553 



ing for section 305 planning grants for the last 3 fiscal years of the 

 present act from the present $9 million to $12 million. Testimony 

 was received by the committee which substantiated the need for this 

 increase. The State's programs for fiscal year 1975 were examined 

 and found to be just under $12 million. Thus, the figure recommended 

 here is not a "pie in the sky" one, but is shown to represent legitimate 

 and responsible program levels. 



The prospect of new offshore leasing for oil exploration and possible 

 development has caused a change in the Administration's position on 

 this proposed increase in authorization. Eecognizing that certain 

 coastal States will be subject to onshore, socioeconomic impacts from 

 onshore oil work, the administration now favors the increased author- 

 ization level. 



Section 3(B) of H.E. 16215 would amend section 315(a) (3) of the 

 Coastal Zone Management Act. It would extend the avithorization of 

 the estuarine sanctuaries provision of the act — section 312 — for fiscal 

 years 1975-77, inclusive. The level of authorized funding would re- 

 main at $6,000,000. Sanctuaries are very important to scientists who 

 need them to use as places to learn about the ecology of the approxi- 

 mately 20 types of estuary found in the United States. 



This understanding is necessary if other, already-polluted estu- 

 aries are to be saved for our maximum usage. The basic information 

 to be derived from this part of the overall coastal zone management 

 program takes on added importance in areas where oil may be found 

 offshore. Scientists investigating the possible effects of spilled oil on 

 plants and animals have been hindered greatly by the lack of base 

 line information such as the estuarine sanctuary program will provide. 

 This amendment is still opposed by the administration as inflationary. 



The passage of H.R. 16215 at the earliest date is of vital importance 

 to the continued effectiveness of the Coastal Zone Management Act. 

 At this time in our history, we cannot afford to lose an opportunity to 

 sharpen the edge of this most comprehensive and successful planning 

 aid. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 16215. 



Mr. LoTT. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield ? 



Mr. MosHER. I yield to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Lott). 



(Mr. Lott asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 

 remarks.) 



Mr. Lott. Mr. Speaker, the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 

 established a national objective to restore, protect and enhance our 

 country's coastal zone resources, to bring about implementation of 

 management programs by the various States for the prudent use of 

 the land and water resources of the coastal zone, and to encourage the 

 participation of the public. Federal. State, and local governments in 

 the development of such programs. 



Although the act became effective in October of 1972, funding w^as 

 not appropriated until December 1973. Because of this, implementa- 

 tion of the program began loss than a year ago. Since that time 31 

 of the 34 States and territories eligible for grants have already applied 

 for and received such funds and are making the much needed head- 

 way toward the development of their coastal zone management pro- 

 grams. My home State of Mississippi was eligible for and received 

 slightly over $100,000 in Federal money for a 3-year development 

 period beginning in May 1974. 



