Friday, October 10, 2008
Governor Vetoes Marine Debris Bill
After cutting the budget for water quality testing, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also managed to veto the few environmental bills that passed through the legislature, including an important, low-cost marine debris bill. Despite the environmental community's successful efforts to gain support from the commercial fishing community and bipartisan support in the Legislature, Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill addressing derelict fishing gear, SB 899 (Simitian). His veto message stated cost concerns with Dept of Fish & Game, even though the bill had a negligible cost and the Ocean Protection Council would have worked with UC Davis to pick up the bulk of reporting and data management responsibilities. Schwarzenegger also nixed a new fee on cargo ships at the port of Long Beach (also a top environmental effort).
