Comment period extended for review of national marine sanctuaries and monuments

Citing “public interest and requests for additional time,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it was extending the deadline to Aug. 14. The original deadline was Wednesday.|
GUY KOVNER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

The deadline for public comment on a federal review of expansions to national marine sanctuaries and national monuments has been extended to Aug. 14, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday.

Environmental organizations and public officials from coast to coast had urged people to submit comments by 8:59 p.m. Wednesday, the original deadline.

Citing “public interest and requests for additional time,” NOAA said it was extending the deadline.

President Donald Trump in April ordered a review of the expansions to 11 sanctuaries and monuments, including four that surround the Channel Islands and cover the California coast from San Luis Obispo County to Point Arena in Mendocino County, protecting them from oil drilling.

Trump’s order implemented a national policy to “encourage energy exploration and production” in offshore waters “to maintain the nation’s position as a global energy leader.”

Comments may be submitted online at regulations.gov.

You can reach Staff Writer Guy Kovner at 707-521-5457 or guy.kovner@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @guykovner.

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