After passing in the House 220-215, the Senate has opened debate on their version of the health care bill with a 60-39 preliminary vote. Now onto the main event…

It is written…

Today, March 30, 2009 close to 3:30 pm, President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 into law!

The package includes many important initiatives that oceans folks like me have been working to realize for a very long time including ocean exploration, NOAA undersea research, ocean and coastal mapping integration, the integrated coastal and ocean observation system, federal ocean acidification research and monitoring, coastal and estuarine land conservation, and more!

Congratulations everyone!  This is a historic day.  The news is encouraging and now we must stay vigilant as there is plenty more to be done.

Finally, on a personal note…  After so many years of hard work, this goes out to Sea Grant Fellows past and present, the good folks inhabiting NOAA’s Silver Spring offices, and all the incredible staffers I know working tirelessly on these issues behind the scenes in our nation’s capitol.

In January I shared the Senate victory when S. 22, The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2008 passed 73-21. The package includes ocean exploration, NOAA undersea research, ocean and coastal mapping integration, the integrated coastal and ocean observation system*, federal ocean acidification research and monitoring, coastal and estuarine land conservation, and lots more.

Today I’m delighted to add that the House version–H.R. 146–just passed as well meaning it’s all on the cusp of becoming law! Folks, this is as much a bill about the environment as it is about people and our collective future.  So you bet I’m excited and encouraged over today’s win… Next stop President Obama!

* hat tip to Senator Snowe for all her terrific work!

“Today Congress confirmed its commitment to realizing the vast potential of ocean science and research,” said Senator Snowe, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmospheres, Fisheries, and Coast Guard. “Oceans make up nearly three-quarters of the Earth’s surface and impact the economy, environment, and culture of the entire global community yet the physical properties and natural systems of the ocean world remain largely a mystery.  This legislation will help our country unlock these mysteries by developing a national integrated system of ocean observing efforts that will provide a range of invaluable public services — such as improving  our ability to gauge the impact of major disasters and predict ocean and climate trends.  I am proud to support these critical programs that will stimulate economic growth and science-based environmental conservation in coastal regions and throughout the nation.”