The Trump administration’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed shrinking the popular Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) expansion to allow more oil/gas drilling and fishing near sensitive and important coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Your comments are needed now!
This massive change was made after the public in 2016 overwhelmingly supported Alternative 5, the largest alternative (935 square miles) with 4,479 of 8,491 comments. Alternative 5 covers only 0.15% of the GOM which has a miniscule effect on oil/gas and fishing and protects much of the coral reefs in the northern GOM.
The NOAA proposed preferred Alternative 3, had 1,501 comments, and would have expanded the FGBNMS from 56 square miles to 383 square miles. NOAA now proposes reducing Alternative 3 from 383 square miles to 160 square miles, a massive 58% reduction. This travesty must be stopped!!!
Submit your comments by July 3, 2020, mention Docket # NOAA-NOS-2019-0033, and say:
- You want NOAA to prepare a draft supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) due to the significant change in the expansion proposal, with full public review and comment period.
- You want the public comment period extended to August 31st.
- You want NOAA to justify why popular Alternatives 3, 4, and 5, were rejected and what justifies the size reduction (58% less) for preferred Alternative 3.
- You oppose oil/gas and fishing interests support for modified Alternative 3 (160 square miles) which is a reduction of 58% reduction, from 383 square miles.You support the original FGBNMS 2016 expansion Alternatives 3, 4, or 5, which provide additional ecological and biological protection from climate change, oil/gas development, and fishing via scientifically proven buffer zones, migratory corridors, and connectivity and will be easier to manage, monitor, and protect.
Email comments:
- Use the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, go to: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NOS-2019-0033, click on the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments
- Written comments: send to Mr. George P. Schmahl, Superintendent, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, 4700 Avenue U, Building 216, Galveston, Texas 77551.
For more information contact: Brandt Mannchen, 281-570-7212, brandt_mannchen@comcast.net.