🐋Proposed Regulations on Marine Mammals Impacting Hilcorp Alaska Activities
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Hilcorp Alaska, LLC Oil and Gas Activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska
Summary
NMFS has received a request from Hilcorp Alaska, LLC (Hilcorp) for regulations allowing for the take of marine mammals incidental to activities conducted in support of oil and gas exploration, development, production, and decommissioning in Cook Inlet, Alaska, over the course of 5 years (2025-2030). As required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is proposing regulations to govern the requested take, and requests comments on the proposed regulations. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the requested MMPA regulations. Agency responses to received comments will be summarized in the final rule, if issued.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The proposed regulations involve compliance requirements for Hilcorp Alaska's oil and gas activities that may impact marine mammal populations, emphasizing mitigation strategies and monitoring protocols that businesses must adhere to. This signifies potential regulatory costs and operational constraints that may affect business operations and environmental compliance efforts.