House Passes Bill Promoting Coral Conservation Internationally

Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2185, authored by Reps. Alcee L. Hastings (D-Fla.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), reauthorizing the Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA) of 1998, a program which allows developing nations to reduce their foreign debt through investment in environmental protection programs.

The bill expands the TFCA to include the preservation of coral reefs and marine habitats as eligible activities for debt relief and makes resources available for environmental stewardship.

"Florida has been at the forefront of protecting endangered forests and coral reefs, constantly inventing strategies to rehabilitate these fragile marine habitats," said Hastings.

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The legislation credits qualified developing nations for each dollar spent on a comprehensive tropical forest, coral reef or coastal habitat preservation or management program.

The Senate companion bill (S. 2020) was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in September and currently awaits a floor vote. The TFCA will expire this year without reauthorization. /st/

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