Federal Register #2026-12911

NOAA Extends Suspension of Permit Requirement for Submarine Cables in New Marine Sanctuaries

This notice from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the Department of Commerce, addresses regulatory changes for commercial submarine cables in national marine sanctuaries. - NOAA is extending the temporary suspension of the special use permit (SUP) requirement for commercial submarine cables in sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024 - The suspension will last for an additional two years, until August 16, 2028 - Commercial submarine cables in sanctuaries designated before August 16, 2024, are still subject to SUP requirements - NOAA is evaluating long-term permitting options for submarine cables, including a separate rulemaking process - No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are being requested or procured in this notice - This is a regulatory update, not a procurement opportunity

Description

NOAA is extending the temporary suspension of the special use permit (SUP) category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables on or within national marine sanctuaries. This suspension applies for an additional two-year period until August 16, 2028, and exempts commercial submarine cables in sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024, from the SUP category. NOAA continues to evaluate options for permitting submarine cables in sanctuaries, including through a separate rulemaking action. Commercial submarine cables in sanctuaries designated prior to August 16, 2024, remain subject to SUP requirements.

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