H 4842 Concurrent Resolution, By M.A. Pitts, Duncan, Scott and Lucas

Similar(S 1386)
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE CONGRESS TO TAKE ANY MEASURE WITHIN ITS
 POWER TO MITIGATE OR OVERTURN ANY EXECUTIVE ORDER ISSUED TO IMPLEMENT
 RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE INTERAGENCY OCEAN POLICY TASK FORCE IF THESE
 RECOMMENDATIONS FAIL TO ENSURE AND PROMOTE RECREATIONAL FISHING AND ACCESS TO
 PUBLIC WATERS, AND IF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS FAIL TO INCLUDE RESPONSIBLY
 REGULATED RECREATIONAL BOATING AND FISHING AS NATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR OUR
 OCEANS, COASTS, AND LAKES.

   04/14/10  House  Introduced HJ-79
   04/14/10  House  Referred to Committee on Invitations and Memorial
                     Resolutions HJ-79
   04/27/10  House  Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Scott
   04/28/10  House  Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Lucas

TO MEMORIALIZE CONGRESS TO TAKE ANY MEASURE WITHIN ITS POWER TO MITIGATE OR OVERTURN ANY EXECUTIVE ORDER ISSUED TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE INTERAGENCY OCEAN POLICY TASK FORCE IF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS FAIL TO ENSURE AND PROMOTE RECREATIONAL FISHING AND ACCESS TO PUBLIC WATERS, AND IF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS FAIL TO INCLUDE RESPONSIBLY REGULATED RECREATIONAL BOATING AND FISHING AS NATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR OUR OCEANS, COASTS, AND LAKES.

Whereas, our nation is fortunate to possess a wealth of natural resources, and we have a long history of stewardship of these resources; and

Whereas, just as a farmer carefully tends the land on which his survival depends, many of our country's best resource stewards are those who use the resource and for whom the resource holds intrinsic value for sustenance, survival, or cultural tradition; and

Whereas, recreational fishermen are prime examples of responsible resource stewards, as they place an extremely high value on the quality and existence of our nation's coastal waters and freshwater resources. Recreational fishermen respect our country's marine and freshwater habitats because they know that in order for these ecosystems to sustain the aquatic life and natural wonder for which they are sought, these resources must be protected and carefully managed; and

Whereas, fishing as a pastime in our country boasts strong support, with ninety-three percent of Americans indicating they support legal recreational fishing, and it is an activity that is enjoyed by Americans across all age, gender, socioeconomic, and ethnic distinctions; and

Whereas, recreational fishermen contribute significantly to the national and regional economies through equipment and gear purchases, fuel, lodging, and food, with total related sport fishing expenditures exceeding one hundred twenty-five billion dollars and supporting over one million jobs; and

Whereas, in June of 2009, President Obama created an Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force to recommend a national policy to ensure the protection, maintenance, and restoration of our oceans, coasts, and the Great Lakes; and

Whereas, the Task Force has issued two reports since its creation, the Interim Report of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force and the Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning; however, the Task Force has failed to expressly recognize responsibly regulated recreational fishing as a national priority for the oceans and Great Lakes in either of these reports; and

Whereas, without its recognition as a national priority, recreational fishing opportunities could become more limited, curtailed, or even potentially eliminated. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly memorialize Congress to take any measure within its power to mitigate or overturn any Executive Order issued to implement recommendations by the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force if these recommendations fail to ensure and promote recreational fishing and access to public waters, and if these recommendations fail to include responsibly regulated recreational boating and fishing as national priorities for our oceans, coasts, and lakes.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.