Ocean Champions is the only political voice for ocean health. We take a non-partisan approach in working with
the U.S. Congress to ensure ocean health through electoral and legislative action.

Ocean Champions - 111th Congress

Ocean Champions, 501(c)(4), with an attached political action committee (PAC), is the first-ever political advocacy organization dedicated to conserving the ocean and its wildlife. Ocean Champions is focused on building champions for ocean conservation in the U.S. Congress.

Ocean Champions endorsed the following candidates currently serving in the 111th Congress. In making endorsement decisions, the Ocean Champions Board of Directors considers a number of factors, including a candidate's past voting record on ocean issues, future leadership potential, committee assignments, candidate interviews, and responses to our questionnaire.

Click here to make a contribution to Ocean Champions - and help support political leadership for our oceans.

Click on a candidate’s name or scroll down for more information.

House of Representatives

Rep. John Adler


District: New Jersey 3rd

Key Coastal Communities: Ocean County (Long Beach Island)

Party: Democratic

Term: 1st

Committees: Financial Services and Veterans' Affairs

Leadership: Replacing Ocean Champion Jim Saxton will be no easy feat. Saxton’s leadership on oceans and New Jersey’s environmental issues set a high standard for the candidates seeking to represent the district. Named one of New Jersey’s ten top legislators by New Jersey Magazine, Rep. Adler has a reputation for being "hardworking, incisive, and respected by both parties," during his six terms as state Senator. His success is driven by his determination to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to pursue their individual American dreams, get a good education, and reap the rewards of hard work. He knows that through perseverance and hard work we can build a better tomorrow for all Americans. Adler served on the State Environment committee and has consistently fought against off shore drilling and spoken out against an offshore liquid natural gas facility noting the potential for “environmental nightmare.” Rep. Adler has earned the support of the Sierra Club and the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Quote from website: “Drilling for oil a few miles off of New Jersey is a mid-20th century response to a 21st century problem. It will do nothing to reduce the cost of gasoline or our nation's carbon emissions, while polluting our beaches and restricting fishing in large stretches of our ocean.”

Website: http://adler.house.gov/, www.adlerforcongress.com

Rep. John Barrow

District: Georgia 12th

Key Coastal Communities: Savannah

Party: Democratic

Terms: 3rd

Committees: Energy & Commerce, Agriculture

Caucuses: House Oceans Caucus

Leadership: Rep. Barrow has been a long-time clean-water advocate since his days as a Clarke County/Athens Commissioner. Upon being elected, he was one of the first Democratic co-sponsors of H.R. 1431, (Fisheries Science and Management Enhancement Act of 2005). Rep. Barrow has also supported important ocean legislation by co-sponsoring both H.R. 21 ("Oceans 21") and H.R 1747 (Safe Drinking Water for Healthy Communities Act of 2007).

Websites: www.barrowforcongress.com, barrow.house.gov

Rep. Madeline Z. Bordallo

District: Guam

Party: Democratic

Terms: 4th

Committees: Natural Resources, Armed Services

Caucuses: House Oceans Caucus & House Coastal Caucus

Leadership:  As the Chair of the subcommittee that has jurisdiction over most ocean issues, Rep. Bordallo understands the importance of strong ocean education, research, and conservation legislation. This is why she has authored or supported many bills designed to strengthen marine life protection and explore the oceans. 

Rep. Bordallo is a sponsor of the following legislation:

Rep. Bordallo is a co-sponsor of:

Website: www.house.gov/bordallo/

Rep. Allen Boyd

District: Florida 2nd

Key Coastal Communities: Bay County, Panama City

Party: Democratic

Terms: 7th

Committees: Appropriations, Budget

Caucuses: House Oceans Caucus & House Coastal Caucus

Leadership: Rep. Boyd has a history of supporting clean water legislation and in 2005 was an original co-sponsor of legislation to protect Florida’s coast from offshore drilling. In addition, he has actively supported the bi-partisan H.R. 1091 (‘Save Our Shores Act’), testifying before the Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment on the harmful effects of red tides. His position on the Appropriations Committee and his support of coastal water issues makes him a valuable friend of the oceans.

