National Ocean Policy

Statement

Earlier this week, I was featured in a number of stories regarding the National Ocean Policy. These new policy guidelines and processes have the potential to change the permitting criteria and requirements for a large number of economic sectors including traditional fuels and renewable energy development, mining, and power production. The policy may not only restrict ocean and inland activities, but may also take scarce funds away from federal agencies and their currently authorized activities that are critical to the ocean and coastal economies. What truly concerns me is the National Ocean Policy was formed without congressional authority and would be run by unaccountable, unelected, and (in light of the recent news about the GSA's wasteful spending) irresponsible Washington bureaucrats.

Next week, I will plan on sending a letter to the Appropriations Committee requesting their assistance to prohibit the use of funds to implement this National Ocean Policy. As this issue progresses, I will be sure to keep you updated.

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