Nick Begich: “Overly Precautionary” Marine Mammal Protections Stymie Coastal Development

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At a House Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing before the Congressional recess, Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK) spoke about the need to update the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Transcript

00:00I now recognize Congressman Begich for five minutes.

00:04Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to begin by sincerely thanking the committee staff for their

00:09hard work and collaboration in producing this MMPA discussion draft. This is not a final product,

00:17it is a first step, but it's a strong step, and I appreciate the thoughtful approach the committee

00:22has taken to get us to this point. The Marine Mammal Protection Act has been in place for over

00:2850 years, and during that time, it's served an important role in conserving marine mammals and

00:33protecting our oceans. As the decades have passed, we've also seen how its implementation, particularly

00:39in the use of vague or overly precautionary standards, has led to confusion, delay, and

00:45unintended harm. In Alaska, we see this dynamic more than almost anywhere else. We have more coastline

00:51than the rest of the country combined. Our economy and communities depend on responsible access to

00:57marine and coastal resources. And yet, we've seen essential projects like energy development, port

01:04construction, and even fishery operations held up, not because of clear science, but because of uncertainty

01:10and subjective interpretation. This draft aims to bring clarity, objectivity, and balance back into the

01:18implementation of the MMPA. It focuses on updating key definitions like harassment and negligible impact

01:24so that we're regulating based on real, measurable effects, not hypothetical ones. It puts firm, predictable

01:31timelines on incidental take authorizations so that projects aren't left in bureaucratic limbo.

01:36And it makes sure that decisions are based on the best available science, not assumptions or

01:41exceptionally conservative modeling. Let's be very clear. This is a discussion draft, not a final bill.

01:48I fully expect and welcome further development, further input, and further collaboration. I'm committed to

01:54working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make these reforms common sense and bipartisan.

01:59I believe that's possible because the issues this bill seeks to address aren't partisan, they're practical.

02:05The tension between marine mammal protection and human activity exists in red states and blue states

02:11alike, and our coastal communities deserve solutions that are workable, transparent, and fair. I'm also committed to

02:17engaging directly with stakeholders, tribes, coastal communities, fishing groups, developers, subsistence,

02:25hunters, scientists, and anyone else impacted by how the MMPA is implemented. My goal is simple. I want a bill

02:32that protects marine mammals and also works for the people who live and work alongside them, especially in Alaska.

02:39This is a conversation I've been having for a long time and I'm glad we're finally starting it in this forum.

02:44I hope this subcommittee sees today's hearing as the beginning of a constructive good faith process

02:49to modernize a law that matters deeply to so many of our constituents. So again, thank you to the

02:55committee for advancing this discussion. I look forward to refining the draft in the weeks and months

02:59ahead and I'm grateful for the opportunity to help lead that effort. Thank you and I yield back.

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