Administration Continues to Target Only Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas with Rice’s Whale Restrictions

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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
NOIA Contact: jwilliams@nullnoia.org

Administration Continues to Target Only Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas with Rice's Whale Restrictions

Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito issued the following statement after National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries denied a petition filed by activist groups to establish a mandatory 10-knot speed limit and other vessel-related mitigation measures related to the Rice’s whale:

“While the decision to deny the activist petition is based on sound reasoning and logic, the Administration continues to target only oil and gas development for restrictions related to the Rice’s whale. While NOAA, the “science-based” agency within Commerce, denied the restrictions, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is still pursuing actions targeting Gulf of Mexico oil and gas production. The decision leaves in place offshore oil and gas restrictions, while essentially deferring action on the majority of remaining vessel traffic concerns.

“Instead of singling out offshore oil and gas with measures like acreage removal, lease stipulations, and additional mitigation requirements, the Administration should follow a regulatory process that carefully considers both the economic and national security implications of its actions. It would be prudent for everyone – especially the whales – to place a primary focus on the well-documented habitat area in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.”

NOAA cited three additional steps it would still need to take before vessel regulations could be considered:

Finalizing the critical habitat designation;
Drafting a species recovery plan; and
Conducting a quantitative vessel risk assessment.

Rather than capitulate to the demands of activist litigants and circumvent the regulatory process, the Administration should pause action for all sectors, including oil and gas, until these steps are completed.

About NOIA
The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.