On April 28, 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled “Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy.” This Order states that
“It shall be the policy of the United States to encourage energy exploration and production, including on the Outer Continental Shelf, in order to maintain the Nation’s position as a global energy leader and foster energy security and resilience for the benefit of the American people, while ensuring that any such activity is safe and environmentally responsible.”
The Order requires several federal agency actions to implement this policy. These actions include the Secretary of the Department of Commerce taking “all steps necessary to rescind or revise” NMFS’ new Acoustic Guidance, “if appropriate.”
