NOIA Celebrates DOI Solicitor’s Opinion on Take Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

For Immediate Release: Friday, December 22, 2017
Contact:  Nicolette Nye, (202) 465-8463, nicolette@nullnoia.org

NOIA Celebrates DOI Solicitor’s Opinion on Take Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Washington, D.C. – In response to today’s opinion from the DOI Solicitor regarding take under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act,  NOIA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tim Charters issued the following statement:

“Today’s action by the Department of the Interior’s Solicitor brings reason and balance to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).  Over the last few years, the management of ‘take ‘under MBTA has been riddled with flawed decisions that have created massive uncertainty.  The mixed interpretations have done nothing to prevent avian mortality.  Thankfully, today’s action brings a common sense approach by recognizing many circuit court findings that the scope of takings under the MBTA only prohibits intentional acts that directly kill migratory birds.  This commonsense approach ensures that lawful activities are not held hostage to unnecessary threats of criminalization.”

ABOUT NOIA

NOIA is the only national trade association representing all segments of the offshore industry with an interest in the exploration and production of both traditional and renewable energy resources on the nation’s outer continental shelf.  NOIA’s mission is to secure reliable access and a fair regulatory and economic environment for the companies that develop the nation’s valuable offshore energy resources in an environmentally responsible manner. The NOIA membership comprises approximately 250 companies engaged in business activities ranging from producing to drilling, engineering to marine and air transport, offshore construction to equipment manufacture and supply, telecommunications to finance and insurance, and renewable energy.