Selected Quotes from
A Hearing with State Legislators
March 24, 2004

The Assembly Select Committee on Coastal Protection heard from Resources Secretary Mike Chrisman and California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Terry Tamminen on Wednesday, March 24. Here are some selected quotes.

Secretary Chrisman pledged to "recommit our efforts" to implement the Marine Life Protection Act.Chrisman said his agency hopes to restart the MLPA process. "We are committed to making this happen," he said.

Chairwoman Hannah-Beth Jackson, (D-Santa Barbara), was encouraged by Chrisman's pledge. "What he said today essentially is they are going to find private money to carry this out," she said. "My understanding is they are getting very close. ... We've been trying to keep pressure on him, and I believe we will be hearing very soon that they have found a funding source."

Tamminen claimed a mandate for action from the Governor. "I share your sense of urgency, and Gov. Schwarzenegger does," he said. "He made it very clear when he appointed us that he wants action, action, action on this issue."

"The governor understands that a long-term, healthy environment equals a long-term, healthy, sustainable economy," Tamminen said. "We are going to squeeze every last ounce of protection out of the resources we have."

A more complete report of the hearing is available on the website of the Ventura County Star. (There is no charge, but you will be required to register to view the page.)