Newly formed bipartisan Senate Caucus addresses important issues to marine and coastal ecosystems
WASHINGTON - Senator Coons joined 17 other Senators on Tuesday to form the Senate Oceans Caucus. The goal of this bipartisan caucus is to address national issues of importance to marine and coastal ecosystems and industries--a source of jobs for millions of Americans, and an integral part of Delaware’s economy. Given the national focus on getting Americans back to work, we must preserve the vitality of our oceans and the economies they support.
Our nation’s oceans contribute over $230 billion to our national economy, and so threats to oceans and coastal economies are not just local issues. Chris believes that the Senate Oceans Caucus will be an important bipartisan forum for Senators to come together to discuss issues of importance to our oceans, estuaries, and coasts, and the industries and communities that depend on them. Through the Senate Oceans Caucus, Senator Coons is committed to working with his colleagues to increase Delaware’s economic competitiveness and preserve our critical natural resources.
Delaware’s coast presents a unique opportunity to develop new energy sources that will make the U.S. more energy independent and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. NRG Bluewater Wind is in the process of developing one of the first offshore wind farms in the U.S. right off Delaware’s shores. According to the University of Delaware, wind off the Atlantic Coast has the potential to generate enough power to replace about 300 coal plants and to support the energy needs of nine states from Massachusetts to North Carolina. The Bluewater Wind and future wind projects will bring clean, reliable power to Delawareans and will help build a new manufacturing sector that will bring jobs and economic growth to families throughout Delaware and the region. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Chris is exploring ways the Senate can help to develop the energy technologies of tomorrow, including offshore wind.
Delaware’s coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers are home to a diverse range of aquatic species including bass, bluefish, flounder, trout, oysters, clams, crabs, and more. These species are vital to not only the thousands of anglers who come to Delaware for recreational fishing each year, but also Delaware’s seafood industry. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in 2007 Delaware’s commercial seafood industry provided over 1,500 jobs and roughly $74 million in sales. Furthermore, recreational fishing in Delaware is a nearly $100 million dollar business according to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildfire-Associated Recreation.
Chris believes that research, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is integral to improving America’s global competitiveness. The University of Delaware’s Sea Grant Program as well as the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment are conducting critical, cutting edge research on estuarine, coastal, and ocean resources. These efforts serve to bolster Delaware’s educational resources and get young people engaged in the industries of tomorrow. Moreover, the work being done by these institutions will help preserve the strength of Delaware’s key coastal resources.