Reps. Huffman, Farr, Capps, Speier, Thompson Call on White House to Finalize Expansion of the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries

February 27, 2015

WASHINGTON­—Northern California Representatives Jared Huffman, Sam Farr, Lois Capps, Jackie Speier, and Mike Thompson today called on the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to assist in finalizing National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) final rule to expand the boundaries of the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries off the coast of California. The lawmakers’ letter follows a recent request from the U.S. Coast Guard for an exemption in the rule. OMB has been tasked with reconciling the interagency dispute.

“We are increasingly concerned that the implementation of the final rule to accomplish crucial ocean protections has been delayed due to an exemption request from the United States Coast Guard,” the members wrote. “The completion of the boundary expansion will benefit small rural communities up and down the coast that depend on a healthy ocean and income generated from tourism. We urge you to allow the final rule for the expansion to move forward in a timely manner.”

The full letter can be found HERE or below:

February 27, 2015

The Honorable Shaun Donovan
Director
The Office of Management and Budget
725 17th Street, Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20503

Dear Director Donovan:

We write seeking your assistance in quickly finalizing National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) final rule to expand the boundaries of the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries off the coast of California. We also support Leader Pelosi’s letter sent to you on February 10th, 2015 on this topic. This rule is the result of tireless work over many years by groups and citizens on the ground and is strongly supported by local, regional, and federal elected officials.

We are increasingly concerned that the implementation of the final rule to accomplish crucial ocean protections has been delayed due to an exemption request from the United States Coast Guard (USCG). While we recognize and very much appreciate the unique and vital role the USCG plays in protecting the health of our marine sanctuaries, we do not agree that this requires a specific exemption to be added to the final rule at the eleventh hour.

The completion of the boundary expansion will benefit small rural communities up and down the coast that depend on a healthy ocean and income generated from tourism. We urge you to allow the final rule for the expansion to move forward in a timely manner.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

JARED HUFFMAN                                                  SAM FARR

Member of Congress                                                   Member of Congress

 

LOIS CAPPS                                                             JACKIE SPEIER

Member of Congress                                                   Member of Congress

 

MIKE THOMPSON

Member of Congress

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