CEO Note: Bipartisan Support for the Oceans - Oceana USA
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October 7, 2013

CEO Note: Bipartisan Support for the Oceans

We live in a world increasingly divided and governed by partisanship. At times, it can be frustrating for those of us who want to make a difference.

That is why I am proud to let you know about the Oceana’s relationship with two remarkable leaders from different sides of the aisle, both united in their desire to save our oceans: Hillary Rodham Clinton and James Connaughton.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton worked for decades to ensure the safety and integrity of both our lands and our oceans. In Congress she fought to increase science funding, to reduce air pollution from marine vessels, and to increase beachwater pollution monitoring. She’s also a vocal advocate for global greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Secretary Clinton will be a special guest at Oceana’s upcoming Partners Award Gala, where we honor individuals who make outstanding contributions through their personal commitment to the cause of protecting our oceans. I’d like to invite you to attend this year’s event and to hear Secretary Clinton speak in person. You can find out more information (and get tickets) at our event website: partnersaward.org.

Jim Connaughton has a similarly impressive record as George W. Bush’s environmental adviser during his presidency. A former energy industry lawyer, Connaughton was chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality and director of the White House Office of Environmental Policy. He also served as chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Ocean Policy, where he played a critical role in establishing four new Marine National Monuments in the Pacific, which make up the largest national marine sanctuary in the world. Connaughton was a special guest at Oceana’s SeaChange Summer Party this August, helping raise over $1 million for ocean conservation. In his speech, he called for continued bipartisan work to move forward and finish what President Bush started. I encourage you to listen to his wonderful remarks, which you can watch here.

Oceana’s bipartisan support may be surprising to some, but it’s no accident—ocean conservation transcends party lines because it’s grounded in hard science. Clinton and Connaughton support Oceana because we are committed to advocating science-based solutions that will restore and protect our oceans. I’m proud to have their support as we stand up for our oceans.

For the oceans,
Andrew Sharpless
Chief Executive Officer

For the oceans,
Andrew Sharpless
Chief Executive Officer