Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2024 to prohibit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from enacting any rule that would modify or replace the current North Atlantic Right Whale vessel strike reduction (VSR) rule until at least 2030. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the proposed modifications to the current vessel speed regulations would jeopardize around 810,000 jobs and $230 billion in economic activity, devastating coastal economics built on recreational boating, fishing trips and ocean hospitality.
In 2022, NOAA introduced a new proposed VSR (Proposed Rule) that would broaden the current boundaries and timing of seasonal speed restrictions while simultaneously expanding who must abide by them, despite no scientific evidence that the Proposed Rule would further protect North Atlantic Right Whales. This legislation would prohibit the Proposed Rule, or any rule that would modify or replace the existing VSR, from taking effect, as well as establish a research grant program dedicated to identifying and testing solutions to reduce harmful interactions between ocean users and North Atlantic Right Whales.
“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and as an avid sportsman myself, I know firsthand how important our fishing culture is to who we are as West Virginians and as Americans,” said Senator Manchin. “I’m proud to introduce the Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2024 to prevent unnecessary federal rules from placing extreme burdens on our seasonal fishermen, boat manufacturers and coastal economies. We can and should find reasonable solutions to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale population without regulating critical industries out of business, and I stand ready to work with my bipartisan colleagues to find that balance.”
“The proposed rule will dramatically affect the safety of harbor pilots operating in Charleston and is a death blow to sport fishing, boat manufacturing, and tourism across South Carolina,” said Senator Graham. “The best thing we can do to protect right whales is to support the deployment of technology. There is advanced marine technology available that can monitor whales without putting harbor pilots’ lives at risk and destroying industries important to our state’s economy.”
“With this bipartisan legislation, Senators Manchin and Graham are leading the way to protect marine life, boater safety, the livelihoods of thousands of Americans, and the economic prosperity of our coastal economies,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “We know that advanced marine technology, not NOAA’s ill-conceived and dangerous vessel speed rule, is the most effective way to protect endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale. We thank Senators Manchin and Graham for introducing legislation that will provide critical investments toward these marine technologies and for championing a thoughtful, bipartisan approach to addressing this conservation challenge.”
This legislation builds upon what Senators Manchin and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced in June, 2023. Senator Manchin also spoke during the Senate Appropriations Committee markup hearing last month to oppose the Proposed Rule. Representatives Mary Peltola (D-AK) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) introduced companion legislation in the House.
The full text of the legislation is available here.
