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Comment period on federal review of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary expanded

July 28, 2017

Monterey >> The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced this week it would formally reopen the public comment period on a federal review of 11 marine sanctuaries and monuments, including Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, that could open the areas to oil and gas exploration.

President Donald Trump requested the review in an executive order issued in April. It could lead to the reduction or rollback of any national marine sanctuaries or monuments that were created or expanded in the past 10 years. President George W. Bush expanded Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which runs from Marin Headlands to Hearst Castle, by 496,000 acres in 2008 to include Davidson Seamount.

The comment period originally ended Wednesday, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that day it would reopen from Monday through Aug. 14 after Rep. Jimmy Panetta and 19 of his colleagues in Congress asked for an extension. Comments can be made at bit.ly/2w1zcUr. A total of 68,176 comments were received so far in 30 days.

"This Executive Order is a rejection of a legacy of laws, leaders, and local communities that have long fought to prevent any attempts to drill for oil in our treasured marine sanctuaries," Panetta said in a statement. "While I am glad that NOAA is extending the comment period 15 days, the Administration should give the public sufficient time to voice their concerns about the harm that opening our coast to oil drilling may cause our communities. I will continue to fight to protect our marine sanctuary and preserve the many benefits that our oceans bestow upon our communities, country, and future generations."

The other national marine sanctuaries or monuments affected by the review are Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Rose Atoll Marine National Monument and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Issues:Environment