NOAA Withdraws Proposed Speed Rule for East Coast Whale Protection

After two years of review, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has decided to drop a proposed speed-limit rule intended to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales from ship strikes. The rule was opposed by East Coast seaports, which viewed the speed limits as a threat to commerce and a potential safety risk. 

“Vessel speed restrictions, no matter how well intentioned, severely diminish the flow of commerce through our nation’s gateways while also making the already difficult jobs of harbor pilots and mariners more dangerous,” said Cary S. Davis, AAPA President and CEO. “America’s ports thank the federal government for making the right decision to withdraw the NARW Vessel Speed Restriction rule and look forward to supporting precision technology to preserve a…