Tallahassee Sun

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Neal Dunn (Florida-02) has expressed his support for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) decision to deny a petition for a mandatory 10-knot speed limit in the Gulf of Mexico. In a statement, Congressman Dunn emphasized the importance of the Gulf of Mexico for Florida's commercial fishermen, tourism industry, and shipping sector.

"A mandatory 10-knot speed limit, as proposed in the petition, would have had severe consequences for the Gulf Coast's economy," said Congressman Dunn. "It would have slowed shipping lines, devastated the seafood industry, and impacted hundreds of jobs. NOAA made the correct choice for the Gulf Coast's economy."

Congressman Dunn has been actively involved in addressing this issue. In May 2023, he led a letter to NOAA, urging them not to finalize the proposed rule. In August, he introduced a bill, along with Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03), to prevent NOAA from implementing a vessel slowdown zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf of Mexico plays a significant role in Florida's economy, with 16 seaports supporting cargo and cruise activities. These activities contribute $117.6 billion in economic value and support 900,000 direct and indirect jobs in the state. Additionally, Florida's maritime sector accounts for approximately 13% of the state's GDP and generates $4.2 billion in state and local taxes.

Furthermore, outdoor recreation, with recreational boating and fishing as the primary contributors, is a vital part of the economy. Recent data shows that outdoor recreation generates $862 billion in economic output nationwide, supporting over 4.5 million American jobs and constituting 1.9% of U.S. GDP.

Congressman Dunn's support for NOAA's decision aligns with the need to balance economic growth and environmental conservation in the Gulf of Mexico. By rejecting the mandatory 10-knot speed limit, NOAA has taken into account the concerns of various industries that rely on the Gulf's resources.

As the Gulf Coast continues to thrive economically, this decision by NOAA ensures that businesses can operate efficiently while preserving the region's natural resources. Congressman Dunn's efforts to advocate for the Gulf's economic well-being and the livelihoods of those who depend on it have been recognized and applauded.

The denial of the petition for a 10-knot speed limit in the Gulf of Mexico is a testament to NOAA's commitment to making informed decisions that consider the diverse needs and priorities of the communities it serves.

To learn more, click on this link: https://dunn.house.gov/press-releases?ID=92DEF077-F68B-4DB4-998F-17533E45E89F