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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 2461. Findings and purpose
(a) Findings
Congress finds that -
(1) the Antarctic continent with its associated and dependent
ecosystems is a distinctive environment providing a habitat for
many unique species and offering a natural laboratory from which
to monitor critical aspects of stratospheric ozone depletion and
global climate change;
(2) Antarctica is protected by a series of international
agreements, including the Antarctic Treaty and associated
recommendations, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic
Seals, and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine
Living Resources, which are intended to conserve the renewable
natural resources of Antarctica and to recognize the importance
of Antarctica for the conduct of scientific research;
(3) recurring and recent developments in Antarctica, including
increased siting of scientific stations, poor waste disposal
practices, oil spills, increased tourism, and the
over-exploitation of marine living resources, have raised serious
questions about the adequacy and implementation of existing
agreements and domestic law to protect the Antarctic environment
and its living marine resources;
(4) the parties to the Antarctic Treaty have negotiated a
Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resources
Activities which the United States has signed but not yet
ratified;
(5) the Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral
Resources Activities does not guarantee the preservation of the
fragile environment of Antarctica and could actually stimulate
movement toward Antarctic mineral resource activity;
(6) the exploitation of mineral resources in Antarctica could
lead to additional degradation of the Antarctic environment,
including increased risk of oil spills;
(7) the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties have agreed to a
voluntary ban on Antarctic mineral resource activities which
needs to be made legally binding;
(8) the level of scientific study, including necessary support
facilities, has increased to the point that some scientific
programs may be degrading the Antarctic environment; and
(9) the planned special consultative meeting of parties to the
Antarctic Treaty and the imminence of the thirtieth anniversary
of the Antarctic Treaty provide opportunities for the United
States to exercise leadership toward protection and sound
management of Antarctica.
(b) Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to -
(1) strengthen substantially overall environmental protection
of Antarctica;
(2) prohibit prospecting, exploration, and development of
Antarctic mineral resources by United States citizens and other
persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States;
(3) urge other nations to join the United States in immediately
negotiating one or more new agreements to provide an indefinite
ban on all Antarctic mineral resource activities and
comprehensive protection for Antarctica and its associated and
dependent ecosystems; and
(4) urge all nations to consider a permanent ban on Antarctic
mineral resource activities.
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