Six Atlantic Coast states object to NOAA’s proposed vessel speed rule expansion

Published On: October 29, 2024Categories: Industry News, News

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.

While NOAA is not required to alter the proposed rule based on state objections, the concerns raised by these six Atlantic states places additional pressure on the agency to reconsider its approach. The states are requesting that NOAA address their concerns and explore more effective conservation strategies before finalizing any new regulations.

The proposed rule, which remains under review with the White House, would require recreational boats more than 35 feet in length to travel at 10 knots or less much of the Atlantic Coast for up to seven months of the year. The recreational boating industry strongly encourages the adoption of advanced marine technology as an alternative approach to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW) and reduce the risk of vessel strikes.