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Outer Continental Shelf Projects Threaten National Security, Civil Aviation, and Maritime Safety

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Green Oceans, along with six Native American tribes and a coalition of 11 other groups, has filed petitions with nine federal agencies to immediately suspend all projects off the Northeast Atlantic coast, including the Revolution Wind and South Fork projects. The petitions cite unprecedented national security risks, violations of federal trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations, and irreparable harm to historic and cultural resources. The groups argue that the government has dismissed threats to national security, civil aviation, and maritime safety, and failed to consult with Tribes on national security issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Outer Continental Shelf projects pose significant national security risks, including interference with the PAVE PAWS Early Warning Radar at Cape Cod Space Force Station.
  • The government's failure to consult with Tribes on national security issues constitutes a breach of the federal trust responsibility and violates applicable statutes and treaties.
  • The projects also threaten civil aviation safety, with potential hazards impacting airports from JFK to Providence.
  • Maritime safety risks are a concern, compromising Coast Guard search and rescue operations.
  • The petitions also highlight undersea surveillance and cybersecurity vulnerabilities threatening cable security and anti-submarine warfare.
  • Grid instability from low-capacity, intermittent energy production is a concern.
  • Multiple Native American tribes have been ignored in the government's decision-making process, including the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head/Aquinnah, Shinnecock Nation, Narragansett Tribe, Unkechaug Nation, and others.
  • The groups are seeking a comprehensive, interagency defense and safety reassessment of the projects, which could lead to the cancellation of the leases.

Statistics:

  • 11 groups have joined Green Oceans in filing the petitions, including ACK4Whales, Responsible Offshore Alliance Development Alliance, and the Energy Council of Rhode Island.
  • 4 Native American tribes are participating in the effort, presenting declarations emphasizing the existential cultural, economic, and security harms caused by the projects.
  • The PAVE PAWS Early Warning Radar at Cape Cod Space Force Station is the only land-based radar protecting the entire East Coast from ballistic missile threats.
  • The projects may compromise the Coast Guard's search and rescue operations, impacting maritime safety.
  • The groups are concerned about the potential grid instability caused by low-capacity, intermittent energy production.

Sources:

  • Gulfoilandgas.com
  • U.S. Departments of the Interior, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs
  • National Parks Service
  • U.S. Army
  • U.S. Air Force

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