Six Atlantic Coast States object to NOAA's Proposed Vessel Speed Rule Expansion
by National Marine Manufacturers Association 28 Oct 2024 08:09 PDT
New Advocacy alert © National Marine Manufacturers Association
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Massachusetts have formally objected to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) proposed expansion of the 2008 North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule - commonly called the vessel speed rule - raising concerns over its impact on coastal management, local communities, and businesses.
In June, NOAA sent a letter to each Atlantic Coast state, stating that the proposed rule is consistent with the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). The CZMA grants coastal states the authority to review federal agency actions to ensure they align with state coastal management policies. In its communication, NOAA stated that the new vessel speed restrictions would not interfere with the states' management of coastal waters and waterfronts.
However, six states have challenged NOAA's assessment, asserting that the proposed rule does not align with their coastal management practices and raises serious concerns about economic and environmental impacts. These objections highlight the need for more substantial stakeholder engagement in the rulemaking process.
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