SE North Carolina News

Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina has issued a statement following the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) decision to withdraw its proposal concerning the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. The proposed rule aimed to expand speed restrictions and broaden boundaries along the Atlantic coast, which Senator Budd argued lacked scientific backing and would negatively impact North Carolina's coastal economy.

On May 22, 2024, Senator Budd spearheaded an initiative with other members of the North Carolina delegation by sending a letter to NOAA and the Office of Management and Budget. The letter urged these bodies to "withdraw this flawed rule" and encouraged NOAA to "further engage with stakeholders and explore alternatives that protect whales and coastal access."

In his statement, Senator Budd emphasized the importance of North Carolina’s coastline: “North Carolina’s coastline is a treasured part of our state and critical to our region. NOAA’s Right Whale Strike Reduction rule would have been extremely harmful to coastal economies in North Carolina. Its withdrawal is a victory for the Carolina coast and common sense.”