Websites: /www.house.gov/boyd/, www.boydforcongress.com/

Rep. Lois Capps

District: California 23rd

Key Coastal Communities: Santa Barbara

Party: Democratic

Terms: 7th

Committees: Natural Resources, Energy & Commerce

Caucuses: House Oceans Caucus & House Coastal Caucus

Leadership: Rep. Capps has consistently fought to uphold the moratorium on new offshore oil & gas drilling. Rep. Capps is a passionate supporter of the National Marine Sanctuary Program, and supports fisheries conservation and management.

Rep. Capps is a sponsor of:

  1. H.R. 1905 (Coastal State Climate Change Planning Act of 2009)
  2. H.R. 1906 (California Ocean and Coastal Protection Act of 2009)
  3. H.R. 1690 (Coastal State Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2009)
  4. H.R. 368 (Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program Act of 2009)
  5. H.R. 367 (Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009)
  6. H.R. 4174 (Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2007 or "FOARAM Act")
  7. H.R. 6434 (Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2008)
  8. H.R. 1907 (Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act)

Rep. Capps co-sponsors the following legislation:

  1. H.R. 21 ("Oceans-21")
  2. H.R. 1926 (Global Warming Education Act of 2009)
  3. H.R. 1310 (Clean Water Protection Act)
  4. H.R. 860 (Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009)
  5. H.R. 366 (Ocean Research and Exploration Enhancement Act of 2009)
  6. H.R. 365 (Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act)
  7. H.R. 81 (Shark Conservation Act of 2009)
  8. H.R. 223 (Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act)
  9. H.R. 2342 (National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of 2008)
  10. H.R. 1187 (Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act)
  11. H.R. 2537 (Beach Protection Act of 2008)

Websites: www.house.gov/capps, www.loiscapps.org

Rep. Kathy Castor

District: Florida 11th

Key Coastal Communities: Tampa

Party: Democratic

Terms: 2nd

Committees: Energy & Commerce, Steering & Policy

Caucuses: N/A

Leadership: As a member of the Hillsborough County Commission, worked tirelessly to protect endangered coastal wetlands. In Congress she continues this fight by supporting a healthy environment and clean water. As one of her first acts in Congress, Rep. Castor introduced H.R 1091 (Save Our Shores Act), which addresses the ever worsening problem of harmful algal blooms (in particular, "red tides"), which impact fisheries, recreation and tourism, and human health. As an outspoken opponent of efforts to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling, in April she introduced H.R. 5861 (Florida Coastal Protection Act).

Rep. Castor is a co-sponsor of:

Websites: www.castorforcongress.com, castor.house.gov

Rep. Vernon Ehlers

District: Michigan 3rd

Party: Republican

Terms: 9th

Committees: Science & Technology, Education & Labor, Transportion & Infrastructure

Caucuses: Co-Chair Great Lakes Task Force, National Marine Sanctuary Caucus

Leadership: A Ph.D. scientist, educator, and self-professed environmentalist Rep. Ehlers stands up for what he believes and understands that environmental problems know no borders. Although his district is landlocked, Ehlers has made a career of fighting for the protection of the Great Lakes and the Ocean. He is opposed to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. In 2002 he wrote and helped pass the “Great Lakes Legacy Act.” He still leads that fight as co-chair of the Great Lakes Task Force and by sponsoring H.R. 1350 (Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act), H.R. 6460 (Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act of 2008) and H.R. 300 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act).

Rep. Ehlers is a co-sponsor of:

Website: www.house.gov/ehlers, www.ehlers.org/

Rep. Sam Farr

District: California 17th

Key Coastal Communities: Monterey & Santa Cruz

Party: Democratic

Terms: 9th

Committees: Appropriations

Caucuses: Co-Chair & Founder, House Oceans Caucus

Leadership: As the lead author and tireless champion of a truly visionary piece of legislation - H.R. 21, the Oceans Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act ("OCEANS 21") - Rep. Farr has shown his commitment to healthy oceans, and his leadership skills. Oceans-21 would implement key recommendations of the Pew Oceans Commission and U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy with common-sense solutions. Rep. Farr also introduced H.R. 6434. (Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2008) and is a co-sponsor of H.R 1091 (Save Our Shores Act).

