Environmental groups sued the Trump administration, on December 11, over offshore drilling tests, starting a legal fight against a plan that has drawn bipartisan opposition along the Atlantic Coast.
Namely, the lawsuit was filed in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina. According to the lawsuit, the National Marine Fisheries Service violated the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act when it issued five permits for the use of seismic air guns.
The blasts occur in preparation of possible offshore drilling, which will be expanded, according to the administration, from the Atlantic to the Arctic and Pacific oceans. The 5-year-plan would open 90% of the US’s offshore reserves to private development.
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Moreover, survey vessels will to carry observers to listen and watch for marine life and alert operators if any protected species comes within a certain distance. The surveys will be off in the possibility of observing certain sensitive species or groups, and penalties could be imposed for vessels that strike marine animals.
The environmental groups pointed out additionally that the blasts may bother the wildlife. Yet, industry groups say the surveys have been conducted globally for decades, with little adverse impact.
The lawsuit has gained attention along South Carolina’s coast, having support from cities and municipalities expressing their opposition. On the other hand, many are those who still support drilling operations, which some say could mean an economic boost for an area increasingly reliant on tourism.
