GLIN==> Ocean Policy Task Force Releases Interim Framework for Effective Draft Marine and Coastal Spatial Planning

The Ocean Policy Task Force released its Interim Framework for Effective
Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning today for 60-day public review and
comment.   

Interim Framework: 

 
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/091209-Interim-CMS
P-Framework-Task-Force.pdf>
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/091209-Interim-CMSP
-Framework-Task-Force.pdf 



EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503


  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:                      Christine Glunz 
December 14, 2009
(202) 456-3469               
            


Ocean Policy Task Force Releases Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and
Marine Spatial Planning 
  
Comprehensive, Integrated Approach Helps to Determine how the Ocean, Coasts
and Great Lakes are Used and Protected Now and in the Future 
 


WASHINGTON - President Obama's Ocean Policy Task Force released its Interim
Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (Interim
Framework) today for a 60-day public review and comment period.  With
competing interests in the ocean, our coasts and the Great Lakes, the
Interim Framework offers a comprehensive, integrated approach to planning
and managing uses and activities.  Under the Framework, coastal and marine
spatial planning would be regional in scope, developed cooperatively among
Federal, State, tribal, local authorities, and regional governance
structures, with substantial stakeholder and public input.   
  
The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, which was established by President
Obama on June 12, 2009, is led by White House Council on Environmental
Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of 24 senior-level officials from
Administration agencies, departments, and offices.   
  
"The uses of our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes have expanded exponentially
over time.  These waters provide the United States with many commercial,
recreational, cultural, energy, scientific, economic, conservation and
national security benefits and they sustain diverse habitats and species.
At the same time they are facing environmental challenges including
pollution and habitat destruction that make them increasingly vulnerable,"
said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental
Quality.  "Without an improved, more thoughtful approach, we risk an
increase in user conflicts and the potential loss of critical economic,
ecosystem, social, and cultural benefits for present and future
generations."   
  
"Coastal and marine spatial planning may sound like the stuff of policy
wonks, but it is actually vital to anyone who works or plays on the oceans,"
said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "In fact, coastal and marine spatial
planning is an essential tool for anyone who depends on the oceans for
sustainable jobs, healthy seafood, clean energy, recreation, or vibrant
coastal communities." 
  
"America is a maritime nation so we must consider how we can protect the
environment, facilitate maritime commerce, and responsibly harness oceanic
resources.  By pursuing a "whole of government" approach, we can meet our
broad goals while protecting our way of life," said Coast Guard Commandant,
Admiral Thad Allen. 
  
"Marine Spatial Planning is an important tool that will inform the decisions
that the Department of the Interior makes under its many existing coastal
and ocean authorities," said Associate Deputy Secretary Laura Davis.  "It is
important that we make every effort to improve communication and
coordination on these issues among the federal government, states and
stakeholders." 
  
"The interim framework strengthens the work we do with states, tribes,
partners and other stakeholders to protect vital resources in our oceans,
coasts, and the Great Lakes," said Peter Silva, EPA's Assistant
Administrator for the Office of Water.  "By opening up the flow of
information and promoting transparent, sound science, we will be better
equipped to deliver the environmental, economic, and health benefits the
public rightly expects." 
  
In developing the Interim Report and Interim Framework, the Task Force
undertook a robust public engagement process.  The Task Force heard from and
involved stakeholders and interested parties, including holding six regional
public meetings, convening 38 expert briefings, and receiving almost four
thousand individual comments via the web.   
The Interim Framework includes a number of important provisions that would
significantly overhaul the Federal government's approach to coastal and
marine planning, including:   
  
.         A New Approach to How We Use and Protect the Ocean, Coast, and
Great Lakes. The Interim Framework is designed to: decrease user conflicts;
improve planning and regulatory efficiencies and decrease their associated
costs and delays; and preserve critical ecosystem function and services.
The Interim Framework describes how such plans would be developed and
implemented, and provides timeframes and steps for phased implementation of
the framework. 
  
.         Moves us Away From Sector-by-Sector and Statute-by-Statute
Decision-Making. While many existing permitting processes include aspects of
coordinated planning, most focus solely on a limited range of management
tools and outcomes (e.g., oil and gas leases, fishery management plans, and
marine protected areas).  Comprehensive marine spatial spatial planning
presents a more integrated, comprehensive, ecosystem-based, flexible, and
proactive approach to planning and managing uses and activities.   
  
.         Brings Federal, State, and Tribal Partners Together in an
Unprecedented Manner to Jointly Plan for the Future.  The Interim Framework
is not a top-down planning effort. Rather, it describes a new approach to
Federal resource planning that is regionally based and developed
cooperatively among Federal, State, tribal, and local authorities, and
regional governance structures, through the establishment of nine regional
planning bodies. 
  
.         Places Science-Based Information at the Heart of Decision-Making:
Scientific data, information and knowledge, as well as relevant traditional
knowledge, will be the underpinning of the regionally developed plans. 
  
.         Emphasizes Stakeholder and Public Participation:  The planning
process would be fully transparent and participatory - requiring frequent
and robust stakeholder engagement throughout all steps of the process (i.e.,
development, adoption, implementation, adaptation and evaluation). 
  
The Task Force's Interim Framework is now available for a 60-day public
review and comment period.  After the close of the comment period on the
Interim Framework, the Task Force will finalize its recommendations in both
this report and the September 10, 2009 Interim Report, and provide a final
report to the President in early 2010. 
  
For more details on the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, including the
Interim Framework, and to submit your comments, please go to
www.whitehouse.gov/oceans. 
  


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