H7702

	2016 -- H 7702
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	LC005033
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	STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
	IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
	JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016
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	H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
	RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO OPPOSE
	PASSAGE OF THE EEZ CLARIFICATION ACT

	Introduced By: Representative Blake Anthony Filippi
	Date Introduced: February 24, 2016
	Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources
1	WHEREAS, Between New York State waters and the Rhode Island boundary, which
2	begins three miles off Block Island, lies a small area of vitally important water that is federally
3	controlled and is considered to be part of the "Exclusive Economic Zone" or EEZ. These waters
4	are patrolled by the United States Coast Guard, and in this area the United States has exclusive
5	jurisdiction over fisheries and other natural resources. Striped bass fishing is currently banned in
6	these waters; and
7	WHEREAS, Rhode Island is considered to be the epicenter for striped bass fishing in
8	New England. Block Island's abundant population of striped bass is a treasured resource for
9	Rhode Island anglers and a vital part of Rhode Island's economy; and
10	WHEREAS, The EEZ Clarification Act, if passed, would allow New York fisherman to
11	fish in the waters between New York and Block Island, the "Exclusive Economic Zone." Block
12	Island contains Rhode Island's last consistent seasonal population of striped bass and passage of
13	this act would do irreparable damage to the fishing industry in Rhode Island and to Rhode
14	Island's economy; now, therefore be it
15	RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and
16	Providence Plantations hereby respectfully requests that the United States Congress oppose
17	passage of the EEZ Clarification Act; and be it further
18	RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
19	transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Paul Ryan, Speaker of the

1	United States House of Representatives, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader, United
2	States House of Representatives, Mitch McConnell, Majority Leader, United States Senate, Harry
3	Reid, Minority Leader, United States Senate, and the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.
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	LC005033
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	LC005033 - Page 2 of 2