On the last day to submit public comments for the Department of Commerce’s review of 11 National Marine Sanctuaries and Marine National Monuments designations and expansions, League of Conservation Voters Legislative Associate Arian Rubio issued the following statement:

“This review is yet another effort by the Trump administration to sell out our public lands and waters to big polluters and other special interests. As these crucial regions of our oceans and Great Lakes – as well as a rich array of species and their habitats – are already threatened by a changing climate and need stronger protections, the Trump administration looks to give them away as gifts to their friends in industry. Rescinding or shrinking these protected areas threatens vibrant local economies that depend on tourism, recreational fishing, and research from public waters. We strongly oppose any changes to our marine sanctuaries and monuments and stand with the hundreds of thousands of people who have submitted comments opposing this unprecedented and unnecessary review.”