He has added his support to other important ocean legislation by co-sponsoring the following bills:

  1. H.R. 2918 (California Ocean and Coastal Protection Act),
  2. H.R. 2342 (National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of 2008)
  3. H.R. 4174 (Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2007 or "FOARAM Act")
  4. H.R. 1187 (Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act)
  5. H.R. 1907 (Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act)

Websites: www.farr.house.gov, www.friendsoffarr.org

Rep. Bart Gordon

District: Tennessee 6th

Party: Democratic

Terms:  13th

Committees: Science & Technology, Energy & Commerce

Leadership: Though his state is far from the ocean his Chairmanship of the Science and Technology committee makes Rep. Gordon a key to ensuring a healthy ocean environment. His history of seeking bipartisanship support makes him an effective leader. Rep. Gordon’s work to improve our country through the promotion of science and education has led to the introduction of H.R. 2272  (America COMPETES Act) that in part calls for improvements in Ocean research and education. More directly he has co-sponsored H.R. 1187 (Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act) and H.R. 1310 (Clean Water Protection Act).

Website: gordon.house.gov

Rep. Rush Holt

District:  New Jersey 12th

Key Coastal Communities: Oceanport

Party: Democratic

Terms: 6th

Committees:  Natural Resources, Education & Labor, Select Committee on Intelligence

Caucuses: Co-chair, Research and Development Caucus

Leadership: A PhD physicist Rep. Holt’s science background makes him a valuable member of the Natural Resources Committee. He is one of only two House members to receive a lifetime 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters, and endorsed by the Sierra Club.  Rep. Holt is a solid defender of the environment. This defense extends to the oceans as shown by his support of H.R. 4174 (Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2007 or ‘FOARAM Act’) and H.R. 21 (“Oceans-21”). He is also a co-sponsor of

Websites: holt.house.gov, www.rushholt.com

Rep. Mike Honda

District: California 15th

Key Coastal Communities: San Francisco Bay Area

Party: Democratic

Terms: 5th

Committees: Appropriations

Leadership: During his four terms in Congress Mike Honda has proven to be an effective environmental advocate. Endorsed by the Sierra Club and highly rated by the League of Conservation Voters, Rep. Honda has worked to protect wildlife, California’s air and water quality, as well as supporting clean energy alternatives. As a member of the Appropriations committee we are looking for Rep. Honda to build upon his environmental record and to expand his advocacy of ocean issues.Rep. Honda is a co-sponsor of:

Websites: honda.house.gov, www.mikehonda.org

Rep. Patrick Kennedy

District: Rhode Island 1st

Key Coastal Communities: Newport, East Bay, Providence

Party: Democratic

Terms: 7th

Committees: Appropriations, Oversight & Government Reform

Caucuses: House Oceans Caucus & House Coastal Caucus

Leadership: This Ocean State leader understands the importance of healthy oceans.  As a member of both the Appropriations and Natural Resources Committees, Rep. Kennedy is well placed to continue his fight for the environment -- especially the oceans and coastlines that are such an important part of his state. Active in both the Coastal and Ocean Caucuses, Rep. Kennedy is a cosponsor of:

Quote from website:  “It is vital that we protect our oceans, which comprise the planet's most valuable natural resource.” 

Website:  www.patrickkennedy.house.gov, www.kennedyforri.com/

Rep. Mark Kirk

District: Illinois 10th

Key Great Lakes Communities: Waukegan, North Chicago

Party: Republican

Terms: 5th

Committees:  Appropriations

Caucuses:  Co-Chair Great Lakes Task Force

Leadership: As the author of the Great Lakes Protection Act, Rep. Kirk has shown he cares about clean water and the environment.  He has authored important clean water bills like the Mercury Pollution Reduction Act and the Save Our Waters From Sewage Act.  As Co-Chair of the bi-partisan Great Lakes Task Force, he has shown the leadership needed to forge legislation that protects a resource that goes beyond state or national boundaries. This skill and his passion for the environment make Rep. Kirk a valuable member of Congress. Rep. Kirk is a sponsor of H.R. 54 (Great Lakes Water Protection Act) and H.R. 52 (Tropical Forest and Coral Conservation Act). Rep. Kirk is a co-sponsor of:

Quote: "Protecting our environment is critical to preserving our way of life. That's why I authored the Great Lakes Water Protection Act because we must put a stop to the poisoning of our water supply."

