Current Status Introducing Body:Senate Bill Number:989 Primary Sponsor:Lourie Type of Legislation:CR Subject:Federal forestry programs Date Bill Passed both Bodies:May 30, 1991 Computer Document Number:BR1/1688.AC Introduced Date:May 14, 1991 Last History Body:Senate Last History Date:May 30, 1991 Last History Type:Received from House Scope of Legislation:Statewide All Sponsors:Lourie Passailaigue Washington McConnell Type of Legislation:Concurrent Resolution
Bill Body Date Action Description CMN
---- ------ ------------ ------------------------------ ---
989 Senate May 30, 1991 Received from House
989 House May 30, 1991 Adopted, returned with
concurrence
989 House May 16, 1991 Committee Report: Favorable 24
989 House May 15, 1991 Introduced, referred to 24
Committee
989 Senate May 14, 1991 Introduced, adopted, sent to
House
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ADOPTED
May 30, 1991
S. 989
Introduced by SENATORS Lourie, Passailaigue, Washington and McConnell
S. Printed 5/30/91--S.
Read the first time May 14, 1991.
TO MEMORIALIZE CONGRESS TO ENACT SENATE BILLS 942 AND 943 GIVING PRIORITY FOR PLANTING AND MAINTAINING TREES UNDER FEDERAL FORESTRY PROGRAMS TO AREAS THAT HAVE SUFFERED TREE LOSS DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS.
Whereas, the strength and health of our environment is dependent upon a well-balanced ecosystem; and
Whereas, an integral component of a properly functioning ecosystem is adequately forested land; and
Whereas, the extensive loss of trees through natural disasters or by other means disturbs this balance making the environment more vulnerable to pollution and destruction; and
Whereas, South Carolina suffered the largest forestry disaster in modern American history as a result of Hurricane Hugo; and
Whereas, Hurricane Hugo destroyed more timber than the Mt. St. Helens eruption, the Yellowstone fires of 1988, Hurricane Frederick, and Hurricane Camille combined; and
Whereas, extra measures must be taken to assist in replacing this forestry loss and restoring the necessary balance in our environment; and
Whereas, two bills have been introduced recently in the United States Senate by South Carolina Senator Fritz Hollings giving priority under two federal forestry programs to areas that have suffered tree loss due to environmental disasters; and
Whereas, Senate Bill 942 gives higher priority to these tree damaged areas under a Small Business Administration tree planning program that provides funds to states to purchase trees from small nurseries to plant on public lands; and
Whereas, Senate Bill 943 highlights these areas for aid under the "America the Beautiful" initiative which solicits private contributions and distributes funds to organizations and localities for volunteer efforts to plant and maintain trees; and
Whereas, the passage of these bills substantially would aid South Carolina in restoring our forests from the devastation caused by Hurricane Hugo. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina memorializes Congress to enact Senate Bills 942 and 943 giving priority for planting and maintaining trees under federal forestry programs to areas that have suffered tree loss due to environmental disasters.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.