NOAA withdraws proposed speed rule
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) announced it has withdrawn its proposed regulation imposing new speed limits on smaller vessels along the Atlantic coast.
The proposal would have expanded the 2008 North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule—commonly called the vessel speed rule. It would have required 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.
“I’m thrilled to see this misguided federal regulation withdrawn, and I’m proud of our committee’s efforts to protect the livelihoods of those who depend on safe and efficient navigation along our coastlines,” said House Committee on Natural Resources Vice Chairman Rob Wittman (R-Va.)