Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 114 Part 1.djvu/680

 114 STAT. 644 PUBLIC LAW 106-256—AUG. 7, 2000 Public Law 106-256 106th Congress An Act Aug. 7, 2000 [S. 2327] Oceans Act of 2000. Environmental protection. Fish and fishing. Intergovernmental relations. 33 USC 857-19 note. 33 USC 857-19 note. To establish a Commission on Ocean Policy, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Oceans Act of 2000". SEC. 2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this Act is to establish a commission to make recommendations for coordinated and comprehensive national ocean policy that will promote— (1) the protection of life and property against natural and manmade hazards; (2) responsible stewardship, including use, of fishery resources and other ocean and coastal resources; (3) the protection of the marine environment and prevention of marine pollution; (4) the enhancement of marine-related commerce and transportation, the resolution of conflicts among users of the marine environment, and the engagement of the private sector in innovative approaches for sustainable use of living marine resources and responsible use of non-living marine resources; (5) the expansion of human knowledge of the marine environment including the role of the oceans in climate and global environmental change and the advancement of education and training in fields related to ocean and coastal activities; (6) the continued investment in and development and improvement of the capabilities, performance, use, and efficiency of technologies for use in ocean and coastal activities, including investments and technologies designed to promote national energy and food security; (7) close cooperation among all government agencies and departments and the private sector to ensure— (A) coherent and consistent regulation and management of ocean and coastal activities; (B) availability and appropriate allocation of Federal funding, personnel, facilities, and equipment for such activities; (C) cost-effective and efficient operation of Federal departments, agencies, and programs involved in ocean and coastal activities; and (D) enhancement of partnerships with State and local governments with respect to ocean and coastal activities, including the management of ocean and coastal resources

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