Websites: www.house.gov/kirk/, www.kirkforcongress.com

Rep. Frank Kratovil

District: Maryland 1st

Key Coastal Communities: Eastern Shore

Party: Democratic

Term: 1st

Committees: Natural Resources, Agriculture, Armed Services

Leadership: Rep. Kratovil made support for the Chesapeake Bay one of the cornerstones of his campaign. Rep. Kratovil has pledged to support the Clean Water Restoration Act, resisted the pressure to support expanded offshore driling in presently off-limits areas, supports a moratorium on menhaden fishing off the Atlantic coast-restoring the population of this critical filter fish in the Chesapeake Bay, and he will fight for increased funding to help farmers make the switch to best environmental practices - to reduce the nutrient pollution devastating the Chesapeake Bay. Rep. Kratovil has co-sponsored H.R. 1771 (Chesapeake Bay Science, Education, and Ecosystem Enhancement Act of 2009) and H.R. 965 (Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Continuing Authorization Act).

Website: kratovil.house.gov, www.kratovil.com

Rep. Connie Mack

District: Florida 14th

Key Coastal Communities: Naples & Ft. Meyers

Party: Republican

Terms: 3rd

Committees: Budget, Foreign Affairs, Transportation & Infrastructure

Caucuses: House Oceans Caucus; House Coastal Caucus

Leadership: Rep. Mack is a strong supporter of legislation to protect clean water and beaches and to provide more and better science to understand harmful algal blooms including "red tides." Rep. Mack authored H.R. 1091 (Save Our Shores Act) and on July 11, 2008 testified before the Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment on his Save Our Shores Act, stating that "this is not a Republican or Democratic matter, rather, it is one that affects the health of our entire nation." Rep. Mack was an early co-sponsor of the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which helped build bipartisan support for a critically important bill that passed Congress and was signed into law in 2006.

Websites: mack.house.gov, conniemack.com

Rep. Ed Markey

District: Massachusetts 7

Key Coastal Communities: Boston area

Party: Democratic

Terms: 18th

Committees: Natural Resources, Energy & Commerce

Caucuses: House Oceans Caucus & House Coastal Caucus

Leadership: Rep. Markey has served on the important Resources Committee for his entire 30 year career in Congress, and has been a consistent supporter of ocean protection legislation during that time, playing a key role in the passage of the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996. Rep. Markey has also long been active on energy issues and was selected by Speaker Pelosi as chairman of the new House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Rep. Markey is a_ cosponsor of H.R. 21 ("Oceans 21"), H.R. 223 (Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act) and H.R. 1310 (Clean Water Protection Act).

Websites: markey.house.gov, www.edmarkey.org

Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr.

District: New Jersey 6th

Key Coastal Communities: Long Branch

Party: Democratic

Terms: 12th

Committees: Natural Resources (Fisheries, Wildlife & Oceans Subcommittee), Energy & Commerce

Caucuses: Co-Chair & Founder, House Coastal Caucus; House Oceans Caucus

Leadership: Rep. Pallone has played a key role in some of the most important oceans legislation of the last ten years. He introduced and promoted H.R. 2537 (Beach Protection Act of 2008) and in the past has fought against indiscriminate offshore drilling with bills such as H.R.777 (COAST Anti-Drilling Act in January 2007) and has called for detailed explanations from those who claim we need to drill now. Pallone introduced H.R 2939 (Atlantic Blackfish Conservation Act) and a related bill, H.R. 2625 designed to protect the Atlantic’s fish population. Rep. Pallone has also sponsored:

Rep. Pallone’s has co-sponsored:

Websites: www.house.gov/pallone, pallonefornewjersey.com,

Rep. Chellie Pingree

District: Maine 1st

Key Coastal Communities: Rockland, Portland, Brunswick

Party: Democratic

Term: 1st

Committees: Natural Resources, Energy & Commerce

Leadership:   As a business owner and former state Senate majority leader, Rep. Pingree believes we can have both “a healthy environment and a healthy economy.”  The innovative Pingree proudly notes that her campaign office runs entirely on wind-generated power.  Given Maine’s history of environmental protection and the importance of the ocean to that state’s culture and economy (Rep. Pingree filled the House vacancy created by ocean champion Rep. Tom Allen who ran for U.S. Senate), we believe Rep. Pingree's victory last November will ensure another strong voice speaking for the Oceans. Rep. Pingree has co-sponsored:

Quote from website: " We have a unique opportunity to take concrete steps to protect and preserve the environment. We just need to show the political will to take advantage of it.”
 
