ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT AND SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 209

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JANUARY 16, 2003

      The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee favorably reports with committee amendments Assembly Resolution No. 209.

      This resolution commends Rutgers University Coastal Ocean Observation Lab (RUCOOL) on its contributions to the study of New Jersey coastal waters. RUCOOL has contributed invaluable scientific data and insights into the ecology of New Jersey's coastal waters, and developed new technologies to understand ocean movement and its interaction with the shoreline, atmosphere, and life in and around its waters, including man, and for predicting its behavior. RUCOOL also has developed capabilities to conduct environmental assessments, contributing to New Jersey’s ecological and human health and public safety, and has developed improvements in weather predictive forecasting and in assessing potential threats to marine life.

      This resolution further commends RUCOOL for its contributions

to New Jersey’s youth by providing innovative approaches to learning and in fostering scientific literacy, and encourages the Rutgers School of Marine Sciences to investigate and utilize new technologies, including global positioning systems to enhance oceanographic research and maritime safety.

      The committee adopted technical and clarifying amendments to the bill.