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ARTICLE · 04 JULY 2008

Massachusetts Passes Oceans Act

McDermott Will & Emery
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The legislation, the first of its kind in the United States, authorizes the creation of a comprehensive Ocean Management Plan to regulate many uses of Massachusetts coastal waters.

United StatesEnergy and Natural Resources
Elizabeth Akehurst-Moore
Elizabeth Akehurst-Moore
Gregory Lawrence
Gregory Lawrence
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The legislation, the first of its kind in the United States, authorizes the creation of a comprehensive Ocean Management Plan to regulate many uses of Massachusetts coastal waters.

The Oceans Act of 2008, signed into law by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick on May 28, 2008, is the first of its kind in the United States.  The Act authorizes Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian A. Bowles to create a comprehensive Ocean Management Plan by December 31, 2009.  The secretary will be advised by two newly formed groups:  a 17-member Ocean Advisory Commission, made up of political appointees as well as representatives from the fishing and energy industries, and a nine-member Ocean Science Advisory Council made up of scientists from academic institutions and the private sector. 

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