With the ultimate goal of preserving historic and environmental treasures along the Monterey Bay and surrounding areas, the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act has been authored and reintroduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, which could also see the designation strengthen local economies and communities. This legislation would direct the National Park Service to initiate a comprehensive study on whether the coastal communities surrounding the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary qualify for designation as a National Heritage Area.