Aaron McLear
Rachel Arrezola
916-445-4571
 

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following statement on President Barack Obama establishing a National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Coasts and Great Lakes to strengthen ocean governance and coordination, establish guiding principles for ocean management and adopt a flexible framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning:
 
“I’m pleased the White House has continued to focus attention on protecting our nation’s coasts and oceans. The Deepwater Horizon spill has emphasized what a vital role our oceans play in our environment, economy and overall well-being. California has long demonstrated leadership with ocean and coastal protection and we stand ready to continue assisting President Obama at all levels of government to ensure that we safeguard our treasured natural resources.”
 
Governor Schwarzenegger has made California a national leader in ocean protection:
·         In 2004, the Governor unveiled his Ocean Action Plan that set a national standard for the management of ocean and coastal resources, created the first Cabinet-level Ocean Protection Council in the nation and signed legislation increasing ocean protection, including limits on trawl-net fishing and water quality testing. California also adopted the country’s strictest rules on cruise ship dumping – standards that have since been expanded to cargo ships.
·         In 2006, the Governor joined with the Governors of Washington and Oregon to form the West Coast Governors’ Agreement On Ocean Health to protect not just California’s shores, but the entire West Coast. The Action Plan, released in 2008, outlines how the states can work together and with federal authorities to improve our ocean in seven priority areas. It includes 26 specific actions to help combat polluted runoff and reduce marine garbage, advocate for stricter vessel emission standards, prevent invasive species, oppose new offshore oil and gas development and explore alternatives, improve ocean research, and increase ocean education, among others.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

Special thanks to Richard Charter