SCHWARZENEGGER SIGNS LANDMARK OIL RIG DECOMMISSIONING LEGISLATION TO CREATE OCEAN LEGACY

Fishing and Ocean Enthusiasts Applaud the Governor for Saving Marine Habitat and Creating Ocean Endowment

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed landmark legislation today which will encourage oil platform decommissioning and allow partial decommissioning if it is found to be beneficial to marine ecosystems.
Under A.B. 2503, sponsored by Assembly Speaker John Perez, each offshore platform will be individually evaluated. If partial decommissioning is found to provide an environmental benefit, the legislation provides that any financial savings will be split, with the majority of the money used to create a public trust endowment for reinvestment back into the ocean. The legislation creates an incentive to remove the 27 rigs currently off the California coast, thus clearing the skyline.

“Governor Schwarzenegger and Speaker Perez have joined together not only to save the fish and reefs but also to create an incredible trust fund to help the next generation of anglers,” said Tom Raftican, President of The Sportfishing Conservancy. “We supported this program because it boosts resources and recreational fishing. I’ve fished and dived under these rigs so I know first hand the incredible marine life which is there.”
“This is a great day for all Californians who love the ocean,” said Raftican.