NOAA Identifies 12 Marine Protected Areas to Review in Accordance With Offshore Oil and Gas Directive

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued notice of opportunity for public comment on its review of twelve National Marine Sanctuaries and National Marine Monuments, which will be conducted pursuant to Executive Order 13795: Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy (April 28, 2017). That Order establishes a national policy “to encourage energy exploration and production” and directs NOAA to identify marine protected areas that were designated or expanded in the past ten years and to report back on “the opportunity costs associated with potential energy and mineral exploration and production” in those areas.

NOAA will accept public input on the proposed list and its review process through July 26, 2017. Comments can be submitted here.