Obama Administration Officials to Hold Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting in Providence, RI, on September 24, 2009

PROVIDENCE, RI – Obama Administration officials will hold their third regional Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting in Providence, Rhode Island on September 24, 2009. The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices.

The Task Force is charged with developing a recommendation for a national policy that ensures protection, maintenance, and restoration of oceans, our coasts and the Great Lakes. It will also recommend a framework for improved stewardship, and effective coastal and marine spatial planning. The public is encouraged to attend and an opportunity for public comment will be provided.

Who: Chair Nancy Sutley, White House Council on Environmental Quality
           Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
           Vice Admiral David P. Pekoske, Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard
           U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Herman Shelanski, Director for the Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Readiness Division
           Dr. Dora Hughes, Counselor for Science & Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services
           Associate Deputy Secretary Laura Davis, Department of Interior

What: Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting

When: Thursday, September 24, 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Where: Rhode Island Convention Center
               Ballrooms D & E
               One Sabin Street
               Providence, RI 02903

Note: Public comment can also be submitted online at: http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/oceans