Bill Text: NJ SCR181 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commends Rutgers University Coastal Ocean Observation Laboratory for contributions to ocean research, data collection, technology, and forecasting.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2015-12-10 - Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee [SCR181 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-SCR181-Introduced.html
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 181
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
216th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED OCTOBER 22, 2015
Sponsored by:
Senator STEPHEN M. SWEENEY
District 3 (Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem)
SYNOPSIS
Commends Rutgers University Coastal Ocean Observation Laboratory for contributions to ocean research, data collection, technology, and forecasting.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Concurrent Resolution commending the Rutgers University Coastal Ocean Observation Laboratory for its contributions to ocean research, data collection, technology, and forecasting.
Whereas, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is a global leader in ocean science, data collection, technology, and forecasting; and
Whereas, The University's Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences (IMCS) is an oceanographic research institute dedicated to understanding the processes that govern change and sustainability in the world's oceans to best use and protect vital marine and coastal resources; and
Whereas, The Rutgers University Coastal Ocean Observation Laboratory, known also more recently as the Rutgers University Center of Ocean Observing Leadership (RU COOL), part of the IMCS, was established in 1992 as part of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program and focuses on understanding the bio-physical processes of the coastal oceans and their impacts on human society; and
Whereas, RU COOL utilizes a state-of-the-art facility and satellite, high frequency radar, and underwater glider technology to improve how water quality problems are investigated in the State, helping to maintain healthy New Jersey shores; and
Whereas, RU COOL has taken a national leadership role in developing the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which gathers data on key coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes variables and ensures timely and sustained dissemination of that data to support economic development, public safety, and resource management; and
Whereas, The IOOS is the United States' contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System, a permanent global system for observations, modelling, and analysis of marine and ocean variables to support operational ocean services worldwide; and
Whereas, RU COOL also plays a major role in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association, which provides data and forecasts of ocean surface currents to the United States Coast Guard for incorporation in its search and rescue operations; and
Whereas, RU COOL provides an unprecedented view of coastal waters through a suite of ocean technologies includes satellites, a network of high-frequency radar systems, and a fleet of robotic gliders that fly beneath the ocean surface; and
Whereas, RU COOL has partnered with over 25 companies to develop new technologies, such as ocean sensors, sampling platforms, and communication networks, which benefit New Jersey students and the economy; and
Whereas, RU COOL has attracted over $80 million in federal funding over the past decade and worked with researchers from institutions around the world through its collaborative interdisciplinary programs; and
Whereas, RU COOL's ocean research, data collection, technology, and forecasting have also aided New Jersey's recreational and commercial fishing industries, increased the efficiency, security, and resiliency of maritime transportation, and facilitated the development of alternative energy sources; and
Whereas, RU COOL played a key role in the forecasting, preparedness, and response during Hurricanes Irene and Sandy; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):
1. The Rutgers University Coastal Ocean Observation Laboratory in the Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is commended for its valuable contributions to ocean research, data collection, technology, and forecasting, which have provided numerous and invaluable benefits to the people of the State, the United States, and the global community.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the President of Rutgers University and the Directors of the Rutgers University Coastal Ocean Observation Laboratory.
STATEMENT
This concurrent resolution would commend the Rutgers University Coastal Ocean Observation Laboratory (RU COOL) for its contributions to ocean research, data collection, technology, and forecasting.
The laboratory, part of the Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University, was established in 1992 and focuses on understanding the bio-physical processes of the coastal oceans and their impacts on human society. Among its many activities, RU COOL helps investigate water quality problems in the State, provides data to the U.S. Coast Guard and to national and international ocean observation systems, and develops new technologies in ocean observation. These activities enhance water safety and storm response, assist search and rescue operations, aid New Jersey recreational and commercial fisheries, enhance the efficiency, security, and resiliency of the maritime transportation network, and facilitate the development of renewable energy technologies.
