As it has already done with public lands, the Trump Administration is studying how to roll back environmental protections for the sake of the oil and gas industries. This time, marine sanctuaries are the administration's target.
"The Trump Administration is reviewing whether to shrink national marine sanctuaries and monuments under a recently-released plan that could expand offshore oil and gas drilling," according to an article by KQED.
"In April, President Trump asked U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to evaluate whether 11 national marine sanctuaries and monuments created or expanded since 2007 would be appropriate for opening up to oil and gas exploration," and the "areas that could lose protection span from Central California to the South Pacific to New England, totaling [sic] about 425 million acres."
The article includes an interview between KQED's Broan Watt and Paul Rogers, the managing editor of KQED's science unit and environment writer at the Mercury News, about the impacts of a potential decision to shrink marine sanctuaries would mean, particularly for the state of California.
The Trump Administration's treatment of marine sanctuaries mirrors its treatment of public lands—President Trump dispatched a cabinet member to study the reduction of national monuments, and is pursuing an "energy dominance" agenda that includes an order by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to expedite drilling on public lands.
As noted in the article, "[t]he National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is accepting public comments on the review of all designations and expansions of National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments since April 28, 2007. The comment period ends July 26. Submit a formal comment to the National Register."
FULL STORY: Trump Administration Considers Shrinking Federally Protected Waters
Coastal Climate Resilience to Receive $2.6 Billion Federal Investment
The Biden Administration announced the second massive investment of federal funds for coastal resilience on June 6. The Inflation Reduction Act allocated $3.3 billion to NOAA. In March, the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act added $562 billion.
EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites
The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.
NOAA Great Lakes Lab Loses Key Funding
Cuts at a lab that monitors water quality in the Great Lakes region could harm efforts to prevent dangerous algal blooms.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)