S.2327 - The Oceans Act of 2000

Public Law 106-256

S.2327, the Oceans Act of 2000, was introduced by Senator Hollings (D-SC) on March 29, 2000. This measure, which was signed into law by President Clinton on August 7, is cosponsored by:

Senator Akaka (D-HI) Senator Boxer (D-CA) Senator Breaux (D-LA) Senator Cleland (D-GA) Senator Feinstein (D-CA) Senator Inouye (D-HI) Senator Kerry (D-MA) Senator Landrieu (D-LA) Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) Senator Lieberman (D-CT)

Senator Moynihan (D-NY) Senator Murkowski (R-AK) Senator Murray (D-WA) Senator Reed (D-RI) Senator Roth (R-DE) Senator Sarbanes (D-MD) Senator Schumer (D-NY) Senator Snowe (R-ME) Senator Stevens (R-AK) Senator Wyden (D-OR)

The Oceans Act of 2000 builds on the provisions of the 1966 Marine Resources and Engineering Development Act by requiring the President to develop and implement a comprehensive long-range national ocean and coastal policy. The bill establishes a sixteen member Commission on Ocean Policy to undertake a thorough review of U.S. ocean and coastal activities.

The Commission will be formed within 90 days of the start of the next Administration and will consist of sixteen members representing state and local government, ocean-related industries, academic institutions, and public interest organizations. The new President will appoint 4 members of the Commission directly and will select the remaining 12 members as follows:

• 4 members from a list of 8 individuals nominated by the Majority Leader of the Senate in consultation with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
• 4 members from a list of 8 individuals nominated by the Speaker of the House in consultation with the Chairmen of the Resources Committee, the Science Committee, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
• 2 members from a list of 4 individuals nominated by the Minority Leader of the Senate in consultation with the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
• 2 members from a list of 4 individuals nominated by the Minority Leader of the House in consultation with the Ranking Members of the Resources Committee, the Science Committee, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

The Chair of the Commission will be chosen by the Commission from among its members.

The Commission will hold public meetings around the country, the first of which must convene within 30 days after the members have been appointed. Meetings will take place in the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest (including Hawaii and the Pacific Territories), the Northwest, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Within 18 months the Commission must submit a report to the Congress and the President detailing its findings and recommendations for a national ocean policy. In developing its recommendations, the Commission will consult with the Ocean Studies Board of the National Academy of Sciences to establish a multidisciplinary science advisory panel of experts in the sciences of living and non-living marine resources. The science advisory panel will assist the Commission in preparing its report and ensure that the scientific information considered by the Commission is based on the best scientific information available.

Issues to be addressed by the Commission in their report include:

• an assessment of existing and planned ocean-related facilities and technologies
• a review of existing and planned Federal ocean and coastal activities
• a review of the cumulative effect of Federal laws and regulations governing ocean and coastal activities to identify and resolve inconsistencies and contradictions
• a review of known and anticipated supply of and demand for ocean resources
• a review of the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments in planning ocean activities
• a review of opportunities for development of ocean products and technologies
• a review of State and Federal efforts to enhance the effectiveness and integration of ocean and coastal activities
• recommended changes to U.S. law to improve management, conservation, and use of ocean resources
• a review of the effectiveness and adequacy of existing Federal interagency ocean policy coordination

Within 120 days of receiving the Commission's report, the President is required to submit to the Congress a statement of proposals to implement the Commission's recommendations for a coordinated, comprehensive policy for the responsible use and stewardship of ocean and coastal resources. In developing such proposals, the President must consult with State and local governments and organizations involved in ocean and coastal activities.

The law also requires the President beginning in September 2001, to transmit to the Congress a biennial report detailing all Federal ocean and coastal programs, a description of each program, current funding levels for each program, and a five year projected budget for each program.

Ocean Commission Resources

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