Washington, D.C. – Congressman Harris, M.D. released the following statement after NOAA Fisheries formally withdrew the proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule which would have had significant economic consequences for Maryland’s First Congressional District. The North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, originally published in the Federal Register in 2022, would have limited vessels larger than 35 feet from traveling faster than 10 knots (11.5 mph).
Statement From Congressman Harris:
“The withdrawal of the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule is welcome news. After this rule was proposed, I listened to concerned watermen, recreational and commercial fishermen, charter boat captains, representatives from the fishing tournaments in Ocean City, as well as local elected officials who expressed that while preserving the North Atlantic Right Whales are an important environmental concern, the consequences of the proposed 10 knot speed reduction on the local boating industry would be severe. Boating is a recreational and commercial way of life for thousands of my constituents and I will always question the economic consequences of more government regulation — especially if it harms our First District economy.”