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Protecting Our Coastal Environment, Wildlife, and Recreation

Press Releases on Environment Blog Postings on the Environment

Millions of visitors come to South Carolina each year to see the natural treasures we have in the Lowcountry.  In the 111th Congress, I am proud to serve on the Natural Resources Committee and also serve as the Ranking Republican on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oceans, Wildlife and Insular Affairs .  In this capacity, I have been able to fight for our local shrimping industry, which is an important part of the Lowcountry’s culture and history.  I am also working to establish a blueprint for the development of a domestic aquaculture industry; therefore, America will become less dependent on foreign and sometimes unsafe sources of seafood.

I have been proud to cosponsor legislation supporting our nation’s beaches, and legislation like the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act that funds ocean and coastal mapping. Such mapping and the National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2009, of which I am a cosponsor, will assist coastal South Carolina in essential hurricane research.  

Wildlife conservation has also been one of my top priorities, and with the 110th Congress's dramatic increase in funding for sea turtle conservation, I was proud to introduce the Marine Turtle Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2009

In addition to my leadership position on the Subcommittee on Oceans, Wildlife and Insular Affairs, I am also on the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee where I am able to champion the interests of the Francis Marion National Forest as well as Fort Sumter National Monument and South Carolina's Wildlife Refuges.

Sites of Interest:
US Department of the Interior
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US National Park Service
US Forest Service
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources