A proposal to expand vessel speed regulations along the East Coast has been dropped after a major uproar from the boating public and a change in presidential administrations.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) withdrew the proposed rule intended to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale on January 16. The marine industry rallied against the proposed rule when it was introduced in August 2022, which could have extended slow zones as far 90 miles out from the coastline.
The industry’s trade association, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, geared up to fight the rule proposed by the Biden administration. After receiving more than 90,000 public comments and
signaling he would reduce regulations, the NOAA cut its loses and withdrew the plan just days before the change in administration.
“This is a huge step forward for American boat manufacturers, coastal economies, and outdoor enthusiasts across the U.S.,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of the NMMA. “The way this rule was drafted gave rulemaking a bad name and created an entirely preventable dynamic. Coastal communities are part of the fabric of this nation, and their livelihoods should never be put at risk by the federal government.”
In the proposal, NOAA wanted to expand the current 10-knot (11.5-mph) restriction for up to seven months a year. The proposed changes have expanded the current 10-knot limits for boats from 65 feet to 35 feet, which would have pulled in many high-performance boats.
These measures were aimed to reduce fatalities and serious injuries to North Atlantic right whales caused by vessel collisions. The marine industry argued that expanding the 10-knots would do little to reduce whale strikes and put the marine industry in jeopardy along the East Coast.
The NMMA argues the industry can develop technology-based solutions to reduce strikes, replacing the speed limits that have been in place since 2008.
“Now the work begins by the federal government to create a durable solution that uses state-of-the-art technology to protect our endangered whale species without jeopardizing the livelihoods of hardworking American businesses and families that rely on access to the Atlantic Ocean,” Hugelmeyer said.
NOAA said the withdrawal does not preclude future action to address ongoing risks to right whales from vessel strikes, though it would be unlikely during the current presidential administration.
