First Name | Michael |
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Last Name | Smith |
Email Address | michael@graywhalescount.org |
Affiliation | Gray Whales Count |
Subject | Support for Vessel Speed Reduction Initiative |
Comment | I am a member of the Conservation Working Group of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and I am Project Coordinator of Gray Whales Count, a 501(c)(3) corporation for research and education. We care about our environment and our ocean. The Santa Barbara Channel area is special. Large cargo ships traveling off our coast, through the Santa Barbara Channel and the National Marine Sanctuary impact our environment, our ocean, our lives. They produce significant GHG and toxic air emissions that impact. our coastal communities. Ship strikes also pose a threat to endangered Blue whales, Humpback whales, and Fin whales, as well as Gray whales, sometimes called California Gray whales, who participate in one of the longest migrations of any mammal. Ships cross their route at least twice, entering and exiting the Channel. Slowing down cargo ships meets multiple objectives in your Draft Cap-and-Trade Investment Plan including: reducing GHG emissions and other air pollutants, improving public health, and better protecting whales. I support including vessel speed reduction in your Final Plan as a priority for funding and request Cap-and-Trade money be directed to the Vessel Speed Reduction Initiative. It is a lot of win-win-win. |
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Date and Time Comment Was Submitted | 2013-04-23 19:41:41 |
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