Navy Publishes Record of Decision for Gulf and Atlantic Fleet Sonar Training
On January 30, 2009, the U.S. Navy published its Record of Decision for training with mid- and high-frequency active sonar off the U.S. Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. This RoD is prepared under the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act, and pursuant to Executive Order 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions; and Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations.

The Navy explains in its Federal Register notice that

"Implementation of the preferred alternative could begin immediately. The preferred alternative represents the active sonar training and RDT&E activities necessary for Navy to meet its Title 10 obligation to organize, train, equip and maintain combat- ready naval forces and to successfully fulfill its current and future global mission of winning wars, deterring aggression, and maintaining freedom of the seas."