A House proposal that would overhaul the Marine Mammal Protection Act met a buzz saw of Democratic opposition Tuesday, prompting its Republican sponsor to note that the bill, a discussion draft, is “a first step” toward removing regulatory burdens on coastal economies.
“This is not a final product. It is a first step, but it’s a strong step,” Alaska Rep. Nick Begich told a hearing of a House Natural Resources subcommittee.
Despite that hedging, Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman of Wyoming insisted that MMPA overhaul was “crucial” to advancing the Trump administration’s policies, including its goal “to unleash America’s energy resources.”
Most panel Democrats characterized the Begich discussion draft as an effort to gut the 1972 law on behalf of special interests.
