Sw Louisiana News

Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Congressman Neal Dunn (R-FL) have introduced the Gulf of Mexico Commerce Protection Act, a bill aimed at safeguarding commerce and supply chains in the Gulf of Mexico. The legislation seeks to prevent the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from implementing a vessel slowdown zone until the Department of Commerce proves that the protocols designed to protect Rice's Whales (RWs) in the Gulf will not have a negative impact on maritime commerce.

Earlier this year, environmental activist groups petitioned the NOAA to establish a year-round 10-knot vessel speed restriction zone in the Rice's whale "core" habitat area. This proposal received significant attention, with over 75,000 comments submitted to the NOAA, many of which opposed the broad restriction.

The Gulf of Mexico Commerce Protection Act has garnered support from various organizations, including the Gulf Ports Association, Marine Retailers Association of the America's (MRAA), Florida Ports Association, and St. Andrew Bay Pilots Association.

The key provisions of the proposed legislation are as follows:

- Preventing the NOAA from implementing a vessel slowdown zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

- Requiring the NOAA to consult relevant government agencies and stakeholders to develop RWs protection protocols that do not resort to industry-killing policies such as vessel speed and night transit restrictions.

- Directing the Department of Commerce to conduct a study on the protocols to ensure they do not have a net negative impact on supply chains or maritime commerce, striking a balance between marine protection and national maritime priorities.

- Demanding a report from the Department of Commerce with findings from the study within 60 days to enhance accountability to Congress.

Congressman Higgins emphasized the importance of the maritime industry in Southwest Louisiana and the potential catastrophic losses that further limitations on vessel transit could cause. He stated, "By allowing partisan politics to dictate the future of our country's economic prosperity, we're setting ourselves up for massive failure. This legislation will ensure the security of both our maritime and commerce industries."

Congressman Dunn echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of Florida's maritime activities to the state's economy and job market. He expressed concerns about the proposed 10-knot rule, stating that it would impede transportation and devastate the seafood industry. Congressman Dunn affirmed his support for the bill, saying, "I'm proud to join Rep. Higgins in this effort to protect the Gulf Coast's economy."

The Gulf of Mexico Commerce Protection Act aims to strike a balance between protecting marine life and ensuring the smooth functioning of commerce and supply chains in the region. It seeks to prevent the implementation of restrictive measures that could have far-reaching negative consequences for various industries. With support from key associations and policymakers, the bill aims to provide a comprehensive solution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders involved.

To find out more, go to this link: https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2023/08/18/higgins-dunn-introduce-legislation-protect-commerce-gulf-mexico/