Six major oil and gas industry associations, led by API and including IADC, expressed reservations about the “Interim Framework” released by the White House Ocean Policy Task Force (OPTF) on managing coastal and marine spatial planning (CMSP). Industry warned that the framework may conflict with existing laws and discourage adequate offshore oil and natural gas stakeholder consultation.

The trades emphasized the historical role of the traditional offshore energy industry, coexisting with and in many cases enhancing other uses of oceans. Further, they argued that a comprehensive CMSP should enhance access to offshore areas and promote E&P development of new resources. Above all, CMSP shouldn’t become an exercise in prescriptive mapping or zoning. In particular, they warned against using the “precautionary principle,” which are often not based on sound scientific data. Setting the precautionary principle in regulation would violate Congressional intent.

The industry comment was submitted to the chief of the Council on Environmental Quality, which held national public hearings in 2009 on the way forward for developing a comprehensive offshore management plan