; and (2) only 26 percent of Federal ocean territory permanently protected, the vast majority of which is in the remote western Pacific Ocean or northwestern Hawaii; Whereas the United States has historically demonstrated leadership and resolve to protect, conserve, and restore the natural environment, including through a network of protected areas; Whereas that network of protected areas is protected and supported by a variety of conservation laws passed at other times of crisis; Whereas the United States— (1) ranks among the top 5 countries in the world for the amount of wilderness-quality land and ocean remaining; and (2) has the conservation experience and traditions necessary to make great strides in the protection of the remaining natural areas in the United States for future generations; Whereas the Federal Government, the private sector, civil society, farmers, ranchers, fishing communities, and sportsmen have a history of working together to conserve the land and ocean of the United States; Whereas the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States, consisting of waters within 200 miles of the coastline— (1) covers 4,500,000 square miles; (2) is 23 percent larger than the landmass of the United States; and (3) provides a home to various ocean habitats and ecosystems, including— (A) coral reefs; (B) kelp forests; (C) mangroves; (D) seagrass beds; and (E) deep-sea corals; Whereas conserving and restoring nature is one of the most efficient and cost-effective strategies for fighting climate change; Whereas, to confront the deterioration of natural systems and the loss of biodiversity around the world, and to remain below a 1.5 degrees Celsius increase in average global temperature, scientists recommend that roughly 1/2 of the planet be conserved