Hydrographic Data Bill Approved by Commerce Committee
July 19, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously approved today S. 1582, the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2007 (HSIA). HSIA enhances the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ability to generate surveys and mapping of our nation’s coasts and oceans.
“For safe, efficient, and environmentally sound navigation and maritime commerce, we must possess up-to-date mapping of our ocean floor,” said Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii). “We also depend on it to protect our coastal and ocean resources.”
The measure, introduced by Senators Inouye and Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), also recognizes NOAA’s role in providing data in the wake of a natural or man-made disaster such as a hurricane. Such data is especially important to reopening shipping lanes and ports.
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