The Obama Administration continues to move forward with zoning the oceans through implementation of the President's National Ocean Policy (Policy) without requesting funding specifically for this broad initiative and without answering basic questions about how funds are currently being diverted from other missions to fund this initiative.
Therefore, fishing rights groups request that you please consider including language in each appropriations bill to specifically prohibit the use of funds for the implementation of the National Ocean Policy.
The Natural Resources Committee has undertaken oversight over this far-reaching Policy and the lack of information provided by the Administration raises serious concerns – particularly about the funding for the implementation of the Policy and the negative impact on existing activities by agencies implementing the Policy.
The President's Policy is especially alarming due to the fact it will not only affect the oceans and coastal areas, but also stretches far inland following rivers and their tributaries upstream for hundreds of miles.
Ask that language be included in all Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations bills that would prohibit the use of funds to implement the new National Ocean Policy. Take part in an effort to achieve a pause in policy implementation that would provide more time for oversight and examination of potential impacts.
Fishing clubs and angling organizations who wish to support this effort to prohibit the use of funds to implement the new National Ocean Policy can fax their own letters of support - or send fax the signed letter itself with your support contained in the cover page, to Chairman Rogers' Committee office at 202-225-5078