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Sierra Club Testimony — page 5 



exclusion of sensitive environmental areas based on scientific facts 

 virtually impossible. If leasing is to proceed on Georges Bank at 

 any time in the future, smaller areas must be considered. 

 In terms of funding decisions , while we s\ipport continued funding for 

 the Biological Task Force and for an expanded monitoring program appro- 

 priate to the Sale 52 area, we believe that funds must also be provided 

 for pre-leasing studies, particularly as mentioned before, for 

 studies of the biological communities and physical oceanography of the 

 deepwater areas. We emphasize that if funds are limited, future lease 

 sales must be scheduled in such a way that important information is 

 available before leasing decisions are made. 



In conclusion, we commend the work of the Biological Task Force and the 

 progress of the monitoring program thus far. We recommend integration 

 and interpretation of all Georges Bank studies by the BTF, expansion 

 of its activities to include the other responsibilities specified in « 

 its charter, and the creation of further monitoring programs appro- 

 priate to the area of Sale 52 and future sales with particular emphasis 

 on deepwater tracts. 



Above all, we urge the Department of the Interior to adopt a far more 

 conservative approach to leasing of tracts in the North Atlantic, one 

 that will incorporate the latest scientific information and BTF 

 recommendations in a wise decision-making policy that will serve to 

 identify potential impacts on the biological resources before irrejiarable 

 harm is done. 

 Thank you for this opportunity to testify today. 