Website: www.chelliepingree.com, pingree.house.gov/

Rep. Nick J. Rahall

District: W.Virgina 3rd

Party: Democratic

Terms: 17th

Committees: Chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, Transportation & Infrastructure

Leadership: As chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Rahall has been instrumental in promoting and moving important ocean legislation that had been left behind by previous committee leadership.  Currently, he has the committee evaluating how and where we should and shouldn't drill. In 2006, as ranking member of this committee, Rep. Rahall proved his leadership by successfully fighting to re-authorize and strengthen the Magnuson-Stevens Act.  His leadership will be critical to moving future ocean legislation like OCEANS-21.

Websites: www.rahall.house.gov/

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

District: Florida 18th

Key Coastal Communities: Miami, Florida Keys

Party: Republican

Terms: 11th

Committees:  Ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee

Caucuses: Co-Chair, National Marine Sanctuary Caucus

Leadership: Representing a district surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic on the other, Rep. Ros-Lehtinen understands the necessity of protecting the Oceans. Co-founder and Co-Chair of the National Marine Sanctuary Caucus she has worked to “protect the environmental integrity of coral reefs and other coastal marine resources.” Rep. Ros-Lehtinen has introduced H.R 1679 (Caribbean Coral Reef Protection Act) and co-sponsored H.R. 860 (Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009) and H.R 6537 (Sanctuary Enhancement Act of 2008). She also supports H.R. 1091 (Save Our Shores Act), designed to protect beaches and promote science to understand red tides. A former educator, Rep Ros-Lehtinen understands the need to get future generations involved with the oceans.  She dove down to the Aquarius Undersea Laboratory in the Florida Keys where she participated in an online question and answers session with several school classrooms.

Quote from website: “ I am committed to keeping the environmental integrity of the Keys intact.”

Websites: www.house.gov/ros-lehtinen, www.ros-lehtinenforcongress.com

Rep. Hilda Solis

District: California 32nd

Key Coastal Communities: Los Angeles

Party: Democratic

Terms: 5th

Executive Branch

Caucuses: House Coastal Caucus

Leadership: Rep. Solis is a committed clean-water advocate, and has consistently voted to uphold the moratorium on new offshore oil & gas drilling. She has introduced H.R 1747 (Safe Drinking Water for Healthy Communities Act of 2007) and is an original co-sponsor of H.R. 2918 (California Ocean and Coastal Protection Act_) as well as co-sponsor of both H.R. 21 ("Oceans 21":) and H.R. 2342 (National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of 2008).

Websites: solis.house.gov, www.hildasolis.org

Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

District: Florida 20th

Key Coastal Communities: Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Adventura & Sunny Isles

Party: Democratic

Terms: 3rd

Key Committees: Appropriations & Judicial Committee

Leadership: A key appointment to the Appropriations committee shows that great things are expected from Rep. Wasserman-Schultz.  Representing Florida, she has shown leadership in protecting Florida’s Everglades and the nation’s coastal waters. She is an original co-sponsor of H.R 1679 (Caribbean Coral Reef Protection Act), a co-sponsor of the important bipartisan H.R. 1091 (Save Our Shores Act), H.R 617 (Restoring the Everglades, an American Legacy Act of 2007) and H.R 2758 (Northern California Ocean and Coastal Protection Act). Her environmental record has earned high marks from the League of Conservation Voters and the endorsement of the Sierra Club. As a member of the Appropriations committee Rep. Wasserman-Schultz is well positioned to extend her environmental efforts to the nation’s coastlines and oceans.

