Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) withdrew its proposal to Amend the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule.
The rule would broaden the boundaries and expand speed restrictions off of the Atlantic coast. This rule was not backed by scientific evidence and would cripple North Carolina’s coastal economy.
On May 22, 2024, Senator Budd led members of the North Carolina delegation to send a letter to NOAA and the Office of Management and Budget, stating, “we call on you to withdraw this flawed rule and ask that NOAA further engage with stakeholders and explore alternatives that protect whales and coastal access.”
Senator Budd said:
“North Carolina’s coastline is a treasured part of our state and critical to our region. NOAA’s Right Whale Strike Reduction rule would have been extremely harmful to coastal economies in North Carolina. Its withdrawal is a victory for the Carolina coast and common sense.”
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