NOPC News & Updates

NOPC Statement on NMFS Incidental Take Authorization Rule
In response to the National Marine Fisheries Service’s final rule extending current regulations governing the incidental take of marine mammals during geophysical survey activity conducted in the Gulf of America, National Ocean Policy Coalition Managing Director Jack Belcher today issued the following statement: “Today’s action by the National Marine Fisheries Service provides regulatory certainty and… Read more: NOPC Statement on NMFS Incidental Take Authorization Rule
NOPC Submits Comments on Draft Proposed National Offshore Energy Leasing Plan
The National Ocean Policy Coalition today submitted comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in response to their request for comments on the Draft Proposed Program for the 2026-2031 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil & Gas Leasing Program. To ensure that opportunities associated with the nation’s offshore energy resources are not prematurely foreclosed, and in considering… Read more: NOPC Submits Comments on Draft Proposed National Offshore Energy Leasing Plan
NOPC Submits Comments on National Offshore Energy Leasing Plan
The National Ocean Policy Coalition today submitted comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in response to their Request for Information and Comments on the preparation of the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil & Gas Leasing Program. To ensure that economic and environmental benefits from domestic offshore energy development continue to flow to the… Read more: NOPC Submits Comments on National Offshore Energy Leasing Plan

Policy News & Regulatory Updates

Comments Sought on USCG Information Collection
The Coast Guard today announced that it is seeking comments by Monday, July 7 on its request for Office of Management & Budget approval to extend an information collection related to oil or hazardous substance discharge and reports of suspicious maritime activity. The information collection involves an estimated 3,905 annual burden hours.
State Dept. Announces Renewal of Shipping Coordinating Committee
The State Dept. today announced the 2-year renewal of the charter for the Shipping Coordinating Committee, effective March 7, 2025. The Committee provides a mechanism for the public to provide input to the State Dept. on technical issues related to international shipping safety, security, and environmental protection.
CEQ Announces Permitting Technology Action Plan
Following the April 2025 Executive Order on Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century, the White House Council on Environmental Quality today announced its issuance of a Permitting Technology Action Plan, which includes an initial data and technology standard for federal permit/authorization applications and reviews, minimum functional requirements for permitting-related software systems, an implementation roadmap and 90-day timeline, and an interagency governance structure to oversee Action… Read more: CEQ Announces Permitting Technology Action Plan

Focused on supporting and implementing sound, balanced ocean policies

Who joins NOPC?

The National Ocean Policy Coalition is an organization focused on supporting and implementing sound, balanced ocean policies that consider the following interests: energy, mining, agriculture, chemicals, construction, manufacturing, shipping, transportation, ports, commercial and recreational fishing, and boating.

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About Our Oceans

Oceans are Essential

Oceans are an essential part of the planet covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface.

Learn more about how oceans support life…

Oceans Impact the Economy

The oceans support more than 28 million American jobs.
More than 80% of the nation’s economy is supported in coastal states.

Learn more about the impact of the nation’s oceans on the economy…

Americans Utilize Coastal Areas

More than 70 million Americans visited beaches in 2010.

Learn more about how Americans utilize coastal areas…

Find out more about specific areas of the nation’s ocean economy

NOPC Members

The National Ocean Policy Coalition is comprised of member organizations, in addition to individual members, from numerous and varied industries and fields.

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