‘Within the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) there are many stakeholders who have legitimate interests in the multitude of potential uses of our precious ocean resources. Responsible stewardship of these resources must be the highest priority for state and federal regulators and thus there is an immediate need to establish impartial organizing principles and objective and transparent means for resolving potential conflicts.
We are particularly pleased with the approach taken by Massachusetts to address these issues which, as the first step in the ocean management process, sets aside specific areas where activities cannot take place. These are areas that few would dispute are worth protecting e.g. established shipping lanes, sensitive habitat, archeological assets, etc. However, these designations must be based on sound and verifiable data and should not unfairly exclude competing uses if it is determined that reasonable alternatives to existing uses are available.
In essence, the highest level organizing principle needs to be that no one “owns” the ocean except the People of the United States and, therefore, historical un-documented rights to certain areas are valid only to the extent that they are proven to be in the best interests of the People. For a variety of good reasons, we think the ocean holds great potential to contribute unlimited quantities of clean renewable energy to the United States in full compliance with its environmental regulations and, in doing so, create jobs that revitalize our maritime and manufacturing economies while further reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.’
Learn more about Resolute Marine Energy.