NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries today announced that it is seeking comments by Monday, Jan. 10 on its intent to initiate a process to consider whether to designate ~7,000 sq. miles of waters along and offshore of Central California as a national marine sanctuary. The area under consideration was nominated for consideration in 2015, and excludes areas of overlap with a proposed wind energy area.
Comments are sought on the scope and significance of issues to be addressed in the environmental impact statement that are related to designating this area as a national marine sanctuary.
ONMS said that the proposed designation is “consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration’s complementary goals to tackle the climate crisis per Executive Order 14008, including by conserving and restoring ocean and coastal habitats, supporting tribally and locally led stewardship, and advancing offshore wind and other clean energy projects.”
In remarks on the proposal, Commerce Sec. Gina Raimondo said that DOC and other partners “are increasing resilience by conserving and restoring the natural and cultural resources that benefit our country and our planet; working to reduce emissions by fostering clean energy like offshore wind; and supporting frontline communities by helping them build back smarter and adapt to the impacts of climate change,” while Interior Sec. Deb Haaland stated that the proposal “demonstrates the…administration’s commitment to lifting up community-led efforts to conserve our lands and waters and strengthen our economy.”
National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy added that “we must – and we will – move ahead simultaneously with conservation and smartly-sited clean energy production,” while NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said that the proposed sanctuary “will recognize and preserve Chumash tribal heritage, protect the area’s rich biodiversity, and build resilience to changing ocean conditions.”
A draft EIS is expected by late 2022, with a Final EIS published in Fall 2023, followed by a Record of Decision, final management plan, and final rule no sooner than 30 days thereafter.
