Washington, D.C.- Today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation that will direct the government to research the causes of, and solutions to the growing threat of ocean acidification.   Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA-03) who chairs the Energy and Environment subcommittee in the House has long been a Congressional leader on the issue and helped guide this legislation to its final passage.   President Obama is expected to quickly sign the bill.

"We now have a President who respects the environment, and understands the need to research and solve the problems associated with global overheating and ocean acidification," said Congressman Baird.  "Just last week, I spoke with Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu about these issues, and I'm encouraged that this administration is as committed as I am to finding solutions."

Watch Congressman Baird's questioning of Dr. Chu at last Tuesday's hearing of the House Science and Technology Committee here   

When signed into law, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act (FOARAM) will charge the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology with overseeing the planning, establishment, and coordination of a plan to improve the understanding of ocean acidification and its impact on marine ecosystems.  The bill was included in the Public Lands Management Act of 2009.  

"From the people who work in the seafood and shellfish industry, to those who enjoy our maritime resources, the consequences of an increasingly acidic ocean to the people of Southwest Washington could be nothing short of catastrophic," said Congressman Baird.  "But this is a worldwide problem.   Billions of people depend on our oceans to put food on their tables, and money in their pockets, and increasingly acidic waters are choking this vital economic engine."

A recent study funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), showed the scope of the problem facing North America's West Coast is far greater than scientists ever imagined.  Alarmingly high levels of acidified water have been found within 20 miles of the shore, which could spell disaster for ecosystems from Mexico to Canada, and everywhere in between. 

"Scientists say they didn't expect to see ocean acidification levels this high until the middle, or even late part of this century," added Congressman Baird.  "This study should serve as an eye opener for everyone, and illustrates why we must solve this problem right now."

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