67 



House Gulf Testimony 



zones to meet the national standard. 



Because of ocean cun'ents the Texas zone might need to Include the Republic of Mexico, 

 probably from our sister Gulf state Tamauiipas south even to Vera Cruz and Carrpeche. 



The bill should be amended to permit and encourage cooperation on these issues with the 

 government of Mexico. 



Once zones have been determined by federal scientists, the law should then permit affected 

 states to agree to work together to design and implement their part of the program. 



If states do not enter after a reasonable period, the federal govemment should proceed with 

 study and monitoring. II serious problems are found, mandated entry into the program should be 

 permitted. 



While the decision is not mine alone to make, I think you wil find Texas ready to work irrunediately 

 on a marine debris monitoring and cleanup program based on voluntary citizen participation. 



We already do much of this in cooperation with the Center for Marine Conservation. 



Rnally, as the Committee well knows, let me stress again ttiat tie quality of the Quif waters of 

 Texas Is a product of what happens In Mexico as well as what happens In Texas. 



If there is one thing IVe learned In my years working on MARPOL and the marine debris Issue In 

 the Gulf, it's that you cannot deal with most ocean problems unilaterally. 



TTie currents of the Gulf donl recognize boundaries. 



Because of this special situation, we Insist there be a Bilateral Commission to create an avenue for 

 coordinated research, remediation, regulatton and enforcement on a wide range of resource management 

 matters. 



As NAFTA nears and coastal industry prospers, the cities grow, the industry discharges increase 

 and the threat of a maritime calarMy increases. 



Put a bilateral planning element In this bill, that will be progress. 



But keep in mind that we still have no effective mechanism to work with Mexkx} on our stewardship 

 of the Gulf. 



Thank your for your time. I would be happy to answer any questions you have. 



