Search Results for keywords:"marine environment protection"

In a memorandum dated January 6, 2025, the President of the United States directed the withdrawal of certain areas in the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area from being available for oil and natural gas leasing. This decision aims to protect marine and coastal environments, considering the area's vulnerability to oil spills and the urgent need to address climate change. The withdrawal affects specific regions but does not impact existing leases or previous withdrawals made under different executive orders. The memorandum emphasizes being responsible stewards of the environment while trying to build resilience against climate change.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented a final rule to expand the boundaries of the Humboldt Open Ocean Disposal Site (HOODS) near Humboldt Bay, California. The expansion increases the site's size to four square nautical miles to accommodate the long-term disposal of dredged material from Humboldt Harbor, ensuring safe navigation while monitoring environmental impact. This rule is made under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act and includes detailed regulatory criteria assessments to prevent significant environmental effects. The expanded site will also follow a Site Management and Monitoring Plan to ensure continued protection of the marine ecosystem.

The Coast Guard will enforce a safety zone in the Suisun Bay near Concord, California, from December 12 to December 19, 2024, to support explosive handling operations at the Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO). This safety measure is important to protect people, ships, and the marine environment from potential explosions. The safety zone is open for transitory use, but vessel operators wanting to anchor must get permission from the Captain of the Port San Francisco. Notifications about the enforcement will also be provided through Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

The Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, will enforce a safety zone on the Sacramento River near the Tower Bridge during the Sacramento New Year's Eve Fireworks Display on December 31, 2024, from 8:45 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. This safety measure is to protect people and the environment from the risks of fireworks. Unauthorized people and vessels are not allowed in the zone unless they get permission from the Patrol Commander or other law enforcement agencies present. If it’s safe, the Patrol Commander might allow vessels to pass through during this time.