Websites: wassermanschultz.house.gov, www.dwsforcongress.com/

 

U.S. Senate

Sen. Mark Begich

State: Alaska

Party: Democratic

Term: 1st

Committees: Commerce, Science & Transportation, Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs

Leadership: With 44,000 miles of shoreline and predictions of rising seas becoming a reality, if ever a state needed an Ocean Champion it is Alaska. Senator Begich, a native son and former mayor of Anchorage understands that Alaska is “ground zero for the impacts of climate change” and that leadership is about creating, not pocketing change. As mayor he worked to reduce emissions, and make Anchorage a more energy efficient city while also working with international winter cities to “address climate change.” Sen. Begich also invested $10 million to remove barriers to fish passage, maintain and restore riparian habitats, and increase public involvement in salmon and watershed stewardship in the state's largest city. In 2007, his Salmon in the City program received two national awards - the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries and Habitat Conservation Award and the Coastal America Partners Award from the Office of the President. This summer Sen. Begich introduced proposals “to replace thousands of city street lights with energy-efficient LED fixtures, and a Sustainable Building Initiative requiring ‘green’ city buildings and incentives for private sector builders.” Sen. Begich has co-sponsored S. 817 (Pacific Salmon Stronghold Conservation Act of 2009) and S. 685 (Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2009).

Quote from Website: “The science of climate change is clear: if we don’t act immediately to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions the cost of doing nothing will far outweigh the cost of taking action.”

Website: begich.senate.gov/, www.begich.com/,

Sen. Barbara Boxer

State: California

Party: Democratic

Term: 8th

Committees: Environment and Public Works (Chair); Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee) Foreign Relations

Leadership: Keenly aware of the importance of healthy coasts and oceans to the economy and lifestyles of California, Sen. Barbara Boxer is an acknowledged leader in protecting ocean ecosystems. Senator Boxer has been a steadfast opponent of oil and gas development off the California coast, repeatedly blocking such efforts. She is currently working to reintroduce legislation that will implement many of the recommendations of the Pew Oceans Commission and U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy.

Websites: boxer.senate.gov/, www.barbaraboxer.com/

Sen. Maria Cantwell

State: Washington

Party: Democratic

Term: 3rd

Committees: Commerce, Science & Transportation; Energy & Natural Resources (Chair: Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, & Coast Guard Subcommittee), Finance, Indian Affairs, Small Business & Entrepreneurship

Leadership: Sen. Cantwell is one of the most outspoken defenders of the environment in Congress, and she has consistently voted in favor of protections for the oceans. Most recently, she carried on a high-profile and successful battle with Sen. Stevens over a proposal to allow new oil tanker traffic in Puget Sound.

Websites: cantwell.senate.gov/, www.cantwell.com/

Sen. Judd Gregg

State: New Hampshire

Party: Republican

Term: 3rd

Committees: Appropriations; Budget (Ranking Member), Health, Education, Labor & Pensions

Leadership: Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire has played an important part in ensuring that our oceans and coasts are well managed. Sen. Gregg has repeatedly fought back attempts to reduce the budget of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which has primary jurisdiction on most ocean management issues. Sen. Gregg has gotten increasingly involved in substantive policy issues as well, and introduced legislation, which would address key recommendations of the Pew Oceans Commission.

Websites: gregg.senate.gov/public/

Sen. Kay Hagan

State: North Carolina

Party: Democratic

Term: 1st

Committees: Armed Services, Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, Small Business Entrepreneurship

Leadership:  As a former State Senator for North Carolina Kay Hagan has developed a record of supporting environmental protection. She has voted to protect ground water resources from chemical and farm waste run off, promoted energy conservation in state government buildings and supported increased use renewable energy sources. According to the Sierra Club “Kay Hagan is on the right side of environmental issues. She supports rapid and aggressive reductions in greenhouse gases and believes that energy conservation is key.” The League of Conservation Voters also supports Hagan for her efforts to increase the use of renewable energy and notes her “average score of 85% from the Conservation Council of North Carolina from 2003 to 2007” compared to Elizabeth Dole’s “pathetic 4 % score from the League of Conservation Voters during her time in Washington is a significant reason why Hagan represents a “new path for North Carolina” Ocean Champions believes in developing relationships with candidates who have shown a willingness to stand up for the environment at the local level in hopes that they will be open to supporting the oceans at  the national level. Kay Hagan has what it takes to become an Ocean Champion.

Quote: "I’m proud to be endorsed by Ocean Champions and look forward to working with them in the Senate. North Carolina’s coast is both a treasured possession and an economic boon, and it’s of the utmost importance to me that we protect and preserve it for generations to come. I also believe we need to encourage water conservation and invest in environmentally responsible hydropower, as well as promote research into renewable resources such as wave and tidal energy which could help us reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help prevent further global warming.” 
 
