Title I amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2401 et seq.) to 

 provide clear authority to implement the Protocol's provisions on environmental im- 

 pact assessment (Article 8 and Annex I), conservation of fauna and flora (Annex II), 

 waste disposal and waste management (Annex III) and area protection and manage- 

 ment (Annex V). 



Specifically, it amends the definitions contained in the Antarctic Conservation Act 

 of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2402) (ACA) to conform with those in the Protocol. Further, it 

 incorporates the specific obligations of the Protocol by revising and extending the 

 ACA's definitions of prohibited acts, as well as its system of permits. With respect 

 to the Protocol's provisions on environmental impact assessment, it implements 

 them through application of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Finally, 

 it sets forth the Federal agency responsibilities with respect to the Protocol's obliga- 

 tions, reaffirming the lead role of the National Science Foundation as the manager 

 of our important research program in Antarctica. 



Title II of H.R. 3060 addresses the Protocol's prohibition on mineral resource ac- 

 tivities in Antarctica. It amends the Antarctic Protection Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 

 2461 et seq.) to make permanent the interim prohibition on such activities contained 

 in that act. 



Title III of H.R. 3060 addresses Annex IV of the Protocol on Marine Pollution. It 

 recognizes that the primary substantive provisions of Annex FV have already been 

 implemented through the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 1901 et 

 seq.) and includes technical amendments to conform its references to the Protocol. 



In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I would like to convey the Administration's strong 

 support for enactment of H.R. 3060. I believe that we can all take pride in the Unit- 

 ed States achievements in Antarctica over the past four decades. We have set the 

 standard in the conduct of cutting-edge research there; we have taken the lead in 

 innovative arrangements to conserve its resources; and we have guaranteed the ef- 

 fective and peaceful governance of the continent through the Antarctic Treaty. And, 

 as with the Antarctic Treaty itself. United States leadership was crucial to the con- 

 clusion of this Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty. Passage of H.R. 3060 will reaffirm 

 the United States commitment to continue to play this role. We are encouraged by 

 the consensus that exists on its early passage and pay tribute to your leadership 

 and that of Representative Brown and the members of the Science Committee in 

 bringing our shared objective within reach. 



The Chairman. Thank you for your statement. 

 Dr. Lane, welcome. We appreciate your being with us, and we'd 

 be happy to have your testimony. 



STATEMENT OF DR. NEAL F. LANE, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL 

 SCIENCE FOUNDATION, WASHINGTON, DC 



Dr. Lane. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



I very much appreciate this opportunity to discuss the legislation 

 that you have introduced to implement the Protocol on environ- 

 mental protection to the Antarctic Treaty. 



It was almost 40 years ago that the International Geophysical 

 Year was organized to bring scientists from around the world to 

 conduct research in Antarctica. This event is generally considered 

 as the starting point of an era of outstanding science at one of the 

 last frontiers on earth. 



A growing appreciation of the Antarctic environment and the 

 knowledge that we've gained and can gain from research in the 

 Antarctic was an impetus in our active role in negotiating the Pro- 

 tocol. 



In designating Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace 

 and science, the Protocol establishes a comprehensive environ- 

 mental protection regime governing activities undertaken there. 



The National Science Foundation wholeheartedly supports the 

 Protocol's basic goal of according priority for research while requir- 

 ing that all activities, including scientific research, be undertaken 

 in a manner that preserves the Antarctic environment. 



