In response to a Trump Administration proposal to review marine sanctuary protections with the goal of expanding offshore oil and gas drilling, the San Mateo County Parks Foundation submitted comments against eliminating or shrinking any marine sanctuary or marine national monument. Highlights of the comments include:
- Californian’s lack of appetite for offshore oil exploration
- The National Marine Sanctuary has become a global model
- California’s marine sanctuaries are a boon to coastal economies
- Investments in clean energy can ensure energy security
Read the board’s full comments against shrinking marine sanctuaries here.
The public comment period began in June, when the specifics of the proposal were published in the Federal Register, and has since been extended to August 14. The proposal relates to an executive order President Trump issued in April, which requires U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to review any actions taken since 2007 that expanded existing national marine sanctuaries or monuments or established new ones, and to report back to the White House in October.
Comments on the review can be submitted by any individual at regulations.gov.