Website: hagan.senate.gov/, www.kayhagan.com

Sen. Frank Lautenberg

State: New Jersey

Party: Democratic

Terms: 5th

Committees: Appropriations; Environment and Public Works; Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Leadership: Sen. Lautenberg’s support of the oceans is both practical and far-reaching. He has written laws to protect citizens, beaches and shores from the hazards of sewage and oil spills, introduced legislation calling for safer oil tankers and supports Coastal Estuary and coral reef protection.  Among others, he is the author of S.836 (‘Water Quality Investment Act of 2007’), S.1581 (‘Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2007’ or” FOARAM Act’), S.1506 (‘Beach Protection Act of 2007’), S.2844 (‘Beach Protection Act of 2008’), and S.2699 (‘Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2008’).  He is an original co-sponsor of S.391 (‘Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act’ or the “COAST Anti-Drilling Act’), S.1142 (‘Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act’) and a co-sponsor of S.1580 (‘Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2007’).

Websites: lautenberg.senate.gov/, www.lautenbergfornj.com/

Sen. Richard Lugar

State: Indiana

Party: Republican

Term: 6th

Committees: Foreign Relations (Ranking Member), Agriculture

Leadership: As former Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Lugar has been the foremost advocate for adoption of the Law of the Sea Treaty, which is vitally important for conserving oceans in international waters. Sen. Lugar’s continued leadership has helped break the logjam on this treaty in the Senate.

Websites: lugar.senate.gov/

Sen. Bill Nelson

State: Florida

Party: Democratic

Term: 2nd

Committees: Commerce, Science & Transportation (Subcommittee Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, & Coast Guard), Budget, Finance, Armed Services, Select Committee on Intelligence

Leadership: Sen. Nelson led the charge in the Senate against repeal of the moratorium on offshore drilling, and helped engineer a compromise on a Gulf drilling bill, passed in the Senate, that will permanently protect the vast majority of Florida’s coast from new drilling.

Websites: billnelson.senate.gov/, /www.nelsonforsenate.com/

Sen. Jack Reed

State:Rhode Island

Party: Democratic

Terms: 3rd

Committees: Appropriations, Armed Services, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Health, Education, Labor & Pensions

Leadership:  Proving there is more than one way to fight for the environment and the oceans, Sen. Reed introduced S. 1981 (“No Child Left Inside”) an initiative aimed at improving environmental education in our schools. In a more traditional mode, Sen. Reed has always been an active proponent of protecting and improving Rhode Island waterways by supporting legislation such as S.1142 (‘Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act”) and S.836 (“Water Quality Investment Act of 2007”).

Websites: reed.senate.gov/, www.jackreed2008.com/

Jeanne Shaheen

State: New Hampshire

Party: Democratic

Term: 1st

Committees: Energy & Natural Resources, Foreign Relations, Small Business & Entrepreneurship

Leadership: Sometimes to see the future you have to look to the past, Jeanne Shaheen’s history of environmental leadership has shown that environmental action doesn’t have to come at the cost of economic growth. As former Governor of New Hampshire Shaheen gets credit for developing the State’s first comprehensive energy plan, and established a “State Building Energy Conservation Initiative” that reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Shaheen also pushed passage of legislation requiring power plants to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide, carbon dioxide and mercury. Another set of “Energy efficiency” programs promoted by Shaheen helped residents and businesses save money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Shaheen also succeeded at improving laws that increased water conservation and improved the safety and reliability of New Hampshire's water supplies. This is the kind of leadership needed today, one that intelligently serves the needs of citizens while understanding our role as environmental stewards for future generations. It is for these reasons that the Sierra Club, The League of Conservation Voters, and Ocean Champions have all joined together to support Jeanne Shaheen and the future.

Website: shaheen.senate.gov/, www.jeanneshaheen.org

Sen. Olympia Snowe

State: Maine

Party: Republican

Term: 3rd

Committees: Commerce, Science & Transportation (Ranking Member, Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries & Coast Guard Subcommittee), Finance, Intelligence, Small Business & Entreprenuership

Leadership: Sen. Snowe continues to hold an important position on the Oceans Subcommittee for passage of fisheries legislation, and she used that assignment to help shepherd through the Senate a reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Websites: snowe.senate.gov/public/, www.olympiasnowe.com/

 

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