Harnessing NEPA to Manage Cumulative Impacts in the Ocean

Human uses of the ocean are critical to coastal communities and the U.S. economy. With these benefits, however, also come costs. Directly and indirectly, human activities can negatively impact ocean and coastal resources, leading to degraded water quality, hypoxia, resource depletion, and more. It is therefore important to actively manage these cumulative ocean impacts. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is the key federal environmental assessment law that requires agencies to consider potential environmental impacts, including cumulative impacts, of a proposed federal action and to evaluate feasible alternatives. As ocean uses grow, the need to understand and mitigate cumulative impacts will be increasingly important for the long-term health and sustainability of ocean resources and the communities and economies that depend on them.

This seminar, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, will bring together experts to discuss methods for improving cumulative environmental impacts analysis and utilizing NEPA to enhance ecosystem-based, adaptive management of human activities in the ocean.

PANELISTS:

• Lois Schiffer, General Counsel, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce
• Dr. Rodney E. Cluck, Acting Chief Environmental Officer, or James F. Bennett, Chief of the Division of Environmental Assessment, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Department of the Interior
• Monica B. Goldberg, National Policy Deputy Director Oceans, Environmental Defense Fund
• Peter J. Schaumberg, Principal, Beveridge & Diamond, PC

The 2011 Ocean Seminar Series is generously supported by the Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation.

To reserve, e-mail mcmurrin@eli.org. There is no charge to attend or to participate by optional teleconference, but you must RSVP. RSVPs should include: name of registrant, email address, and whether they wish to attend in person or participate via teleconference. Please note that in-person attendance is limited. Teleconference information will be emailed one business day prior to the event. Attendees are welcome to bring a brown-bag lunch.