This week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) announced the withdrawal of a pending regulation to impose new speed limits on smaller vessels along the Atlantic coast. 

"In the dying days of his administration, the Biden administration is finally taking action to withdraw their extremely misguided and burdensome vessel speed restriction. This heavy-handed proposal was flawed from its inception and would have crushed coastal economies across the southeast. As the Trump administration moves back into the White House, I look forward to a return to commonsense science-based policies from NOAA that will balance the protection of marine mammals like the North Atlantic right whale with supporting coastal communities." - House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

"As a lifelong fisherman, I understand the critical role the seafood and maritime industries play in sustaining Virginia’s economy. I was alarmed by the Biden-Harris administration’s attempt to expand unnecessary speed restrictions on marine vessels along the eastern seaboard —a policy that threatened to cripple recreational and commercial fishing while jeopardizing ocean shipping safety. I’m thrilled to see this misguided federal regulation withdrawn, and I’m proud of our committee’s efforts to protect the livelihoods of those who depend on safe and efficient navigation along our coastlines." – House Committee on Natural Resources Vice Chairman Rob Wittman (R-Va.)

"Thankfully, NOAA chose to withdraw the North Atlantic right whale speed limit rule.  As NOAA noted, many of those who would be impacted by this one-size-fits-all rule have been willing and hoping to engage more with the agency, and this action will provide that opportunity.  I hope the Trump Administration will work towards a more reasonable solution that avoids imposing catch-all regulations on segments of maritime transportation that have little to no impact on the right whale population in the first place." - House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.)

"I am thrilled that NOAA made the right decision to protect harbor pilots, small business owners, and our coastal economy. This proposed rule was burdensome, overreaching, and would have caused irreparable harm to the Atlantic Coast without providing any environmental benefits. Tracking technologies exist that would help prevent right whale vessel strikes, and I hope to see those more broadly used in the coming years." – U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.)

"From the start, NOAA’s proposed changes to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule were nothing more than a baseless attempt to advance a far-left environmental agenda. The move to withdraw the proposed changes is a win for coastal communities who rely on boating, fishing, and tourism industries and proves that it never had any grounds to begin with." - U.S. Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.)

"I’m glad to see NOAA withdraw their North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Congress can support the conservation of Right Whales while maintaining our vibrant coastal economy… but this rule was not the solution. Today, over 16,000 jobs and $4.4 billion of our regional economy rely on recreational boating in the Commonwealth on top of countless other contributions from our commercial and tourist boating industries. Coastal Virginia would have been devastated by this burdensome, big government regulation." – U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.)

"For over two years, I fought vigorously against the Biden Administration’s unscientific and ridiculously burdensome North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. With their statement of retraction, I welcome its long overdue withdrawal. The Biden Administration pushed this rule even though it knew that the vessels it targeted were not responsible for the death of Right Whales. Regardless they pushed it on to the bitter end. Eastern North Carolina understands the importance of being good stewards of our environment while utilizing our God-given resources to help grow our economy and provide for our families. This is a tremendous victory for our fishermen, boaters, and countless businesses in our coastal economy who would have been devastated if this rule went into effect."  – U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy (R- N.C.)

"Small businesses in Southeastern North Carolina and our many coastal communities are breathing a sigh of relief that NOAA’s proposed rule on vessel speeds has been withdrawn. The rule, based on assumptions and misguided data, would have jeopardized the livelihoods of many, including charter captains as well as recreational and commercial fishermen. It is nice to see that common sense can still prevail." – U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (R-N.C.)

Background

This week, NOAA formally withdrew their proposed speed rule, bringing relief to coastal communities who were concerned about the devastating economic effects of this proposal.

Right whales migrate seasonally along the East Coast, spending summer and fall in the waters off New England and Canada. During winter months, right whales migrate to the southeastern United States for calving. Right whales have been considered endangered in the U.S. since 1970, even before the enactment of the Endangered Species Act.

To address vessel strikes, in 2008 NOAA first enacted speed restrictions for vessels over 65 feet in length going through seasonal management areas. This initially included exemptions for mariner safety and military concerns. 

On August 1, 2022, NOAA published the proposed rule amending the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. The proposed rule extended the applicability of the speed restriction rule to include boats measuring 35 feet and longer, expanded the seasonal management areas and changed the existing safety exemptions. More than 63,000 registered recreational saltwater vessels measuring over 35 feet exist in states across the proposed impact area. Considering those numbers, stakeholders estimated that the economic impact of canceling boating and fishing trips as a result of the proposed rule would have jeopardized 340,000 American jobs and nearly $84 billion in economic contributions. 

In July 2024, Westerman led a letter with 54 other members voicing their concerns over the proposed rule. Members highlighted the economic devastation this rule would bring to many coastal communities. 

This week's announcement is a return to existing policy, which follows a science-based approach supporting both local communities' interests and the protection of the right whale.