SB 5278-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/16/05)

Declares that, between 2001 and 2004, two high level commissions, the United States commission on ocean policy and the Pew oceans commission, studied and issued reports documenting the state of our nation's oceans and provided ocean policy recommendations. In response to the final report of the United States commission on ocean policy, the president issued the United States ocean action plan and created the cabinet-level committee on ocean policy in December 2004. Through these actions, the federal government has evidenced an intent to facilitate coordination between federal, state, tribal, local governments, and other interested groups and to provide funding for ocean resources programs and activities.

Declares that an evaluation of the condition of the state's coastal and ocean resources and the development of options for addressing the opportunities and challenges facing these resources will facilitate the adoption of a more efficient and effective ocean policy.

Requires the ocean policy review commission to, upon convening, examine the findings and recommendations of the United States commission on ocean policy and the Pew oceans commission. The commission shall identify ocean and coastal programs currently operating in the state. Additionally, the commission shall identify recommendations from the United States commission on ocean policy and the Pew oceans commission that could be implemented immediately or by December 31, 2006. The commission shall report these findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 31, 2005.

Directs the governor or the governor's designee to work to secure federal grants and other sources of funding for inclusion in the coastal and ocean resources account during the existence of the ocean policy review commission.

Provides that the governor or the governor's designee, with participation by the members of the ocean policy review commission, shall represent the state in coastal and ocean resources discussions with the federal government, other states, and tribal and local governments during the existence of the ocean policy review commission.