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Sunday, January 2, 2005
Bush's modest hope
President Bush has taken steps to protect the oceans better. For a president with an environmental record like his, even a modest effort merits hope.
Shortly before Christmas, Bush created a Cabinet-level group to oversee the nation's policies on oceans. That's a critical and long-overdue step toward coordinating the nation's efforts to protect the oceans, fish stocks and communities that depend on a healthy marine environment for economic success.
Bush appointed James Connaughton, chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, to head the new Committee on Ocean Policy. Connaughton says the committee will look at some 200 recommendations from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, which released its final report in September. Meanwhile, the administration is working on several other ocean initiatives, including more research, better protection of coral reefs and reductions in air pollution from marine vessels.
Those are significant first steps. But the administration will have to provide a great deal of follow-up if it is to achieve the kind of dramatic changes that almost everyone thinks are needed.
Congress must play a very active role. It's important for Congress to look for ways to improve on the administration's response, such as pushing for a trust fund on ocean protection, improving regional fisheries management councils and fighting the administration's inclination to open up coastal oil and gas drilling.
In its September report, the ocean commission said, "Our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes are in trouble, and major changes are urgently needed." It's encouraging that the president recognizes the need for change, but he and Congress must do more.
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