On February 23, 2012, I wrote requesting that the public comment period on the draft National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan be extended for an additional 90 days beyond the original February 27,2012 deadline. It was disappointing to leam that, despite the National Ocean Policy's massive scope and sweeping impacts across the country, this request was refused and only 30 additional days were provided. I strongly urge you to reconsider and extend the deadline a full 90 days. The likelihood of deterring new investment and job creation is too great to rush the implementation of this questionable new federal bureaucracy. More than 15 agencies had over two years to construct this far-reaching policy, so it is certainly reasonable to allow more than just 75 days for comment by those whose communities and livelihoods could be hanned and negatively affected by the President's Executive Order.

Read the entire letter HERE.